This is how it is. The sociological theory called the Third Turn suggests that every 80~100 years society progresses liberally until regressive elements build up and push back. The last one gave us Hitler and most disavow him now. The moral arc of the universe is long but it bends towards justice.
It's just bloody awful for the people having to live through it.
It truly is. But the pragmatic views is that over time progress always wins. Or at least has done so throughout history. But for those of us stuck in the middle of it ... as the curse goes, "May you live in interesting times". The pendulum of politics does not swing back on its own. It is dragged.
These are very interesting times! I am glad I lived to see, and understand, Nelson Mandela released and become president. I expect we must take the bad with the brilliant.