Why spending our energy fighting the political system is probably a waste of effort

I speak with a lot of people and often I get into enthusiastic discussion about 'the way things are' and how can we 'bring about change'. I totally get that people are worried and especially about what we have now. It appears that the democratic system has failed us. Once again an external instrument that has been wielded against us and to which we have fallen 'Victim'. Many that hitherto have defended Democracy to the hilt are dumbfounded after the events of 2016, and now doubt has been cast on its efficacy. You could be forgiven for thinking that we have gone backwards. Full circle... discontented people, the rise of a charismatic leader promising to change things and make it better for all, fascism, nationalism on the rise. Another more terrifying way of looking at it... A widening gap between people once friends, now, through nothing more than a difference of opinion, on a supposed different side. A desire to not speak to the 'enemy', which amo