The public has the power of free speech and popular elections. One can argue that these freedoms are imperiled, but that is no argument to give up in unilateral defeat. Think about it: All this started going to hell when our freedom was intact, the news was halfway honest, and the elections were mostly legitimate. Where were the conservatives? Some were trying hard, but fewer were running for school board or municipal offices. I think it was Plato who said "The price of good men not being involved in public affairs is to be ruled by evil men."