We use the phrase "connected people change history" as part of our message at Gist and the events over the past couple weeks show that to be the case in Tunisia, Egypt, and now Algeria.

The desire for freedom and liberty is not new but the ability to connect and reach for it has become easier due to mobile devices, social technologies, and a younger population that understands how to combine them for maximum effect.

It took the United States 10 years to become a free country governed by democratic ideals starting with the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and culminating with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.  It was messy at times but we achieved it and have maintained it for over 200 years.  Current democratic movements may happen faster than 200 years ago thanks to our new connectedness but the process will be every bit as messy and challenging.

I am a true believer that the cell phone is changing the world and we are seeing the next chapter of that change happening now.  I'm not sure anything but governments that truly represent the will of their citizens will survive in our social networked world…and that is a good thing.