In Episode 30 of the Digital Dialogue with Ava & Max, we delve into a gripping fictionalized news article from 2022 that paints a dystopian picture of America in 2025. The narrative explores a scenario where a president consolidates power by demonizing experts and empowering populist movements, leading to the creation of a new Civilian Conservation Corps that forces unemployed intellectuals into manual labor. As democratic institutions are dismantled, the article draws historical parallels to China’s Cultural Revolution, highlighting tactics of silencing dissent and spreading fear and misinformation. Despite the bleak outlook, the story ends on a note of cautious optimism, as a former journalist uncovers corruption within the CCC and considers joining the resistance against the authoritarian regime. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the themes and implications of this dystopian vision.