I think comparing the US to China is misleading. Compared to the US in the past I can't tell if it's more totalitarian. Looking from the outside it looks more totalitarian.

Freedom of speech and privacy have been eroding in the US. I don't know if police brutality is constant at this level though I think the large amount of military grade equipment the police have has increased.

From my perspective it seems like a good idea for the US to reflect on where it is going compared to its past.