The media told people what to think, and, by and large, they thought what they were told, or were cowed into silence. Not that it mattered-- millions protested

The media told people what to think, and, by and large, they thought what they were told, or were cowed into silence. Not that it mattered-- millions protested anyway, and were ignored. Which is it? Were we cowed or did people make up their own minds to the extent that millions protested and (presumably) millions more disagreed? And why characterize the people against the war as freethinkers, while assuming those who supported it were tricked? I know a lot of people who were against the invasion who couldn't tell you five things about the entire region. I wouldn't consider them freethinkers. It doesn't feel like you've actually said anything in this comment.