Yes, the Internet is a great place for "the man in the street" to have his say. Something which Andrey Podshibyakin did not mention is that many newspapers and other traditional media tend to filter letters or other comments that they don't like, to follow some chosen editorial line. Whilst this is also true of some parts of the Internet, other areas are open to all. Any idiot can make themselves heard, not just the idiots in power. Even China has difficulty keeping a lid on protest, despite "the Great Firewall of China". The availability of mobile phones with video capability and security cameras are also great tools in the fight against corruption and oppression, almost anywhere in the world.