Regarding your friend: You have a specific and recurring problem with this friend. It might be a good idea to make your friend aware of your feelings at a later neutral time ("Hey, there's something I'd like to talk about, can we get together?") using a clear assertive message that will show an openness to discuss the problem, take responsibility for your part in the problem, explain the consequences, and search for solutions. (pm me if you want the formula laid out). There are other choices as others have suggested in this thread. What is so frustrating for you is being trapped in the car on the receiving end of this. What you want to do is take charge of your environment. You could stop the car and get out.How can you believe that the government is both worth supporting ideologically AND a bloated, mismanaged exploitable piece of garbage?
mk's response is excellent. There are other answers to the question, none of which were available to your mom at the moment.
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A lot of life involves holding two opposite thoughts in our minds simultaneously. People who can't do that go crazy. For example, often the things we love most about someone are also the things we hate most about someone, yet in a different circumstance. (I love his decisiveness and creativity, but I hate when he paints the kitchen pink and purple, suddenly without consulting me.)