Comments for Brazil Closer to Get Its US$ 100 Linux Laptop at http://www.brazzilmag.com , comment 0 to 4 out of 4 comments http://www.brazzilmag.com Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:03:02 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/4530/1/#pc_1357 You have never travelled troughtout Brazil, have you? I deeply wish that these kids reach this so-called technological inclusion. But they are not even included in the society! In fact, they only exist during election campaings. Millions have no decent water or food. I am sure you already heard this speech but it is so true! HUGE step, in fact. Mr. Negroponte himself said \"Education is a public good\". I totally agree. But families that have technology available can already afford to buy computers. So we just ignore the rest of them that canīt even dream to send their sons to schools? Isnīt it hypocrisy? This fuzz about technological inclusion covers up more severe problems. Kids stealing, kids looking for food in the trash, kids murdering... - Guest Thu, 17 Nov 2005 06:09:09 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/4530/1/#pc_1356 This is a step in the correct direction - the only concern is in regards to how realistic this project is. When I first heard of this I thought it was a great idea if it could be organized - it appears that the project is moving forward. The concept of trying to bring to every child the same tools and knowledge that everyone deserves is the right thing that must be done. My concern is with the terms associated with the program set up by MIT - 1 million unit order with up front payment - do the math - it is $100 million up front. Again I support the effort, I am just concerned with the large price tag for a project that should help every one. The concerning aspect of this is directly tied to the fact that with our political system, and lack of interest in the Brasilian population to control the politicians who were elected to office what is the likelihood of budgeting $100 million for 1 million computers? Unless our politicians create some morals, and start doing the job they were ELECTED to do, and until Brasilians wake up and understand what a true democracy is all about (it is not about voting for someone and letting them do what they want - it is about accountability and honesty) I find it hard to believe that any child in Brasil will see a $100 laptop in front of them. I hope to be proven wrong! - Guest Thu, 17 Nov 2005 05:51:22 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/4530/1/#pc_1354 This is HUGE step in the right direction. This is not just about education, its about inclusion. (and a kick in the shins of Microsoft too) I\'m sorry, but the idea that these disadvantaged children \"aren\'t smart enough yet\" to use a laptop is just one more example of the type of moronic, prejudiced mentality that has to change in Brazil for the country to progress to ful inclusion. What an insulting remark above. To use your weak analogy, how are these kids supposed to learn to drive if they don\'t even have a car in the first place?? One of the main reasons for the lack of education in the country is the lack of tools and resources in the poorest areas!! all the better for them if we give them a \"Ferrari\" to learn with. Change your attitude. Bravo MIT, Linux, and the UN! - Guest Thu, 17 Nov 2005 05:29:46 +0100 http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/4530/1/#pc_1353 We are not even able to offer basic education to our children and now we are going to give laptops to them? The kids arenīt capable to do simple Math! They cannot read simple sentences! And now they are going to use laptops in order to write \"ctabem\" instead of \"vocę está bem\"...Great!! We have to improve our education system and it does not mean buying laptops. Ok, one can say that the kids will use them as instruments to learn. However, we have the obligation to teach children how to READ and THINK BEFORE laptops...It would be the same thing having my mom driving a Ferrari. It canīt be any good... - Guest Thu, 17 Nov 2005 04:49:00 +0100