re: Advertising
To put it more correctly, I tend to support Republicans because they come closer to my principles than the Democrats do, not the other way around.
This "how do you KNOW you aren't being mind-controlled?" is a pointless argument, for obvious reasons. My actions are not involuntary, and regardless of how many ads I see for something, I can still use my mind to think about purchases rationally.
That's not to say I don't grab a candy bar off the checkout line because it's handy, but I don't think that's a critical shopping decision.
As for politics, if you're worried about idiots voting, don't work overtime to make it easy for idiots to vote.