I appreciate the thoughtful response, Joe.

Understand that people have different commitments in life at any given point. I have been taking care of an octogenarian, disabled parent for 5 years. I have a demanding full-time career. And, yes, I’ve given money and lent my voice to reform efforts. But do I have time to lead the voter registration efforts? Not at this specific time in life. I do what I can. Jessica Wildfire does a lot, too. Others might be best positioned to use their voices right now. Disabled people? Can’t run around outside due to ongoing COVID concerns. People do what they can.

I do agree that being on top of facts and specifics is crucial in (all) writing. Some writers on here play fast and loose with them. But that’s true of ALL writers on Medium, not just doom and gloomers.

Evidence suggests that people are largely asleep at the wheel. “COVID is over” — flies in the face of epidemiology. “Now that Trump’s gone, we are safe” — flies in the face of political science and will soon be disproven. “Climate is an issue for 2050 and beyond” — flies in the face of red skies and continent-wide wildfires. But people aren’t galvanized. They don’t think a new paradigm is sorely needed. But one is.