'mostly brainwashed population' suggests by implication that some of the population are not - so yes, there are exceptions but they are not the ones who are listened to in Congress nor to they have any impact on the organs of the State committing atrocities, such as the CIA. Was there an uprising of 'ordinary Americans/decent Americans', when Edward Snowden revealed the extend of surveillance in the country? Was teh NSA head jailed? What about those calling for Snowden to be 'eliminated'? The young guy risked his life to inform his fellow citizens but how many of his fellow citizens defended him?