A good illustration of different opinions on participation/interest in political events (hope I recall the story correctly):
During WW2, someone sent R Soloveichik an article written by a British Jew who encountered religious German Jews in a British internment camp. The author was shocked that these Yidden were discussing for days events during wars in Roman empire, while completely ignoring current events in North Africa, Normandy, etc that were affecting their own lives. The author contrasted Jews of the past – from Avot to Tannaim who dealt with events of their time with the current reluctance to face reality.
The sender hoped that the Rav will respond publicly to the article. He did not at the time, but he remarked maybe 10+ years later: I hope that the author of the article is still alive and can observe Israeli politicians so that he does nbot worry any more that Jews are not capable of active politics any more.