you might think the internet would prevent this kind of propaganda, but that's only partly true

Sadly that's not the case for everyone, but it does makes the job more difficult for the government.

That is why freedom of speech needs to be protected; it's one of the last defenses against mass indoctrination and group think.

Of course, it is one of the most basic freedom that should be cherished, in Venezuela a lot of people supported the repression against the opposition, even some TV channels were closed for criticizing the government.