>That is, if these reasonable people have virtually no chance to bring about any substantial change in whatever system or collective actually governs/controls t

>That is, if these reasonable people have virtually no chance to bring about any substantial change in whatever system or collective actually governs/controls the USA, then how much does it really matter? There's still room for optimism if you choose. The current administration is campaigning for re-election on a record of no new wars. https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/rand-paul-2020-rnc-speech-transcript#:~:text=I%E2%80%99m%20supporting%20President%20Trump%20because%20he%20believes%20as%20I%20do,%20that%20a%20strong%20America%20cannot%20fight%20endless%20wars https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/rand-paul-2020-rnc-spee.... No one is beyond criticism and this rule goes doubly for politicians. I'll also add the disclaimer that I view politicians as a class of professional liars. However, the media climate in regards to the current administration should be viewed through the lens of this anti-war stance. The pro-war establishment has demonstrated its media influence as you mentioned above.