On the subject of misinformation

America divided: Why it's dangerous that public distrust in civic institutions is growing

All the while, trust in government and media has eroded…

Distrust in government is more American than apple pie. Apple pie—and pie apples—were imported from Europe.  The government—the U.S. government—was invented right here. And even the people who invented it didn't trust it. They stuffed the Constitution with checks and balances and then, for good measure, tacked on a Bill of Rights.

So, chill, folks. There are a lot of things about America that we could be improving—and we should get at it—but "I'm from the government; I'm here to help you" is very likely the longest-running gag line in history.