Donald Trump and the Events of January 6: A Historical Reflection
What do some citizens want to forget? They want to forget what happened on January 6, 2021....
Read Moreby Jack Hassard | Jan 6, 2026 | Insurrection
What do some citizens want to forget? They want to forget what happened on January 6, 2021....
Read Moreby Jack Hassard | Jan 6, 2026 | Progressive World-View
Today, January 6, thousands of American terrorists attacked the United States Capitol. Right-wing hate groups participated in the attack. They incorrectly believed they were being patriotic by attacking the very center of the...
Read Moreby Jack Hassard | Jan 4, 2026 | Autocracy, Democracy
In a reflective letter from the future, Skyler Fusaro discusses the subtle deterioration of democracy, emphasizing how it eroded rather than succumbed to violent upheavals. She appreciates historical writing from the past, noting that while predictions were scarce, documentation of gradual changes was vital. Fusaro examines how the normalization of cruelty, the performance aspect of power, and the manipulation of truth contributed to this decline. Ultimately, she asserts the importance of preserving records and conscience, highlighting that remembrance is essential for a future restoration of democracy.
by Jack Hassard | Jan 3, 2026 | War and Peace
This morning, Donald J. Trump claimed that the United States carried out a large-scale strike...
Read Moreby Jack Hassard | Dec 30, 2025 | Progressive World-View
This is a review of what I wrote on my blog and Substack In 2025. I transitioned from documenting politics to observing the erosion of democratic principles amidst Trump’s second term. Through over 300 pages of essays, my posts highlighted the gradual decay of truth, the rise of authoritarianism, and the weaponization of neutrality. The fictional correspondent, Skyler Fusaro, served as a reminder of memory’s importance and civic resistance. The year illustrated a struggle against forgetting, emphasizing that preservation of history and truth is crucial for democracy’s survival.
by Jack Hassard | Dec 19, 2025 | DEI
In a reflection on the concept of “neutrality” during the Trump administration, Jack HassardSkyler Fusaro, writing in 2060, critiques efforts to sanitize American history by removing “divisive” narratives, particularly concerning Indigenous peoples and slavery. National parks were instructed to promote “neutral” stories, which favored white perspectives. This led to a generation growing up unaware of inequality. The restoration of Ocmulgee National Park in Georgia is highlighted as a reclaiming of truth. The underlying tension remains between remembrance and the urge to rewrite the past.
by Jack Hassard | Dec 17, 2025 | The Trump Files
The speech reflected a troubling pattern of exaggeration and denial from leadership, leading to a disconnect with public concern. Polls indicate growing economic worries and declining confidence in the president. Truth is essential for democracy, as distorted narratives weaken trust and accountability. Citizens must persistently uphold evidence and engage in informed discussions to resist dishonesty, drawing lessons from history where democracies failed. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of truth for a functioning democracy.
by Jack Hassard | Dec 15, 2025 | Civic Education
This weekend we were shocked by several murders that took place at Bondi Beach, Australia, Brown...
Read Moreby Jack Hassard | Dec 14, 2025 | Autocracy, The Trump Files
The Trump Files’ First Edition highlights Donald J. Trump’s authoritarian tendencies and proclivity for deception during his presidency. In his second term, unlike his first, Trump lacks any cabinet members who challenge his narrative, leading to a rise in sycophancy. Dr. Timothy Snyder’s book, On Tyranny, promotes critical lessons to counter authoritarianism, such as the importance of truth. Trump’s numerous false claims, particularly regarding the 2020 election being “rigged,” exemplify his alarming disconnect from reality, which is increasingly echoed by his administration.
by Jack Hassard | Dec 8, 2025 | Politics
The content discusses the impact of Trump’s reality television background on his political career. McLuhan’s quote highlights how tools shape society, paralleling how Trump’s “Apprentice” era influenced his presidential image. The show taught viewers to engage with drama and conflict, creating a template for Trump’s campaign and presidency. Media dynamics shifted as spectacle overshadowed truth, with outlets prioritizing ratings over accountability. Ultimately, Trump transformed politics into entertainment, fostering a culture of outrage and spectacle that continues to dominate.
