I'm the last person to ignore or undervalue the power of propaganda, yet I believe it is necessary for people to be active citizens who think for themselves. By outsourcing our entire political thought process to representatives (who are more in need of wealthy donors than individual voters) we deny ourselves the chance to think for ourselves.
Besides, even Edward Bernays, the founder of public relations, understood the ambiguous relationship between those who craft public perception, and those who are affected by it.
I agree that we need a thoughtful and active citizenry, but I am skeptical that even the most thoughtful and active citizenry can keep abreast of all developments which may affect their lives and remain un-fooled 100% of the time.
In contrast, I think a thoughtful and active citizenry can elect an intelligent, honest, and dedicated individual to office once every 2-6 years to represent their interests and to evaluate the job that individual has done during that term; even if they do not necessarily know or keep abreast of every issue which may affect them personally or collectively.
Besides, even Edward Bernays, the founder of public relations, understood the ambiguous relationship between those who craft public perception, and those who are affected by it.