They do and the cities around the valley here often provide free trees to homeowners and have programs where they are trying to fill in as much as they can with shade. Some subsidized by the power companies I believe, to reduce power consumption by putting shade next to homes. I ride my bike a lot around the city here and there are a lot of sections with fantastic tree cover on paths and parks. Of course there are also barren sections, but trees can grow well and it is discussed often locally to plant them.

I mean, people are easily manipulated and the flow of information was funneled through even fewer sources back then. I do feel bad for them, and all of us subsequent generations, and the anger could be focused toward current politicians who can improve things instead of dividing us from our elders. Its all easy to see in hindsight of course.