Signs of Hope Emerging Amid America's Dark Chapter

Columnist argues accountability, resistance and renewal are breaking through the darkness

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a column for cleveland.com, writer Leslie Kouba argues that even amid deep political strain and national heartbreak, signs of hope are beginning to emerge as the public holds leaders accountable, voters demand change, and the judiciary stands up to cruelty. Kouba sees cracks in the political establishment and a growing sense that America's global standing is diminishing, creating opportunities for renewal.

Why it matters

Kouba's column taps into the widespread sense of disillusionment and grief many Americans feel about the current state of the country, while offering a glimmer of optimism that the tide may be turning. Her perspective reflects the growing calls for accountability and the desire among many to see America's democratic institutions and global reputation restored.

The details

Kouba cites several examples of hope breaking through, including recent state election results showing voters want political change, the judiciary standing up to cruel policies, and Republican leaders distancing themselves from the current administration. She argues the pressure on Congress members is revealing their true colors, with some proving to be "cowards at their core." Kouba also notes that the U.S. is no longer seen as essential on the global stage, with other nations forging ahead without American leadership.

  • Kouba's column was published on February 15, 2026.

The players

Leslie Kouba

A freelance writer residing on Cleveland's West Side who writes regularly for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com.

Judge Ana Reyes

A U.S. District Court judge who issued a clear condemnation of the cruelty of former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and former Trump advisor Steven Miller, protecting up to half a million Haitian refugees.

Taylor Rehmet

A Democrat elected to represent the Fort Worth, Texas area, in a state that is traditionally Republican.

Kristi Noem

The former Republican governor of South Dakota.

Steven Miller

A former advisor to President Trump.

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What they’re saying

“Haven't you wondered how much longer things can continue as they are now? Well, it feels like the crumbling has begun. For far too long, doom has felt like the only possible outcome, but now there is a whisper of hope.”

— Leslie Kouba, Columnist (cleveland.com)

“When the voters in a state as red as Texas elect Taylor Rehmet, a Democrat, to represent the Fort Worth area, you must feel hope. When Republican senators, representatives and governors walk away from the path laid out by the current Oval Office occupant and his cabinet, you gotta have hope.”

— Leslie Kouba, Columnist (cleveland.com)

The takeaway

Kouba's column suggests that even in the midst of deep political and social turmoil, there are signs that the tide may be turning, with accountability, resistance and renewal beginning to emerge. Her perspective offers a sense of cautious optimism that America's democratic institutions and global standing can be restored, if citizens continue to demand change from their leaders.