Wasson is en route to forging the first global pharmacy chain, with worldwide buying power and a massive distribution network.

FORBES: Earth's Drugstore: Walgreen Hedges Obamacare With Global Boots Alliance

Instead, he says, it should be on the "middle mile, " the substation and distribution network that is the least transparent area of power delivery.

FORBES: Magazine Article

So although we should welcome openness and interaction we have to hope that new technologies will lead to changes in the distribution of power and not merely superficial changes to political practice, just as access to the network and mobile phones are starting to change business, education and forms of social engagement.

BBC: NEWS | Technology | The political power of the network