One laptop per child project and other dumb ideas
Yes, the world is going to be a better place and we will all be living in peace, harmony, and equality thanks to the OLPC project. Every night people in impoverished countries will join together to sing ‘Kumbaya’ in reverential tones now that laptops will be produced for $100 retail. No more digital divide…. Wait, am I dreaming? Or is this project truly going forward. Well, go to the OLPC website and you will discover I’m not dreaming; however, the project managers just might. While their ‘Wiki’ is focusing on the specs and other tech information, no one seems to be thinking about unintended consequences. When each child gets a laptop, the first thing I believe will happen is that each adult who is low on basic needs will steal the laptop, and cash in on it. If you were desperate for food and medicine, what would you do if you had that chance? Do you remember the scene in Saving Private Ryan when the translator tries to haul an old Remington typewriter with him. Tom Hanks makes him put it down and gives him a pencil.
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