I'm under the impression that we're all being branwashed by the general media, mainly to keep the masses in a state of disillusioned suppression and abject dispondance thereby crushing most will to stand up for what we believe in.
Example:
Those in power abuse their power, grant themselves enormous pensions and payrises, steal tax payers money to fund lavish lifestyles for themselves and their families, refuse to make any changes to the current political establishment and disrupt the status quo for fear of losing that power and
Oh My God look over there, Swine Flu! It's really slightly less vilurant then actual flu and has so far in this country only killed those with severe underlying health problems, but as long as you're afraid of it, we'll make sure it dominates the media!
and oh look! Michael Jackson died! Just keep looking over there whilst I steal more of your money and buy some potpourri. Ten Tonnes of it.
Because my bathroom's gotta smell nice, you know?
Brainwashed? Every damned day.