the growth of mass media as a shaping influence, is contained a key to . . ." (402). It would stand to reason that mass media would be an essential tool in reaching and influencing the public; and if making fundamental changes in mindset are as crucial (as many believe) a part of the development process, it would make media control the single most important element in shaping any desired future change weather it be developmental or transitional.Lerner's book addresses developmental change, while the issue in question is of systemic transition. The concepts apply without exception because they indicate money as a catalyst for all things good and evil. True power is the ability to influence, to implement change, and to shape popular opinion. Can the media be controlled by the almighty dollar? Can those with an agenda control it with intimidation? The question that comes to mind for me is this, I wonder if our media is really any better off than those (formerly) under government control in Central Europe, which would be more harmful, a government agenda or capitalistic programming, or for that matter one controlling the other. It is clear that in the case of Communism the lack of financial ware-with-all caused it's demise, but could it also be the case that underground media succeeded in changing public opinion and if so might they be better off (than the U.S.) with regards to media freedom today. These are questions that will be answered in the next "global" generation, as history is written, answers to these questions will be evident.Instead of looking at one nation as an example, I will do as I usually do, and attempt to look at trends as a means of establishing possible future events in the big picture. The former Soviet Union has fragmented since its demise, it was made up of a hub with a span of control that drew from this hub. The further west you traveled from this hub, proportionately the less "hub" influence you would see. This w...