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One year ago, the environment was completely distinct. Before the American presidential vote, considerate citizens could recognize America's deep flaws – its injustices and imbalance – however they still could perceive it as the US. A democratic nation. A land where constitutional order carried weight. A state guided by a honorable and upright leader, even with his elderly years and declining health.

These days, in late October 2025, numerous citizens hardly identify the country we live in. Individuals believed to be illegal immigrants are rounded up and forced into vehicles, at times blocked from fair treatment. The left side of the “people’s house” – is being torn down to build a lavish event space. Donald Trump is targeting his political rivals or alleged foes and requesting legal authorities hand over a massive sum of taxpayer money. Soldiers with weapons are dispatched across metropolitan centers under fabricated reasons. The Pentagon, rebranded the Department of War, has practically freed itself of routine media oversight during its expenditure of potentially totaling almost one trillion dollars of taxpayer money. Colleges, law firms, news companies are buckling due to presidential intimidation, and rich magnates are regarded as aristocracy.

“The US, shortly prior to its 250-year mark as the planet's foremost free society, has crossed the limit into autocracy and totalitarianism,” a noted author, wrote in August. “Finally, faster than I believed likely, it transpired here.”

Each day begins amid recent atrocities. It is difficult to grasp – and painful to realize – how deeply lost our nation is, and how quickly it unfolded.

However, we understand that the president was duly elected. Even after his highly troubling initial presidency and following the alerts that came with the knowledge of the rightwing blueprint – following Trump himself stated openly he intended to act as an autocrat only on the first day – enough Americans chose him rather than his Democratic opponent.

As terrifying as the present situation are, it’s even scarier to understand that we’re only nine months into this presidential term. What will three more years of this downfall leave us? And if that timeframe transforms into a more extended duration, as there is not anyone to limit this president from deciding that a third term is essential, possibly for security concerns?

Certainly, there is still hope. There are legislative votes next year which might bring a different political equilibrium, should Democrats recapture the Senate or House of Congress. We have government representatives who are trying to exert certain responsibility, for example representatives that are initiating an inquiry into the attempted fund seizure by federal prosecutors.

And a national vote in the next cycle could start our journey to recovery precisely as the previous vote set us on this disappointing trajectory.

We see millions of Americans marching in urban areas of their cities, similar to recent last weekend at democracy demonstrations.

Robert Reich, commented this week that “the dormant powerhouse of the US is rising”, similar to past post-McCarthyism in the 1950s or throughout the sixties activism or during the Nixon controversy.

On those occasions, the listing ship eventually was righted.

He claims he knows the signs of that awakening and sees it happening now. As support, he references the widespread marches, the widespread, bipartisan pushback against a broadcaster's firing and the largely united defiance by media to accept the defense department’s demands they only publish authorized information.

“The slumbering entity perpetually exists asleep until certain corruption grows too toxic, a particular deed so disrespectful of the common good, specific cruelty so disruptive, that the giant has no choice but to awaken.”

It's a hopeful perspective, and I value Reich’s experienced view. Possibly he may prove to be right.

At the same time, the major inquiries persist: will the nation return to normalcy? Is it possible to restore its position globally and its adherence to constitutional order?

Or should we recognize that the historical project succeeded temporarily, and then – abruptly, completely – collapsed?

My pessimistic brain suggests that the second option is correct; that all may indeed be gone. My optimistic spirit, however, convinces me that we have to attempt, in whatever ways available.

Personally, as an observer of the press, that involves encouraging reporters to commit, more completely, to their purpose of overseeing leadership. For others, it may be working on election efforts, or coordinating protests, or developing approaches to protect electoral access.

Less than a year ago, we were in a very different place. In the future? Or in several years? The reality is, we don’t know. All we can do is to attempt to continue fighting.

What Offers Me Hope Now

The interaction I experience with students with new media professionals, who are both idealistic and realistic, {always