I once got sucked into a copaganda thing in Vegas. (I thought they had Tommy guns). The whole point was to put you on the officer's shoes to make snap decisions to show why we need to be less critical of police when they kill civilians. I argued with her that this was why we need to increase training and job requirements. The guide did not like that.
I'm really baffled on what I said to raise your hackles. I'm not really sure how you think the world works, but power exists. The goal of government should be to ensure that power serves the people. The idea behind democratoc forms of government is that if the power is derived from the people, it will seek to serve the people. (Power will always serve it's own self-interest).
You critique institutionalized power, what is the alternative? What is deinstitutionalize power? I'm legitimately asking. I am having difficulty imagining such a system. It seems to me that power has gravity and always seems to clump together.
I guess where I'm coming from, is that these discussion are somewhat detached from reality. If you live in the US in 2024, you have the option to vote for Donald Trump, Joe Biden, or abstain. How is abstaining or voting for Trump helping anyone? It seems you seek radical change, so maybe by ensuring a Trump presidency you can accelerate the destruction of the current US government. Then you roll the die on whether you can form your deinstitutionalized utopia. I hope the blood price is worth the risk.
Gee... I wonder why the left never does anything like that - it's a complete mystery, I tell you.
Donating money? No I mean going out and helping people. Why aren't leftists more popular amongst working people? Why is it always some angsty college drop out? (Idk that this is you, just my experience). The obvious answer is propaganda. But I don't see much effort from the left. Sure, there are some but the messaging hasn't been very successful.
And become a part of the problem? How will that solve anything?
Do you not see that if everyone maintains the attitude "if I am in power, I am part of the problem" then the only people who will run are those in favor of the problem? Power must be obtained and exercised. You can't just concede all decision making to your enemy and then get pissed when your values aren't represented in the state's actions.
Of course American power furthers American power. The goal should be to shift the Overton window left. Leftists would rather sit on their hands and watch it all burn. Why not run for office? Why not try outreach to working people or at-risk communities? Nah, much easier to just complain on social media.
You forgot to add:
"Oh, btw your neighbor dresses kind of funny. Are you sure your family is safe with them Nextdoor?"