You're right, it's more complex than that. I also don't think it makes a difference. I'm not capable of organising a mass protest. Living in a big city, I see lone protesters outside the Capitol all the time. I also see nobody caring. If there were a mass protest in my city, I might go. But even then, those fast food workers didn't succeed. The minimum wage wasn't raised. No laws were passed. Nobody in power cared, and nothing happened. I could. But I wouldn't be. I have written and called congressmen. I got cookie-cutter replies, and nothing changed. They didn't care. Ever signed one of the White House "WeThePeople" petitions? I have. Ever read the Obama Administration's responses when one gets enough signatures? They're all the same. Cookie-cutter "We know it's a problem, and we're going to do everything we can that doesn't involve actually doing anything." I'm tired of participating in the illusion of democracy.You really couldn't make time for a couple of hours of making yourself heard
For so many reasons, I wouldn't be surprised if a good bit of content on this thread resonates with a number of us. Though, when it comes to this: Yet, the disillusionment in government yields to this: I think the appropriate question from here is: Then what's the next course of action? - To stay would be to accept and grind through discomfort. To stay and attempt to make a difference from the inside? Well, we've seen enough of that, I think. To leave would be trading levels of security, rights, 'liberties', for others of different shapes and sizes; which, more than likely, down the line will surface its own institutional problems. - What are the [feasible] options left, if not, unthought of?I'm tired of participating in the illusion of democracy.
Are you willing to protest in the street?
Willing? Yes. Able? No. I have a day job.
It's been argued civilisations require a frontier to be healthy. Frontiers have a lot of advantages for the stability of the old country. It gives the restless and adventurous a place to go. It gives people dissatisfied with the government or the society a place to go. It gives the government a place to send dissidents and criminals, those unable to integrate with society, allowing them to choose between prison and the frontier. Overall, It makes the old country less dynamic, but more stable. It also gives each individual greater choice in their environment, and presumably greater happiness.