Oligarchy either way... The technology might be shifting the demographics of who is part of the oligarchy, but that's a power shift not an increase in democracy.

Take a look at the flip, what if Bush supporters where using smart mobs to block traffic in Democratic districts, is this a good thing? There is absolutely no indication that these techs are going be used for good. The participants might shift, but its still dirty power politics.

I'm starting to get real harsh on all claims of tech "democratizing" the process. Why? Its not because I don't think tech can't improve the world, I think it can. But the process is a lot more difficult then most of the claims I see make it out to be.

For every Howie Dean, shaking the system, there is a Admiral Poindexter, entrenching it. And christ, what happens when Karl Rove wakes up the internet's power? I'm looking at these issues with extreme pragmatism these days.