Sounds like that was a brutal conversation you had with your buddy. It certainly is a messed up situation we find ourselves in, but consider this:

He is only one man, flawed like we all are. He showed us how fucked it's always been by allowing himself to be destroyed. We all wish he went Ceasar, but I guess we don't get off that easy.

This cultural and political issue needs to be handled at the one on one level, interpersonally. Increasing consciousness and supporting those that think for themselves in our immediate surroundings.

The truth is, the powers that be require our participation. Total local focus denies them that. That's what I am doing, anyway. It is all I can think of.