People Power

Back in the 80's and 90's I used to wonder how much power people actually had.  Back then it seemed like there was not enough power to effect any kind of social or consumer change.  Today we have two things that places power squarely on the people, communications via the internet and the economic recession.  These two enable the types of change we see today.

Revolutions are going on in the Islamic world.  Starting with Iran in 2009 and continuing this month, January 2011, people in the Middle East and Northern Africa are demonstrating in the streets.  They are unhappy with their governments and want them to listen.  They got organized and spread the word among them via the modern communications the internet brings.  Actually, this phenomena is not only affecting politics in Islam dominant countries, but western countries as well.  In the United States, the democrat people have been using it to protest social and political problems.  I heard that the internet was effective early in the campaign of Barak Obama for the Presidency.  Recently, the other side to include Republicans have banned together to form the movement called the Tea Party to bring about political and legislative change.  What change will the people be able to bring about?  In Tunisia, the dictator was ousted, but what kind of government will he be replaced with?  The hope is a democratic government, but we will have to see.

With the effects of the recession being felt, companies are smarting up.  It used to be that they were able to come out with a gadget, market it and sell it and make a profit.  This was in spite of what people actually thought about the product, or how safe it was.  Recently I saw a ad by Radio Shack which was different.  It marketed non-contractual cell phones.  That's prepaid cell phones.  I thought that was remarkable.  It indicates that more people are buying prepaid cell phones rather than the contractual cell phones.  It also indicates that companies like Radio Shack is paying attention.  Usually this means that the company wants to make money in the area its marketing.  So the purchasing power of the people is effecting change.

So here we are in 2011 with some people power in politics and economics.  Its limited, but its there.  So kudos to those who are exercising it.  Its the Democratic way.  To those who are currently protesting, kudos to you for presenting your grievances.  Its an inalienable right.