Beware your own preconceptions. Propagandists play to our prejudices and we want to believe our preconceptions rather than examine the truth. On all sides, we are prone to self deception because we want our wishes to be fact.
It has always been more easy to placate the masses than to give the people a real understanding of the real issues facing America.
Do not believe gossip and hearsay. Trust American news sources, and avoid foreign owned stations and web sites. Think for yourself.