I have to clarify: them knowing and proliferating the 'truth' is one thing, whereas the idea that they can actually do something about it is what I'm really get

I have to clarify: them knowing and proliferating the 'truth' is one thing, whereas the idea that they can actually do something about it is what I'm really getting at. They paint a pessimistic picture of the world that's at odds with the idea that somehow they can band together somehow and fix it.