The manipulation of what is known or thought to be known and the acquisition of superior knowledge are of critical importance in the application of power. Rather than lament the application of power in general - not that I am suggesting that @corbetteport is doing any such thing - the better alternative is to take responsibility for one's own power. One can do this by doing one's due diligence when it comes to information and research (that is: don't trust the news even if you like the person reporting it or news item in question). Why, @corbettreport - well-known for providing citations - may occasionally throw us a curveball just to see if we're paying attention. In the end, the important thing is to take responsibility for one's own ideas and beliefs, put them to the test, and be willing to let them go when and if it becomes clear that they are nothing more than the dregs of rotten CIA propaganda.