So, what do you call this thing that is now America?
Gangs of uniformed thugs with hidden faces roam city streets picking on random minorities and disappearing them in violation of long-established law and their civil rights.
Colleges pressured to indoctrinate students in only right-wing thought.
Cuts to anything that might even resemble reason or science.
Shutting down free speech wherever it might still remain—if it’s critical of the current administration or its goals.
Removing references to minorities wherever possible.
Killing funding for anything that might benefit the most deserving and the least able to object.
Insulting all those who reference anything that suggests that the privileged may have ever been in error.
Frustrating two-party rule.
Intimidating opposition.
Intimidating the fourth estate to further undermine and destroy all possible opposition and ending its watchdog role, with the obvious goal of keeping Americans ignorant of the methods and injustices committed by those in power.
Willfully ignoring the spirit of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and insinuating that these foundational documents are wrong and require revision—if necessary, without the consent of the people.
Accusing the innocent of the self-same crimes committed by the powerful bullies now in charge.
So, what do you call it?
Art Goldman
San Luis Obispo
This article appears in Sep 25 – Oct 2, 2025.