Reflection/ meaning on this statement?

We are allowed to believe whatever we'd like and say whatever we'd like to say. But the government can manipulate public opinion through the media and create the sense that we all are on the same page and believe ____ and therefore _____ is the truth. It could be the opinion of a small group of powerful people - but the public can be tricked into thinking it's the opinion of the majority. After that it won't matter what dissidents have to say, their words will be drowned out by the need for the simplest explanation and cohesiveness.