what about the thugs? [LWN.net]

what about the thugs?

Posted May 30, 2006 7:36 UTC (Tue) by filteredperception (guest, #5692)
In reply to: what about the thugs? by The_Pirate
Parent article: OLPC hardware details posted

No, not trolling.

I agree with your way out.

No, I don't __WANT__ to bog down the system.

In my scenario, the warlords are giving the stolen laptops with replacement OSs (perhaps same distro, but the wikipedia replaced with maps and survival manuals, and tools for connection to the internet replaced with tools that only allow connections to their own networks. And silent keyloggers so they can watch what their underlings are doing).

While the troops given such stolen laptops might get some computer literacy education that might inspire them to think they have more options in life, the more likely scenario is that the laptops are given to the field commanders that are already completely corrupt and ruling over their child soldiers with ruthless means.

I am not trolling at all. The problem of food aid given to countries without stable governments is a real one, vis a vis the warlords stealing the aid and using it for themselves or selling it.

If you think somehow this problem doesn't apply to the OLPC project, and needn't be seriously addressed... well, I hope your right, but I disagree.

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what about the thugs?

Posted May 30, 2006 14:10 UTC (Tue) by jstAusr (guest, #27224) [Link]

Maybe your education could be enhanced with one of those laptops.

I believe lack of education is the root of the problem. Education can allow people to see the deception of those that they follow.

what about the thugs?

Posted May 30, 2006 18:20 UTC (Tue) by emkey (guest, #144) [Link]

If only that were strictly true.

Idiology is intrinsic to human nature. To elaborate/clarify, we are not strictly logical creatures. You don't have to look very far to see this is true. We have all sorts of "religions". Some involve churches, others involve politics. Where humans exist, so does factionalism. And we don't generally debate our differences in a calm and logical manner. If we did, there would be a lot more consensus in the world.

It is highly dangerous to assume we are logical creatures. In my opinion it is a fallacy of the worst sort. Positive change will come when we acknowledge and work to compensate for our flaws.

Thats my 2 cents anyway.