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One year ago, the environment was completely different. Ahead of the American presidential vote, considerate citizens could admit the country's significant faults – its inequities and disparity – yet they could still see it as the US. A free society. A place where legal governance held significance. A nation headed by a honorable and decent public servant, despite his older age and growing weakness.

These days, this autumn, numerous citizens barely recognize the country we inhabit. People suspected of being unauthorized foreigners are rounded up and pushed into vehicles, occasionally blocked from fair treatment. The East Wing of the presidential residence – is undergoing demolition to build a lavish event space. The president is targeting his adversaries or perceived antagonists and insisting federal prosecutors transfer an enormous amount of public funds. Uniformed troops are dispatched to US urban areas under fabricated reasons. The defense headquarters, renamed the Defense Ministry, has practically rid itself of regular press examination while it uses possibly reaching nearly $1tn of taxpayer money. Institutions, law firms, media outlets are buckling under the president’s threats, and wealthy elites are regarded as nobility.

“The US, just months before its 250^th birthday as the planet's foremost free society, has tipped over the limit into autocracy and extremism,” Garrett Graff, commented this past summer. “Finally, swifter than I thought feasible, it did happen in this country.”

One awakes to new horrors. And it's hard to comprehend – and distressing to accept – just how far gone our nation is, and the rapid pace with which it occurred.

Yet, we understand that Trump was properly voted in. Despite his deeply disturbing previous administration and despite the alerts linked to the understanding of the rightwing blueprint – following the leader directly said publicly he intended to be a dictator only on the first day – sufficient voters chose him instead of Kamala Harris.

While alarming as the present situation is, it’s even scarier to realize that we have only been several months under this leadership. Where will an additional three years of this deterioration find us? And suppose that timeframe turns into a more extended duration, since there is not anyone to stop this president from opting that a third term is necessary, possibly for defense purposes?

Admittedly, not everything is hopeless. There will be midterm elections the coming year which might establish an alternate political equilibrium, should Democrats recapture one or both houses of Congress. We have government representatives who are striving to apply a degree of oversight, like Democratic congressmen that are starting a probe regarding the effort to cash appropriation from legal authorities.

And a leadership election in 2028 could initiate our journey toward restoration just as last year’s election placed us on this regrettable path.

There exist millions of Americans demonstrating in the streets throughout communities, as they did recently at democracy demonstrations.

A former official, wrote recently that “the slumbering force of America is rising”, similar to past after the Communist witch-hunt era during the fifties or amid the Vietnam war protests or in the Watergate scandal.

During those times, the listing ship finally returned to balance.

Reich says he recognizes the signals of that revival and observes it occurring currently. For proof, he cites the widespread marches, the broad, multi-faction opposition regarding a broadcaster's firing and the almost universal rejection by reporters to sign the defense department’s demands they solely cover authorized information.

“The dormant force perpetually exists inactive till specific greed grows too toxic, a particular deed so disrespectful toward public welfare, specific cruelty so loud, that he is forced except to rise.”

It's a positive outlook, and I appreciate the author's seasoned opinion. Possibly he may be validated.

Meanwhile, the major inquiries persist: can America regain its footing? Is it possible to restore its status in the world and its devotion to the rule of law?

Or do we need to admit that the historical project worked for a while, and then – swiftly, totally – ended?

My negative thoughts tells me that the latter is correct; that everything could be lost. My optimistic spirit, nevertheless, advises me that we must try, through all methods possible.

For me, as a media critic, that means urging journalists to adhere, more fully, to their purpose of overseeing leadership. For some people, it could mean engaging with political races, or coordinating protests, or finding ways to safeguard electoral access.

Less than a year ago, we were in a very different place. A year from now? Or three years from now? The truth is, we are uncertain. All we can do is to attempt to persevere.

What Offers Me Optimism Currently

The engagement I encounter in the classroom with new media professionals, who are equally hopeful and realistic, {always