Our ancestors were much better than most modern Americans at piercing through the smokescreens of government disinformation to see matters clearly.

Here, for example, is Thomas Paine writing in 1791 on government greed:

“If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement, we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised, to furnish new pretenses for revenues and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey and permits none to escape without tribute.” –Thomas Paine, Rights of Man, 1791