[deepsun]

Yes, and?

Sorry to bring personalities to the conversation, but to better illustrate my point -- are you going to do anything about it? Probably no, and everyone are just like you. So why would they bother if American public is silent on that?

I've lived in authoritarian country before, and know very well that internet comments don't do anything at all, even when 80%+ citizens are against something and actively show it off online.

[throwaway5752]

Considering that you lived in an authoritarian country, what did you find was the most effective way of resisting the worst of it? Was there a free and open democratic process there? Was there a price that the population paid for speaking freely online?

Regardless of what else I do, when I comment, I want people to not feel isolate or only in their views. The administration is working hard to create a climate of fear and intimidation and it is important to resist it in multiple ways.

I agree commenting in isolation is less valuable. Voting, calling representatives, going to town halls, and running for office are all more valuable.

[deepsun]

Well in that country pretty much everything was tried except for civil war, but because a much more powerful neighbor actively supported the autocrat, everyone saw it's futile.

In US case I think the most efficient way would is to start petitions to impeach your representative for their lack of fight. Elected officials are extremely sensitive to not being re-elected.

I think US is still pretty far from the point where the only option is violence. In my previous country that is the only option left unfortunately.

[throwaway5752]

Thank you for the thoughtful reply, and I'm really sorry to hear about your previous country. May we live to see peace in our times.