Are you watching me from high above? Are you using some spy plane mechanism that can read people's minds while observing their public interactions? 

You must be, because this is so right on the money. I've recently tip-toed into local politics with big hopes and aspirations. It's day to day, but some days I spend most of it imaging how I could make a living in some foreign land &amp; give-up all intentions of having a say. It's as you said, sometimes world views are wildly different and it's no longer warranted to <i>bring them along</i> or <i> work with someone</i>. 

On a local scale, this is hard. However, there are times when you're trying to make a difference when your energy is better spent trying to simply go around the "no votes" and "blocks". Seek new minds that share your view and rally the tribe.