Perspective said:
There's more to politics than casting a ballot. That's easy, and lazy. The political and policy conversations you have with friends, family, and places like TI, matter. I have a friend or two who believe the ends justifies the means. I do not. I don't speak to them too much any more. Sad, but you are the company you keep, and the people you defend. Choose wisely.
What I have observed is you checking out, both here and on OCHN. When you do show up, you're not really trying. On the rare occasions when you do attempt a serious argument, like on the gun control thread, you'll disappear at the first sign of opposition. To me, that is the easy way out. If you end friendships because your friends don't see the world like you, then that to me is lazy.
I personally have friends on both fringes and everywhere in between. The majority are probably moderate democrats. If I think I can persuade somebody, or at least give them food for thought, I will engage. If not, I'll just continue being friends unless they are somehow rude or in my face about it.