He said the internet provided a "global megaphone for gossip" and contained an element of "mob rule".

BBC: Leveson: Internet needs new privacy laws

He said the turmoil of Shays' Rebellion stirred up fears of mob rule among many leaders.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

He told his fellow Republicans that they must set themselves as resolutely against improper corporate influence on the one hand as against demagogy and mob rule on the other.

CNN: Transcript: Webb says Bush took U.S. to war 'recklessly'

Under this reasoning, the calm, resolute Mr Abhisit was right to defy mob rule and the demand for the dissolution of parliament, and wait to unveil an orderly, slow electoral timetable.

ECONOMIST: Thailand's political stalemate

Thaksin, who has vowed never to bow to mob rule, hopes a broad raft of support among rural Thais will be enough return him to office and bury the controversy once and for all.

FORBES: Thai PM Thaksin's Son Fined Over Shin Sale

When does crowdsourcing become mob rule?

BBC: Why not let social media run the country?