But for me, right now, it feels as if technology has empowered people and given politics back its soul.

FORBES: It's Your Data, Stupid

Nearly one in four disabled people in Britain feels patronised by the Paralympics, but a similar number feel empowered by them, a survey suggests.

BBC: London 2012: Paralympics divide opinion, survey suggests

Barnes, who believes that Rogers' revelation received a positive response all round, with "nothing negative", feels the American may have been pleasantly surprised had he felt empowered enough to continue in the game after his announcement.

CNN: Robbie Rogers' retirement reasons could bring change