An October protest in Memphis, led by Tikiela Rucker, over the presence of the Tennessee National Guard reflects disillusionment with notions of public safety and fractured democratic values. (Photo: Karen Pulfer Focht for the Tennessee Lookout)
As we enter 2026, the United States is not simply polarized. We are disoriented.
There is a widening crisis of faith in democracy, governance, the economy and religion…