Soap box time

Lane’s Law:
People are stupid and form their world-view by what their equally stupid friends say. People will ignore an obvious fact if it interferes with their stupid beliefs. People would rather be told a comforting lie than an uncomfortable truth, which means they can be led and controlled like sheep by anyone willing to provide a suitable lie.
Abe Lincoln was wrong. You can fool all of the people all of the time – they’ll do it for you, with the slightest push at the right moment.

Lane’s Corollary:
All it requires to be a good human being is to remain open to new facts, willing to rigorously research their validity, and adjust your world-view accordingly.