So does gaddafi actually have power or not?

i was always under the impression that since the revolution itself and gaddafi stepped down from the leadership, he hasn't had any actual power other than symbolic and maybe some influence through power of suggestion. I thought he was a symbolic leader, a "spiritual leader"..Now every one is insisting he step down. is there any evidence that he ordered the attacks on protesters or was it military leaders or leaders in government? is there a big misunderstanding throughout the western world about what power he actually has or does he essentially still control the whole government and military?