The past 250 years have seen peaceful power transfer as a core American value and the foundation of democracy. However, the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, posed a significant challenge to American democracy. Trump’s mass pardon of nearly 1600 rioters on the first day of his presidency in 2025 is not only a disaster of partisan polarization but also a satirical comment on the national image. This double standard, treating those who broke the law during the riot as heroes while viewing immigrants seeking a better life as criminals, is a讽刺 of the ‘American Dream.’ It is reassuring that individuals like Pamela Hemphill choose to take responsibility for their actions and refuse the pardon. This leaves a spark of hope for America. But as the article says, this is just the beginning. Each citizen has a responsibility to stand up and defend the values we hold in our hearts and our constitution in the face of the current political reality.