You might find this interview useful in understanding how the mass public behaves - especially how it follows the news - in an autocratic society (a society ruled by one person - like Vladimir Putin's Russia).
According to the man being interviewed, Russian's are not following the news about the war and are reluctant to express opinions about it, or many other issues. When asked, they repeat the official opinions they hear on television.
"They think of the right thing to say to be safe."
Does this also describe the United States and/or Texas? Might be worth a discussion.
