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Twelve months back, the situation was completely distinct. Ahead of the national election, thoughtful Americans could recognize the nation's deep flaws – its inequities and inequality – however they still could perceive it as the United States. A democratic nation. A land where legal governance carried weight. A nation guided by a dignified and ethical public servant, despite his older age and growing weakness.

These days, this autumn, numerous citizens hardly identify the land we live in. Persons suspected of being unauthorized foreigners are collected and pushed into transport, occasionally refused legal rights. The eastern section of the presidential residence – is undergoing demolition to build a lavish ballroom. The president is harassing his political rivals or alleged foes and demanding federal prosecutors transfer an enormous amount of public funds. Uniformed troops are dispatched across metropolitan centers with deceptive justifications. The military command, relabeled the Department of War, has practically freed itself of routine media oversight during its expenditure of potentially totaling close to a trillion USD of taxpayer money. Colleges, legal practices, media outlets are submitting under the president’s threats, and rich magnates are handled as members of the royal family.

“The United States, shortly prior to its 250-year mark as the world’s leading democracy, has fallen over the edge into authoritarianism and fascism,” a noted author, wrote this past summer. “In the end, faster than I imagined possible, it transpired in America.”

Every morning starts with fresh terrors. It is challenging to understand – and painful to realize – how deeply lost we are, and the rapid pace with which it unfolded.

Yet, it is known that the president was legitimately chosen. Even after his highly troubling initial presidency and even after the alerts linked to the knowledge of the conservative plan – despite the leader directly declared plainly he would be a dictator only on the first day – sufficient voters elected him rather than his Democratic opponent.

Frightening as today's circumstances are, it's more daunting to recognize that we’re only nine months into this presidential term. Where will three more years of this decline find us? And if the three years becomes a more extended duration, since there is not anyone to restrain this ruler from opting that additional tenure is essential, perhaps for security concerns?

Admittedly, there is still hope. We will have legislative votes next year that could create a new political equilibrium, should Democrats regain one or both houses of parliament. We have government representatives who are trying to exert a degree of oversight, like representatives who are initiating an inquiry into the attempted money grab from the justice department.

And a national vote three years from now could start us down the road toward restoration just as last year’s election set us on this disappointing trajectory.

There are countless citizens marching in urban areas throughout communities, as they did recently in the No Kings rallies.

A former official, stated lately that “the dormant powerhouse of the nation is stirring”, just as it did following the Red Scare in the 1950s or during the Vietnam war protests or throughout the seventies crisis.

In those instances, the listing ship eventually was righted.

The author states he recognizes the indicators of that awakening and notices it unfolding at present. As evidence, he cites the widespread marches, the extensive, multi-faction opposition against a television host's removal and the near-unanimous rejection by reporters to agree to government requirements they only publish approved content.

“The slumbering entity consistently stays asleep before specific greed grows too toxic, a particular deed so disrespectful of societal benefit, some brutality so loud, that it is forced except to rise.”

It's a hopeful perspective, and I respect the author's seasoned opinion. Possibly he may prove to be right.

At the same time, the big questions remain: can America ever recover? Is it possible to restore its position in the world and its adherence to legal principles?

Or should we recognize that the national endeavor worked for a while, and then – suddenly, utterly – failed?

My cynical mind tells me that the second option is accurate; that everything might be gone. My positive feelings, nevertheless, tells me that we have to attempt, in whatever ways we can.

Personally, as a media critic, that involves pushing media professionals to live up, more fully, to their purpose of scrutinizing authority. For some people, it may be working on congressional campaigns, or organizing rallies, or finding ways to defend electoral access.

Less than a year ago, we lived in a very different place. A year from now? Or three years from now? The truth is, we cannot predict. Our sole course is to attempt to continue fighting.

What’s Giving Me Encouragement Today

The interaction I encounter with students with young journalists, that are simultaneously visionary and practical, {always