Stay hopeful but start working..

.. as 2017 winds down I think it's safe to say the four indictments of Trump's bosom buddies have given us hope that Mueller will kick this whole rotten cabal to the curb, but let's not overestimate what may happen nor sit back on our haunches merely enjoying the show.

It could turn out to be nothing.

It could turn out to be something, but the GOP in Congress may well refuse to do anything about it.

It could turn out to be something and perhaps some in the GOP would act, but might then immediately end up being cowed by death threats from Trump supporters.

It could turn out to be something and perhaps some in the GOP try to do something about it, but this mindset in America of "Oh, we can't punish the rich, it would be too much to put the country through, let's just let it slide and - hey, look! Squirrel!" prevails and even some of the Democrats are afraid to "rock the boat."

Make no mistake: anything that turns out to be something will immediately be spun by right-wing media as an attempt at a treasonous coup, nothing more. This is a party which never admits error or wrongdoing and instead just shrieks "But Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary but Hillary" over and over.

I personally don't believe Trump will ever resign no matter what (especially not for health considerations). Nor will he opt not to run for re-election in 2020, since either would be considered an act of weakness and the insecure little asshole can't have that.

If his buddies won't impeach him, and right-wing media just keeps screaming there's nothing to see here, Mueller's findings are all a big hoax, then nothing changes.

It's been said before, but focus on what you can DO in 2018 rather than what you hope to SEE.

Don't waste time engaging Trump supporters. No matter what he does, even if he just plays golf and crams junk food in his disgusting face as the economy crumbles, his supporters will just lie that everything is wonderful then race out to vote for him in 2020.

Focus on the undecideds and independents - most of all, the youth vote.

I've got two people in my family who couldn't vote in 2016 but will be able to in 2018, and my son will be able to vote in 2020. Three votes which might go to the Democrats if I can talk to these kids about what's going on and ensure the fairy tales and fictions of right-wing media don't poison their minds.

Just like you, I've got two senators and a House rep I can call to voice my opinions to and thank them for sticking with me.

I've got friends who vote Democratic that I can remind to get out and vote and keep them focused on the issues and away from the path of apathy.

In short, we can't just expect Mueller to save us and that it'll all wrap up like a Hollywood finale so we just need to make popcorn and enjoy the show. We have to do our part, just as they did down in Alabama and Virginia.