What I was thinking is that you haven't been swayed, and neither have a significant percentage of the population. Despite their stonewalling, lots of things damaging to those they support have become known, and their ‘side’ doesn't win all the elections. So they don't ‘completely’ control the message. On the other hand, they don't have to. They just have to control enough to retain power and be able to push their agenda. That's the sad truth. Your point is well-taken though. Propaganda is a very powerful weapon.
True.