So how is not participating in stupidity working?

Yes, how is that working for you to be smarter than most of America? Not participating in stupidity, it is a lofty goal. One of my easiest to demonstrate... I don't abuse drugs, costs the government zero dollars to fight the war on drugs with me -- ZERO! So someone asks you don't take medication? Yes, but I don't have to and if it is medication it is being given to me for a health benefit, which is only a problem if you don't want me around too long.

Gambling, when I was a young soldier in Vietnam I learned that dice is the quickest way to lose money in my world. So I don't participate now, poker I could break even, but I always bought rounds when I won which put me behind on the night. So I play other card games for the skill and company, not for money. Now the lottery has been proclaimed to benefit education in most states, and sure enough those not buying tickets are well educated, and if you are buying a ticket -- you are supporting the most effective efficient tax on the poor ever designed. But it is a chance to get really rich... yep, the chances of the big prize are such I don't want to spend time figuring my chances. I remember that the native Americans, liking to gamble and drink lost much of America to greedy white folks.

Speaking of which, if you wanted to not participate in stupidity, don't sign treaties or contracts with the Great White Father in Washington, DC. Seems they constantly can't protect you, your lands or the buffalo. But then that is why so many fool American citizens believe in their government, they want to end up like the native American tribes - discarded humans in their own country. Oh, you wanted your own casino, so you could be rich... you get the house's cut. And share it with some corporation that builds the casino, runs the operations and skims off very good money for itself and gives you something in return. Still, my most effective response to those that think the government can take care of me and mine better than I and us, look at how well they destroyed the native Americans. And just when you are telling yourself it is because America is racist - thing again, it isn't America that is racist, it is the government that divides to conquer and exploit.

Last evening I got so into a new book on my kindle that I missed my favorite weekly program, which is on opposite to my other favorite program. And I never missed either of them. And as many times as they rerun NCIS, my two favorite programs will get run again, and again. I should save it for when I run out of real life and arts. But you see, watching television is stupid, for putting up with commercials, for violent  discourse on things that are meant to drive you crazy so you can ask you doctor are you healthy enough for ... fill in your blank. Take care out there, find all those that love you, and hang on tight. The world is getting a little more stupid.