[jdale27]

Sure. But while most of us are happy to work our asses off to improve our own status and our family's status, how many of us really put a significant amount of effort (time or money) into improving things for people who are worse off than we are? Especially when many of the people who need help seem to hold opinions that we find repugnant -- racism, sexism, LGBTQ hate, etc.

One thing this election has made clear to me is that we can't rely on the government to safeguard our society. The Republicans, of course, want to actively dismantle the government, while the Democrats (at least as represented by Clinton) will put in the minimum effort required to give the appearance of adequate progress to their base, while still effectively pursuing the same primary goal as the Republicans: further enrichment of the 1%. In other words, I don't see another New Deal or even a Great Society happening any time soon, unless there is a huge swing of the pendulum back in the other direction in 2018 and 2020.

I've been trying carefully not to turn this into a partisan rant. What I've really been wondering to myself the last few days is whether and how it's possible to effect positive change in society in a way that is scalable and routes around the brokenness of politics. (And preferably doesn't require me to quit my job and work for some broke-ass non-profit...)

[xupybd]

Racism, sexism and homophobia are not issues the government need have a monopoly on. More good is done when attitudes are changed and hearts are won. I'm not sure the current approach of vilifying opponents will work. But most people have more compassion than they're given credit for. Engaging with people challenging false ideas and encouraging good ones can improve things. But in order for that to happen people from the differing views need to have contact and meaningful dialogue. I fear society is stratifying. Telling people they need to love people of other races, genders, sexual orientation and faiths while calling them nasty bigots sends mixed messages.