I think they understand but do not agree. Their vision of making the country better is just different, so much so that liberals are unable understand it IS actually what someone could want. They do want to live in a nationalistic distopia.
Do we really need a baby boom though? I agree we need affordable housing, everything you mentioned and more. At the same time I don't think the population should grow forever (so education and available birth control).
I agree, but that doesn't change anything, right? Even if you are in the 2% most intelligent and you're somehow immune, you still have to live with the rest who do get influenced by AI. And they vote. So it's never just a they problem.
I do think people without direct experience are unable to understand the depth or the totalitarian evil. It's just too terrifying to accept that one can be trully powerless, that any kind of resistance can lead not just to the destruction of themselves, but also their families, that the degree of bullying and control can be so high and the regard for human life so low.
It's too scary, so normal human minds just refuse it as a possibility and try to imagine more optimistic scenarios.
It's healthy not to lose hope, but it's also not good to underestimate the evil and unfair to look down on the people facing it.
My cats became cool with a harness as soon as they understood that it allows them to explore otherwise forbidden places. First I let them just to some spaces in the house they were not allowed to visit before - they were scared but excited. Now I take them outside to quiet places without dogs - they love it, but there always needs to be the box to hide back in if things get too exciting.
Now give me the positive statistics. Cars save lives as well. Think of all the emergency vehicles that help people every day. I'm pretty sure guns are way less helpful.
Passports are for traveling - that's the hole point. They are a means of communication with the other countries and should help the holder to travel easily. If they don't because of their design, it's not the fault of the other countries. Passports are emmitted by our country to help us travel even ti stupid countries if needed.
"passports to trans people that allows them safe passage" - that's what you wouldn't give them. What is a passport good for if you cannot travel with it because the information it carries makes you a target in many countries?
I appreciate the post. Wouldn't have a chance to come across this black diamond otherwise.