Pardon Me While I Puke

Seriously. Seriously.

I know that when I haven't posted in almost a month I probably shouldn't rant... but I may have a blunt side to me.

I stumbled upon some commentary on hulu about the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) Program. If you don't know much about them, check them out, but as a brief overview here is there mission statement:

Mission Statement: To create educational opportunities for the world's poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning.

Not all, but a significant portion of their focus is on countries in Africa.

Now, I don't believe this will solve all the difficulties that African nations struggle against. I pray that God will redeem them and us and use us all for His glory. But I do hope that it can be used to bring some positive change. (As I hope that our teaching trip can do the same.)

So you can imagine my disgust to read comments about the project that said such things as (paraphrased to protect the ...):

- Don't you think African kids should learn to read first?
- They'll only end up using the computers for time wasters like Facebook and my Space.
- Do they really need laptops in Africa? I don't have one, and I'm just fine.
- They should just go outside and play.
- We shouldn't give children computers. There are sexual predators.
- (Follow up comment) I don't think there are sexual predators in Africa.

Goodness, I can feel my heart pounding. Seriously. Seriously.

I guess I knew that there are people who think Africa in one country. But this. America, please turn off the TV and do some research to inspire compassion (and intelligence).

I don't know anything really. But I do think that I am not the one to determine if another continent or child deserves a resource.

Lord, please redeem us all.