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Venezula Producing Its Own Linux PCs
christian.einfeldt writes "The Venezuelan Government announced the roll-out of four different models of Linux-powered consumer computers, three desktop models and one notebook. Branded 'Bolivarian Computers,' they will be will be produced by a joint venture of the Venezuelan Ministry of Light Industry and Commerce and a Chinese company named Lang Chao. The goal of the project is to jump-start a domestic IT industry and become an IT exporter to the rest of Latin America. At the ceremony introducing the program, Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez claimed that the Bolivarian Computers cost 40% less than other commercially available models and come with a 3-year warranty."
As much as I hate M$... and I really hate M$ a lot... I am a U.S. Citizen and Microsoft is a North American company bringing money into the U.S. from other countries. I realize that Mexico is a small percentage of the U.S. exports, but still, when I worked at HP we courted to them because they were a good export base (about 4% of our sales were in Mexico). Lets face it, we need exports to stay competitive.
So I am torn on this topic. I love Linux and free open source software and I want M$ to die a fast death, yet I want U.S. exports to remain high. I realize that U.S. made laptops are really made in Asia (Compal, Quantus, etc.), but there is still a nice cut made for our economy (such as my salary).
I have to say that when the whole of this is considered, it is a net negative for the U.S. That is just my $0.02.
Somehow, I don't think these computers will go on to become a commercial success after the dictator dies.
-jcr
The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
I appreciated your posting to which I am replying with questions. If there was no healthcare, it meant that there was no money being transfered from the rape of the countries resources by the oil monopoly. The rich take care of the rich and forget the rest, the oil money never tricked into the government coffers. It does now. Chavez, from what I read in our local press, is using the revenue money to create industries and work/jobs for his people. He may do it in a socialistic way, but at least he is doing it. Americans are a wonderful people. But American leaders have an agenda which is not what the founding fathers envisaged. The FF envisaged a democracy. But when one party remains in power too long, that parties objective is to stop serving the people, but to find ways to continue to remain in power. Ergo Power corrupts. And that is why Americans need a new broom. To sweep away the current jerk in power and to restore power to the people. Imagine, you, an american citizen, suspected (without real proof) could be shipped offshore for interrogation by cruel means. Don't say it cannot and does not happen. In closing, the American appetite for money before humanity (remember "In God We Trust, All others Cash" is what will destroy your great country. Chavez is raising the standard of knowledge of South Americans. He will be remembered as a hero. What about your presidents? How will they be remembered?
Leslie Satenstein Montreal Quebec Canada
Forgive me, but his intolerance to opposition - culminating with the closure of a very vocal opposition TV station - and his rule by decree status acquired by tampering with the constitution thanks to a legislative majority acquired in, to say the least, unusual circumstances, make him quite bad enough for me.
He is not acting on Venezuelan people's interests. He is acting on his and his minion's interests, but, since his minions more or less control all of Venezuela, the line gets blurry.
http://www.dieblinkenlights.com