The Devastating Change Only 12 Months Has Made in the US
Twelve months back, the landscape was utterly distinct. Prior to the national election, considerate Americans could acknowledge the country's deep flaws – its inequities and disparity – however they continued to see it as the United States. A democratic nation. A land where the rule of law held significance. A country headed by a honorable and ethical public servant, despite his elderly years and growing weakness.
Nowadays, this autumn, many of us scarcely know the country we reside in. People alleged as undocumented migrants are detained and shoved into vans, occasionally refused legal rights. The left side of the presidential residence – is being destroyed to build a lavish dance hall. Donald Trump is targeting his adversaries or perceived antagonists and insisting federal prosecutors transfer an enormous amount of public funds. Armed military personnel are deployed to US urban areas with deceptive justifications. The Pentagon, renamed the Defense Ministry, has effectively liberated itself of routine media oversight as it spends what could amount to close to a trillion USD of taxpayer money. Universities, law firms, media outlets are submitting under the president’s threats, and rich magnates are handled as members of the royal family.
“The US, only a few months ahead of its 250th birthday as the planet's foremost free society, has tipped over the brink into authoritarianism and fascism,” an American historian, commented in August. “Ultimately, more quickly than I believed likely, it occurred here.”
Every morning starts to new horrors. And it's difficult to grasp – and painful to realize – just how far gone we have become, and how quickly it unfolded.
Nevertheless, we understand that the president was legitimately chosen. Following his highly troubling initial presidency and despite the cautions that came with the knowledge of the conservative plan – even after the president personally declared plainly he planned to act as an autocrat just on day one – a majority of citizens chose him rather than the other candidate.
As terrifying as the present situation is, it’s even scarier to understand that we’re only several months under this leadership. Where will three more years of this deterioration position us? And if that period becomes something even longer, as there is no one to restrain this president from deciding that a third term is necessary, perhaps for defense purposes?
Admittedly, not everything is hopeless. We will have legislative votes in 2026 that could create a new balance of power, in case Democrats regain either chamber of the legislature. We have elected officials who are trying to apply some accountability, such as lawmakers currently initiating an inquiry into the attempted cash appropriation by federal prosecutors.
And a national vote in the next cycle could begin us down the road toward restoration precisely as the previous vote placed us on this disappointing trajectory.
There are millions of Americans marching in urban areas of their cities, like they performed last weekend at democracy demonstrations.
Robert Reich, commented this week that “the slumbering force of the US is awakening”, similar to past following the Red Scare during the fifties or throughout the Vietnam war protests or in the Nixon controversy.
During those times, the tilting vessel finally returned to balance.
The author states he knows the indicators of that revival and sees it happening now. For proof, he references the recent massive protests, the extensive, multi-faction opposition against a television host's removal and the near-unanimous rejection by reporters to agree to the defense department’s demands they only publish what is sanctioned.
“The sleeping giant perpetually exists dormant till specific greed turns extremely harmful, some action so disrespectful of societal benefit, specific cruelty so noisy, that it is compelled but to awaken.”
It’s an optimistic take, and I respect the author's seasoned opinion. Perhaps he will turn out correct.
At the same time, the big questions remain: is the US able to regain its footing? Is it possible to restore its standing in the world and its commitment to the rule of law?
Or do we need to admit that the national endeavor functioned for a period, and then – swiftly, totally – ended?
My negative thoughts indicates that the final scenario is accurate; that everything might be lost. My positive feelings, nevertheless, advises me that we need to strive, in whatever ways possible.
In my case, as a media critic, that involves encouraging reporters to live up, more fully, to their purpose of scrutinizing authority. For some people, it could mean working on congressional campaigns, or organizing rallies, or developing approaches to protect electoral access.
Under twelve months back, we existed in an alternate reality. Twelve months later? Or after another term? The truth is, we cannot predict. The only option is try to not give up.
What Offers Me Hope Now
The contact I experience during teaching with young journalists, who are both idealistic and practical, {always
