Let me toss out this observation:

I think many on the left have seized upon the (counter) assault on Gaza as a relief from having to figure out what they can actually contribute to progress in America. I understand, the US system is very hard to tackle; it seems immune to change. It requires (at least) years of grassroots activism and in depth knowledge of the system and how to co-opt it.

It is so much easier to take up a distant matter, and take a righteous stand. But when the battle ends, what of lasting value will have been accomplished here at home?