I was trying to find more information about this to share with a friend. It was something I read about a long, long time ago and found very shocking. But I wanted to find data to support it and ofc google isnt cooperating in my searches. From what I had read/remember, TPTB found the power of television propaganda and hypnosis so powerful that they bought up all of the old TV's from the US and gave, for free, to their citizens (during the depression! Talk about a great example of "nothing in life is free"). The person who had written of the account had lived during this time and he said that he remembered very distinctly how every weekend everyone would gather at public places to discuss concerns and common interests of their locale (like at the park), and within one week of the televisions being handed out, barely a soul went to the gatherings any more and it was the end of local social/political strength and representation/awareness for the benefit of the people. I've spent about an hour trying to find anything at all relating to this. So I appreciate you guys' input!