By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The article argues that the United States is in a moral crisis, exemplified by Trump’s actions and policies during his second term. This administration is eroding democratic institutions, attacking civil rights, and violating international law, leading to a “moral calamity.” The author emphasizes the need for a “great reckoning,” including a moral inventory of Trump’s abuses, to counter this neofascist drift. Democrats and other pro-democracy advocates must reclaim the language of morality, recognizing that defending democracy requires taking moral action to ensure the survival of American democracy. A 21st-century Great Awakening is crucial to reversing the damage caused by the Trump era.
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America Needs a Moral Reckoning in 2026
The year 2026 looms, and with it, a critical juncture for the United States. The question isn’t whether a moral reckoning is needed, but rather, *how* it can be achieved. Decades of historical evidence, a deep-seated nationalism, and the persistent influence of ideologies that seem to divide more than unite, all point to a nation grappling with fundamental questions of identity and purpose. The roots of this crisis run deep, predating even the current political climate, stretching back to unfinished business from Reconstruction and earlier. The very fabric of American society is frayed, and a genuine reckoning is not just desired, but essential.
The core of the problem lies in the erosion of shared values and a shared reality. What constitutes morality, ethics, and truth has become deeply politicized. For some, morality has become a shield; for others, an excuse. Some view it as a performance, a convenient escape. Many are simply inconvenienced by it. This fragmented perspective makes it nearly impossible to agree on even the most basic principles. This isn’t just a political problem; it’s an emotional one. We are a nation carrying deep wounds, burying feelings that manifest in anger and division. The path to healing begins with acknowledging these emotional scars and finding ways to address the underlying trauma that fuels so much of the conflict.
The call for a moral reckoning isn’t a call for simple agreement, however. It’s a call for accountability, for institutions that work, for consequences that matter. It’s about rebuilding a framework where integrity and ethical behavior are expected and rewarded, not merely tolerated or dismissed. Instead of finger-pointing, the focus should shift to fostering positive action, to working actively to reclaim the core values that have always defined America. The notion of a shared identity is something that needs to be revisited. It’s vital to recognize that America is not monolithic.
This is not a task for the faint of heart. The forces of division are strong, and the rhetoric often poisonous. Yet, history has shown us that change is possible. The election of 2026 will serve as a critical moral test. Will the collective will to face the nation’s shortcomings prevail? Or will division and self-interest continue to corrode the foundation of the nation? The stakes are high. If a meaningful reckoning does not occur, the future of America as we know it is uncertain.
The challenges are considerable. The entrenched interests, the ideological divides, and the emotional baggage all stand in the way. However, the path forward starts with a clear-eyed assessment of the situation. Accountability must trump absolution, institutions must be restored to their proper functions, and a shared reality must be re-established. Americans must become civic adults and must take responsibility for the future. The time for moral theater is over. The time for action is now.
It’s crucial to remember that not all of America subscribes to the ideologies of division. A significant portion of the population actively opposes the current trajectory, fighting for a different future. The goal isn’t just to win elections, but to transform the culture itself, to build a society where empathy, compassion, and critical thinking are valued. The election of 2026 is, at its heart, a referendum on our collective morality.
It’s time to realize the depth of the problems. The United States has been the bad guys for a long time. It’s an addiction to our own violence. It’s the preference for business that filters out good people. In this quest for a moral reckoning, it’s not enough to hope for the best. To build the future, one must be the change.