>Yes. Needing medication because your friend has visa problems is crazy.

There was an "or" in that list of possible reactions. I was not giving an example of a situation in which someone would or should have every one of those reactions. I was directly replying to you by giving you an example of a situation in which it was clear that "political actions in Washington are the primary component" of inflicting harm on people.

>Do you really think political obsession is just a sign of superior morals and humanity?

I never said anything about superiority. That is something you brought to the conversation. Is there a reason you view someone exhibiting more empathy than you as an insult?

>Empathy should make you less pessimistic about politics because you understand other groups values and incentives.

Understanding a person's perspective isn't necessarily paired with the ability to change that perspective. Does knowing a racist might be motivated by fear make their racism less dangerous?