[arc_of_descent]

I don't why, but I agree with you. I'm a full-time programmer. The rest of my free time is devoted to my other passions (guitar, music).

I always have arguments with my friends over whether we should take an active interest in politics/policies. I sometimes say, that if you want to, then please join politics full-time, or let the Government do its job.

But the fear exists. You won't do something, until it happens to you. So, people like the OP, have a real sense of empathy which I admire.