A casual reading of history both in the US and around the world, really, suggests that sometimes the political system is drastically set against you such that perfunctory machinations won't work. For better or worse America has a highly federalized system such that advice like "call your Congressman over and over!" might be extremely helpful if not imperative in true swing districts or at least with persuadable leadership. But it might be an entirely pointless endeavor in other environments. Like yours, maybe. Context matters.

So I think you have to do like the revolutionaries of old and take up the spirit of early 19th century socialists, or the American colonists' revolt and the nascent beginning of the revolution against Britain in the 1760s, or the Civil Rights Movement in the 1940s and 50s. You need to start building the case with your neighbors first. Convincing the community around you to change their minds and revisit how they engage with politics. Only then later when you have a critical mass of like-minded people can you engage with the system.

That is to say, you may be ahead of yourself and your intuitive sense ("I have no clue what to tell them, all this manifestly terrible stuff is really popular") is probably true.

I know the feeling. Every one of my representatives is a democrat, every single legislative body they sit in (above the city level) is controlled by Republicans. It's such a powerless feeling.

This is great stuff. I would also say to tell them just make it a habit of getting actively involved in your democracy. That can mean many different things, from engaging in conversations with neighbors to protesting to voting to community service or even an entire career dedicating to a cause or activism. We have come to this collective idea in America that democracy is just something you watch happen and then you live with the results, and that's only true so much as we make it true. The voting rate in this country is appalling. If we can get 1% or 2% or more people to turn out to vote for the next Presidential election, the Democrats will probably win the E.C. by a landslide. Think about that as you're engaging in long-term activism.

Some environments are so harsh against liberals/progressives in the U.S., you're #Resisting just by existing and flourishing there. Be as visible as you can be and don't be ashamed of your political beliefs and views. Be willing to have those hard conversations with people. That's what we're here for.

Make sure you tell your neighbors the Lucky Charms mascot is a hatemonger. #Resist

Separate but equal. Tell those kids to find some ****ing bootstraps. Like Betsy.

I tell my neighbors that illegal immigrants are more deserving of the state's resources than vets because undocumented immigrants did/do more work. Doesn't go over too well.

Also, tell them that Republicanism leads to a life with tiny hands. No one wants that for their children.

Thanks for the words, guys. I mostly know all this stuff. Just kind of venting.

No problemo.

Noted liberal HastenDan at it again! I'm sure his next few posts will have just as much criticism of the Trump administration that he purportedly disagrees with...

Typically the expiration date is the date when the drug has fallen to 90% potency.

Kind of a strange spot to be dickish but yes.

When my stepdad died 3 years ago, we went through his stuff - he had a bunch of viagra sampler packs with expirations dates around 2004. I took them anyway and those things worked like a champ.

Barbara Walters interviewing Gingrich in 95, from The Secret Life of Fat by Sylvia Tara.

I went through my uncle's stuff and found the biggest goddamn brick of marijuana I've ever seen. I tossed it bc I didn't want to get caught transporting that much stuff across state lines.

My dad left behind a bag full pills with enough opioids to kill scores of carneys at the New Hampshire State Fair. I took them to the police station where they have a place to dispose of such things.

No thread or even so much as a wikipeep on the crazy release?

Oh wait, there is no article on Vox or HuffingtonPost yet, makes sense I will wait :x

No posts by HastenDan condemning the 2nd Muslim Ban or terrible Republican ACA-replacement bill that will limit coverage for the poor/old/children? I will wait...

This is the lovely piece of fake news 45* and WhatAboutDan are trying to spread today (why do they never just come out and say it. They're used to Trump's language protocol of letting the listener fill in the gaps in sentences/paragraphs with their imaginations).

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/...84268991229952

https://twitter.com/ShaunKing/status/839145030644297728

Hard choice between smh and lol :x

LOL! Vault7 bro! I understand the confusion, but that wasn't what I was referring to.

Though I would be careful about quoting Shaun King, he is on FlyWF's Not To Be Trusted Tweeter list.

Thoughts Dan? I'm sure you'll be equally outraged at these illiberal developments given you are a noted liberal.

https://twitter.com/ANDREWTI/status/839147229268975616

One of my close friends is an immigration lawyer. One of my friends is a muslim lawyer from Iraq. I have volunteered at the refugee center they both work at.

I call for universal health care and universal basic income. I supported candidates that did so as well.

Your attack on me is vile and absurd.

Sorry if I woke up and read the drop on the CIA and had a laugh that there was not a single peep about it itf.