Letters from an American September 15, 2025
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Sep 16, 2025 Reflect on the shifting political landscape from 2019 to 2025 and how authoritarianism challenged democracy during Trump's presidency. Community activism emerges as a beacon of hope, showcasing the diverse demographics committed to the struggle for equity. The importance of civic engagement in safeguarding democratic values is emphasized, revealing that each voice contributes to a collective movement for change.
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Origin Story Of The Letters
- Heather Cox Richardson recounts the Facebook post that launched her letters six years earlier.
- She described returning to writing amid what she called a "dumpster fire" in national politics.
Authoritarian Patterns Identified Early
- Richardson connects Trump's behavior to authoritarian consolidation across branches of government.
- She framed those moves as taking control of independent institutions to amass power.
The Withheld Whistleblower Complaint
- Richardson describes Adam Schiff's letter about a withheld whistleblower complaint in 2019.
- She recounts that the acting DNI Joseph McGuire had withheld a complaint deemed credible and urgent.