The last 3 elections have each gotten more and more depressing.

[marions ghost]

8. Have a heart

People who work hard and struggle need down time. Facebook and reality TV DO help them understand "their place in the world." It's cheap recreation and keeps them connected. It's social bonding. When people are miserable, they often don't know what to do--they watch TV (or go shopping at Big Lots) to get away from it. I don't blame them. It's their moment of zen, y'know.

Yes you sound preachy, impatient with those not as motivated and disciplined as you.

The better way to go is to figure out how to reach these people on their terms--not ask them to be like us on DU necessarily.

I have faith in the American people --when they're not being shamefully & criminally exploited.

Yes I think we agree on the lack of support for the interests of the 47% (lumping us all in = 99%) in this country. We are pigs at the end of the trough. And to turn the Queen Mary is going to take a LOT of effort. Certainly I get that.

So I share your dismay with average Americans, but not your blame.