I don't think it's just large scale war between nations that we're careening towards but here in the US we're also headed for a full-on civil war if we don't start finding some common ground. Here where I live (Minneapolis/St. Paul) sentiment is reflective of most of our country. The Dems and Republicans now exist in completely different realities, viewing the same set of circumstances in two different ways. Each are equally as extreme in their own ways. We have now have Governor activating the National Guard to maintain "public safety" and the risk of Trump activating the military and Insurrection Act to protect ICE agents from protestors. I pray this descalates somehow but it could go very, very badly.
What do I live for? I feel that we could be right on the precipice of a "golden age of humanity" where a lot of the struggles we've endured are behind us..if we can only make it there. This is what I live for, the hope that humanity survive this chaotic transition for the sake of all future generations. What would I die for? Certainly not any politician. Most wars are charades. I've lived long enough to know that very few of our politicians are working for the people but rather working for their own egos as well as being agents for those who donate the most money or have leverage over them.
I mentioned this the other day (and other times) and some think that it isn't even close to it. I am not as sure. Too many factions, with so many looking for relevance. And then depending on how things goes where you are, is going to impact all other states too, right?
It is about the only positive - and it is a very slim chance that we can make it there. There is plenty of potential, but most of it dies on the vine.
Even when there are decent politicians, the system isn't designed for decent results.
I think the situation is a little more dire than most people realize too. So many folks have been trapped in their echo chambers for so long they would need to be deprogrammed at this point to be able to see the middle-ground. At this point the issues are already spreading beyond Minnesota—California, Illinois, New York. ICE is reporting to have arrested 10,000 alone in the Twin Cities area but local judges are setting quite a number of the criminals free after arrest. Unfortunately ICE is arresting a fair number of innocents as well. I have to find a way to maintain some measure of optimism. This wave of tech coming will be like a tsunami and we'll have one chance to get it right. I totally agree with what you say about the system, it's rotten to the core, and corrupts every candidate it touches.