The government supports the idea that society must live in the present and not to worry or wonder about past or future times. Montag is wanted by the government and cannot be found so “they're sniffing for a scapegoat” to keep the people from thinking about where Montag has really gone. The diction of the word “scapegoat” implies that they do not care about finding Montag himself they are just looking for someone to place blame so the people won't be uneasy and pondering ideas of what is really happening. They would rather take an innocent person than have society thinking of what might happen in the future if they do not find Montag. They lead people to believe everything is under control to keep them thinking mindlessly and as a whole
