"What you and I and a thousand other people think and insist upon will not make a gnat's difference to those in power and those others who are walking upon hot coals."

Yeah, Ebbie. That's pretty much what I keep saying in these threads. It's still pretty much like it was in ancient Rome, really. Tell the public whatever will keep them momentarily pacified...or at least at bay...and provide them with bread and circuses...and distant enemies to focus their anger on. It usually worked then. It usually works now.

We just talk because we enjoy expressing ourselves. And why not?