With resources like ZeroHedge it is always about sensationalism. As per Wikipedia (no plagiarism intended), "events and topics in news stories are selected and worded to excite the greatest number of readers and viewers". Since most people are prone to overreacting, the stories like the impending collapse of the dollar system (aliens invasion, nuclear holocaust, global warming, whatever currently fits that purpose) are always finding their audience even if the events described should have happened long ago according to their sources
At least, with the actual source we can have same basis to discuss about
There's no basis for anything other than purely scientific interest in brainwashing, mind control, coercive persuasion, or whatever it is called these days
Right, but in addition to purely scientific cant we have some mildly Machiavellian "enlightened self interest"?

IMO the trick to healthy living is not to get caught up in the bullshit, but be aware of it, since it clearly impacts people and economy, and ultimately make some money on the swing of tides
You begin to separate the wheat from the chaff after you learn it the hard way, in most cases. It is difficult not to fall victim to this kind of propaganda as it is aimed at your emotional side (as any such stuff), i.e. something which you feel as true and thus heavily forced to consider true from deep within even if you are fully aware that it is not. Try reading this stuff, and you instantly get caught up in this kind of thing. As they say, it ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble as it's what you know for sure that just ain't so