While initially welcoming this rush of online activity , vietnam 's authorities have shown their concern about how it can be used to spread criticism of government policies and agitate in favor of democracy and other reforms .
Elected officials tend to be accommodating when confronted by powerful constituencies such as the public service unions that agitate for plush benefits and often provide ( or deny ) a steady flow of cash to election campaign funds .
Barring a heavy-handed government crackdown that could push the country toward implosion , russia appears to be headed for a protracted struggle between the government and the opposition , which , divided as it may be , will agitate and use the power of the street to force change .