children

Another reason why fiscal conservatism doesn't work.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2005, Nicholas Negroponte, supreme prophet of digital connectivity, revealed a strange tent-like object. It was designed to change the world and to cost $100. It was a solar-powered laptop. Millions would be distributed to children in the developing world, bringing them connection, education, enlightenment and freedom of information.

And then some of them tried to kill it.

Microsoft, acting in their logical self-interest, felt threatened by the prospect of a drastically cheaper laptop in the hands of millions of children, seriously undercutting their currently dominant product. As Bryan Appleyard points out in his Times Online piece, "Computers only cost as much as they do because the makers of the software – primarily Microsoft – go to enormous lengths to make their products necessary and expensive." Microsoft was also concerned because the new laptops would not use the Windows operating system but instead the free OS, Sugar.

Intel was upset because Negroponte's computer, the XO, uses an AMD chip, AMD being the second largest chip-maker in the world after Intel. This could cost Intel their status as the number one computer chip producer in the world, costing them their "market leadership."

So the two companies both set out to kill the XO. Intel created a cheap laptop called the Classmate and along with Microsoft founder Bill Gates, set about trashing the XO in the press.

Obviously it is in Microsoft and Intel's best interests to destroy the XO, this computer that could bring tons of new information, education and communication technologies to communities that are in dire need of it. The XO, and projects like it, should be aided by the US Government, they should be well funded and protected from these corporate madmen.

It would be a great thing for the world to further connect people and strengthen our global community, introducing a new generation to the intellectual, cultural and economic marketplace of the future. Getting all the information and ideas that one can find on the internet out to the developing world is important as a cure for extremism and push for democratic thinking.

Appleyard comes to an interesting and accurate conclusion:

Computers are like drugs, literally. If the drug companies wanted to do the most good in the world, they would divert all investment from the illnesses of the rich – cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes – to the much more catastrophic ailments of the poor, primarily malaria, but also Aids. But they don’t; they sit comfortably on their high-margin drugs. Equally, if the technocrats really believed in the human value of universal connectivity – and all of them say they do – they would find ways of wiring southeast Asia and Africa. But they don’t; they sit comfortably on their high-margin laptops.

For all these reasons, we can see the that the best interests of a few corporations can often disregard or even seriously oppose the health and livelihood of individuals, the economic success of a large part of a world, and the moral welfare of our Nation.

Hi, my name is Donald Betts, Jr. and I am running for U.S. Congress in the 4th Congressional District against 7-term incumbent Todd Tiahrt. I grew up in Wichita and as a child my mother, brother and myself were homeless numerous times.

We lived from motel to motel, from shelter to shelter growing up until we went to live with my grandfather, a minister, in Las Vegas. I didn’t come from a privileged background but I worked hard to overcome adversity and even though we lived in poverty stricken neighborhoods, full of gang violence, and drugs, I worked through school and got a scholarship to Friends University in Wichita where I graduated.

I started my legislative career at age 24 by running for Kansas State House of Representatives. I not only won the seat but continued to serve in the House until a special election in 2004 when I was appointed to the KS Senate. I was reelected at age 25 to the Kansas Senate. I am the youngest state senator in the history of Kansas. I am young but I have lived a very full life. Our future generations will continue to shape our country. I never looked at my age as an obstacle but an opportunity to speak out for everyone, young and old.

Some of the policies I have supported include funding for special education. One special program that started in Kansas (and is now nation-wide), “Circle of Friends” is an opportunity for special education students to team up with regular students one-on-one and it fostures understanding and acceptance. I love seeing the happiness in a child’s face with celebral palsy to be able to do “regular” activities such as horseback riding or just hanging out with their new team friend.

The feeling I get when I support policies that offer a positive outcome for the masses, gives me joy. What I’ve gone through in my life has made me a man of the people, and I’ve chosen to be a public servant, because it is what I’m supposed to do. It is my goal to make sure that no child is “left behind”.

I wake up every morning with the mission to retire Tiahrt. Why? Must you ask? When it comes to our youth, it should be a “no brainer” to support initiatives like “SCHIP” (State Children’s Health insurance program). My opponent voted to sustain the president’s veto against this measure three times. This congressman has supported President Bush over 90% of the time, and while you are paying more at the pump, his contribution coffers are being filled to the rim in oil money? My voting record has, and will continue to reflect healthy choices for our environment, while my opponent has a consistent 0% voting record for the environment.

There are stark differences between me and my opposition. I am on a mission to provide true leadership by example. There should be no question, that my loyalty rest with making the future brighter, safer, and stronger for America’s youth.

For more details, about my position on issues, and for more about me, please visit my website, www.betts4congress.com.