Egypt in Crisis: Democratic Movements Spread With Help of Social Networks

The recent political upheaval in Northern Africa demonstrates the power of democratic movements against oppressive forces. The protesters’ use of social networking tools also points to the important effect that the free flow of information across the web can have on an oppressed population. While it may not be a quick or direct path, history favors movement towards greater justice, equal representation and self-determination. In this new century the entrepreneurial spirit as expressed on the Internet will be a powerful force of change. Common people oppressed by dictators or marauding extremists will show that their voices outnumber those who are against freedom, and eventually the walls of oppression will weaken and crumble. In reaching that goal, we must open...