As someone who has dual citizenship, watching the unraveling of my country to the south has been incredibly saddening and horrifying.

This regime, which is undeniably fascist, is headed by some of the most overtly sadistic people in its history. One which tells lies so often that it has become its only consistent policy

The United States was founded on Indigenous genocide and 400 years of the enslaved labour of Africans. Black, Brown, Asian, Indigenous, immigrant communities, women and queer people have always been the target of the brutality of the state. And the US has always been vicious in its imperialistic wars and covert actions throughout the Global South. But now, as the empire declines, the violence is widening. All of the pretenses and platitudes have been shattered.

In truth, this happened long before Trump. If a government can support, fund and defend a genocide, the very worst crime against humanity, it can justify anything. Gaza was screaming out to us, and so many Americans turned their heads.

But I cannot view this only from the lens of analysis. This was my country. One I had always criticized. One that I opposed for its wars and violence abroad. One whose social hatreds, racism and obsession with money I have always been appalled by.

It is also the cradle of most of my childhood memories. Where I first felt a sense of awe as a little boy when looking out at the Statue of Liberty or over the Grand Canyon. Where I marched with friends and comrades with the hope of change. Where I worked with dying and grieving people for over 20 years. Where my Canadian mother came to when she was just 18 years old. Where my Greek immigrant grandparents are buried. Where my father is buried. Where I attended elementary and high school and university. Where I first fell in love. Where I was married. Where so many family and friends still live.

So, to watch what is unfolding dispassionately while living in my other beloved country is an impossibility.

I would be lying if I said I had optimism for the United States right now. I don’t. I have fear. As a sociologist and student of history, particularly fascist movements, I know this is only going to get far worse before there is any light at the end of the tunnel.

But I am also encouraged to see the people of Minneapolis right now. The ones defending and protecting and assisting their neighbours. The ones showing up in the freezing cold to film and oppose the ICE death squads. The ones providing food and shelter and warmth. The ones who risk being murdered by the state for merely being out on their street and who will then be called “domestic terrorists” by a regime whose entire raison d’etre is terror.

What you are up against is no different than every other murderous tyranny in every other place on earth. But your unwavering humanity is what gives me a glimmer of light to focus on in these very dark times.

Kenn Maurice Orfanos, January 2026