More Playstation War

Haven't blogged in a few days... the 'playstation war' (see previous post) has been on my mind... I've read up on it a bit. It's estimated that over 5 million people have died in recent years over mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African nations.

5 million people!?

Also, the issue isn't just video games but laptops and cell phones as well.

I need a new phone. The obvious question is, does the cell phone I'm interested in use tantulum, the refined metal mined in Africa? I'll do some checking... I doubt anyone is telling.

Meanwhile here's a link to Robin Brown's article in rabble news which includes these practical (although admittedly limited) ideas on how not to be involved in fueling a war while still using technology.

1) Call their cell phone manufacturer and ask if their phones contain Congolese coltan.

2) Do what they can to make sure their personal savings or pension money is not invested in companies doing business in the Congo.

3) Support the Congolese people by raising awareness of the war.

God help us.

Jesus was a Viral Marketer

Seth Godin says, "technology doesn't care who you hate." True. But his list highlights more than technology. It highlights speed, the personal and sometimes the authentic as well. Hmmm, makes me think of Jesus. He was effective, personal, authentic and radically different than anyone and anything of his time... and ours.

The religious institution hated him.

Do they still? In what ways would you say they do? Good questions.