This piece is from my blog, "Conversations with AI" (https://smartypantsgemini.blogspot.com/) which explores current AI's ability to "think" like a human. I repost it here because of its many faceted relevance. D.L.
In recent weeks Google's AI, Gemini, has given me critical assistance in repairing my dishwasher, the charge control on my EV, and treatment of an inguinal rash, so it occurred to me that a machine this knowledgeable could possibly give me historical perspectives on the possibility of halting or slowing down President Trump's march towards dictatorship, a subject that concerns me more and more each day. After overcoming my shame at asking an AI to confirm or deny my pre-existing views on a subject, I submitted this question to Gemini:
"Based on historical perspective, has President Trump's developing dictatorship reached the point where it is too late to organize effective resistance?"
To my horror, Gemini confirmed my worst fears, garnished with a highly speculative optimism. Read it and maybe weep.
Gemini's response:
"In political science, the 'point of no return' for a democracy is usually defined as the moment when a regime can successfully ignore the law, the courts, and the public without consequence.
As of early 2026, the United States is in a period of significant democratic backsliding, with international observers like Human Rights Watch and academic experts from Harvard noting a rapid move toward 'competitive authoritarianism.' However, historical and current data suggest that it is not too late for non-government organization—though the window of opportunity has narrowed and the risks have increased.
The Current State of Resistance (2025–2026): The U.S. is seeing a shift from traditional politics (lobbying and voting) to a more confrontational model of civic resistance."
Non-Government Mobilization: Groups like Indivisible (which focusses on local government) and various labor unions are coordinating efforts to "delay, distract, and limit" federal actions. In January 2026, widespread protests erupted across major cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles following fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents.
