[dundee] Taylug Weekly Articles 8 - POMS

[Arron M Finnon]

It just seems that whatever is said on the subject brings more
controversy and circled debate.

The point being that if this project was set to fail from the beginning
then i'm sure those massive companies that have supported it, would not.

Is it a case of negative propaganda, or true reasoning of why this
project will in some minds fail.  No nothing like this has been tried,
but the one thing for sure id that these children will benefit from an
increased ability to both communicate, and the chance to ask better
questions.  These children will be entering our community, and will be
welcomed with open arms my most, with no care for creed, nationality,
wealth, and i find that it's strange to think that this is a bad thing
in some peoples eyes.  My concern is some major players are more
interested in keeping profits than widening the community.

I for one am a very passionate believer in this project, for these
following reasons;

a) We've thrown money at the problem, it hasn't worked.  Sir Tom Hunter
Micro economies

b) Self education, is better than no education and in someways leads to
innovation

c) Global inter-connectivity, leading to more decentralised
communication infrastructure and also better local communication.

d) Global debate on the rights and wrong of this situation

e) Dialogue with those that are in the situation, not people that think
they understand the situation (before i'm criticised for this i'm not
referring to anyone here, i'm talking about the whole deal, all we're
doing is hypothesising on a new concept)

f) The global agenda being pushed to free trade, with these very people
having a way to voice their need for this (i know gary and i do share
the view that in the end the real answer always will lay at free trade
for these people)

g) A chance for this community to start playing a part in this, and i
would beg if you don't like the OLPC, either give it a chance, or float
an idea for something alternative.  Let's start fund raising ideas, not
belittle people who are genuinely trying to help (name us, i've not
donated money in any other name than i think it was the right and
ethical thing to do).  Let's throw ideas out there and come up with
something, the one thing for sure is we all agree that action and
interaction is required

h) A growing journalistic interest in how technology can be used to help
aid in developing countries.  Not just laptops, but how old technology
can help, like IT infrastructure in health systems.

So i'm sure i'll start another barrage of, teachers, teachers, teachers,
and why couldn't the development be spent on stuff they need emails.  If
that's the case so be it!  My answer will be either work with us and
lets use this collective passion for good rather than constant
disagreement.  As a linux community, which the list is we will also
disagree, but one thing a Linux list can agree on is that we as a
community can help.  We accept all regardless, of professional
qualifications, creed, wealth, expertise.  All this community ever asked
for was for people to take our part in the global make up seriously and
not rag it because it doesn't sit in line with the personal agenda's.
You left begging the question, if you don't like linux and what it
stands for, why engage with us at all.

Just in case i didn't make this clear.  This is not a personal attack on
anyone, i'll not be saying that again, but if we add all the hours we've
all spent on debating if the OLPC is right or wrong and used that time
in a positive way, we all could be proud of it.

P34c3 0u7