I agree. I’ve lived in countries that have military dictatorships. Americans have no idea how bad it can get.

And on that cheery note …

That is specifically what I face daily when I attempt to get across that this is going to get unimaginably worse: “Ok, enough. Let’s have a beer.” “That’s great but did you see Gail’s photos from Hawaii?” “Got it. How about that Micah Parsons trade?” Etc.

We all need advice on how to relay to 'normal' people what the hell is going on. They don't want to hear it. It doesn't help that we sound like conspiracy theorists as we try to share the latest 'real' news.

Who is “normal” these days?

“The country has fallen to fascism!” “Well sheesh, what do you expect me to do about it? Pass the croissants, please.”

Protest? Get physically involved? I may have misunderstood your post.

Look around at what most people are presently doing about this problem. That is the message of my post. And remember that I said “most people,” not you.

But we were alarmists, alright.