The Ark Is Leaking
To accompany a post addressing U.S. immigration, democracy decline, or global perceptions of America
A New York Times Photograph Jan 6, 2021
People still come here. They always will—seeking safety, opportunity, and dignity. But let’s be honest: the United States they imagine isn’t the one we’re living in today.
In Collapse_Algorithm, I argue that the United States is not just faltering—it’s systemically degrading. From judicial permissiveness to digitally engineered disinformation, we are watching democracy erode in real time. The myth of moral leadership no longer aligns with our policies or politics.
I don’t blame anyone for wanting to come. But we have a duty—to them and to ourselves—to build a nation that deserves to be called a beacon. Right now, we’re not living up to it. The Ark is listing. The lights are dimming. And most of us are looking away.
— Ronald J. Botelho, MS
Excerpted from Collapse_Algorithm: Systems Failure in a Post-Truth Age
Disclaimer
The views expressed here are solely those of the author, Ronald J. Botelho, in his capacity. They do not represent the views of Binghamton University or any affiliated institutions. This work is part of an ongoing academic and systems science research effort and is not intended to serve as legal or policy advice.
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MIT License
Copyright © 2025 Ronald J. Botelho
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That was an awful day for America 🇺🇸, Capitol Police. Who did there very best to defend the Capitol in every way. Police lost their lives and democracy itself was undermined. Those Capitol Police officers will always be heroes.
Thank you.