GREAT BEGINNINGS, 1796
Announcer: “Here’s Troman Harper, the Rumor Detective, with the truth about rumors, presented by Groves Bromo Quinine Cold Tablets.”
Troman: “Good evening. If you believe rumors, you’re a sucker; if you repeat rumors, you’re one of Hitler’s best soldiers. Learn the truth about rumors. The truth is a banner; with it you can jab and slice a rumor to ribbons.”
(a typical opening f…