Twenty-three years ago, a pivotal moment unfolded in the Metro Diner on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, where I engaged in a conversation with the esteemed book editor Tom Engelhardt about an ambitious project that would set the course for my career. This meeting was the genesis of a transformative journey that would intertwine our professional lives for over two decades. Shortly after, I submitted a draft for an article to Engelhardt’s burgeoning platform, TomDispatch, a venture that evolved from a simple listserv into a significant voice in progressive media. What began as a single article blossomed into a prolific collaboration, with our exchanges often reaching double digits in a single day, revolving around authors, article ideas, and the meticulous art of editing.
Engelhardt’s unique editing style eschewed digital tools like “track changes,” opting instead for the tactile experience of marking up printed drafts. This hands-on approach fostered a deep connection to the written word, allowing us to refine the works of remarkable writers such as Jonathan Schell and Barbara Ehrenreich. Our partnership extended beyond editing; we shared experiences at protest marches and co-founded a book imprint, marking a significant chapter in our careers. Engelhardt once confided that I was the only person he could envision taking over TomDispatch, an offer I initially declined, unable to see myself at the helm of a publication so closely tied to his identity. However, as time passed, I reconsidered and felt honored that the opportunity remained open.
Today, I find myself at a crossroads, publishing Engelhardt’s latest piece under the new iteration of TomDispatch, now affiliated with a different platform. Reflecting on our journey from the corner of Broadway and West 100th Street in 2003, I am struck by the stark contrast between the political landscape of our past and present. If someone had predicted that a reality TV star, who once sought to claim Greenland and engaged in bizarre antics, would ascend to the presidency, I would have dismissed it as madness.
Engelhardt’s recent reflections on America’s semiquincentennial serve as a sobering reminder of the nation’s historical complexities. At its founding, the United States was a slave society, with figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson owning slaves. In this context, one might begrudgingly acknowledge that our current president, Donald J. Trump, does not share that particular legacy. Yet, this is hardly a commendation; rather, it underscores the troubling trajectory of American governance.
The question arises: what would the Founding Fathers think of Trump’s presidency? Would they be appalled by his behavior, characterized by petulance and a penchant for chaos? Engelhardt provocatively imagines them dining with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, perhaps bemused by the spectacle of a mixed martial arts event honoring the president. The notion of a “Trumpocracy” emerges—a governance model that prioritizes the interests of Trump and his allies over democratic principles. This concept resonates deeply in a time when political discourse is increasingly polarized and the integrity of democratic institutions is under threat.
The Founding Fathers might ponder the implications of a leader who incites violence through social media, as Trump did with a disturbing AI-generated video depicting the arrest of former President Barack Obama. Such imagery evokes the nation’s painful history of racial subjugation, a grim reminder of the past that continues to haunt the present. If they could witness the current state of affairs, the founders might question whether the United States could endure another two and a half years under Trump’s leadership, especially given his alarming rhetoric about seeking a fourth term.
As we navigate this tumultuous political landscape, the specter of climate change looms large. Engelhardt’s observations about rising temperatures and environmental degradation resonate with urgency. Trump’s dismissal of climate change as a “con job” exacerbates the crisis, leaving future generations to grapple with the consequences of inaction. The stakes have never been higher, and the need for responsible leadership is paramount.
In conclusion, as I publish Engelhardt’s work in this new chapter of TomDispatch, I am reminded of the profound responsibility we bear as stewards of information and discourse. Our journey, marked by collaboration and shared ideals, serves as a testament to the power of progressive media in challenging the status quo. The narratives we craft today will shape the understanding of tomorrow, and it is imperative that we remain vigilant in our pursuit of truth and justice.
Reviewed by: News Desk
Edited with AI assistance + Human research
