Most Americans never knew the first fact about either subject, except 
what appeared in the newspapers. Americans were firmly in favor of 
whatever politicians did, but they really did not want to have to keep 
track of anything. They wanted the government to take care of itself, 
and would not tolerate any complaints, right or wrong. One of the first 
talk shows on tv was "Dan Smoot Reports", a whistleblower program 
reporting waste and boondoggles. It was sponsored by Dr. Ross Dog Food. 
People simply stopped buying Dr. Ross and the company folded. Dan Smoot 
toned down his act and switched to a newsletter format by mail.