• Back to the News Index...
The Declaration of an Independent Internet
Drafted July 4, 1995 to Guide Us to a Safe Internet without Censorship
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all lawful information is created equal, that this information is endowed by its creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these is the right to be distributed via the Internet without governmental censorship. That whenever any legislation becomes destructive of these ends, it is the duty of the members of the Internet to oppose it, and to institute self-regulation with parental control, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect the safety of children and the sanctity of distribution.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that regulations long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to accept censorship where none is required, than to right things by opposing such censorship. But when an unnecessary attempt at censorship, pursuing centralized control, evinces a design to place information under absolute Despotism, it is the right of the members of the Internet, it is their duty, to oppose such legislation, and to promote self-regulation with parental control.
We therefore, Parents and Representatives of the Online World, in cooperation, appealing to concerned parents everywhere for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the authority of the Internet Community, solemnly publish and declare, that this Internet represents all cultures, and of Right ought to be self-regulated with parental control and free from govermental censorship. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, We mutually pledge to each other and to our children, our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
The Signers:
John Hart |
Founder of Americans for Honesty in Government. Direct descendent John Hart of N.J. who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 |
David Smilay |
President of Founders of Freedom |
Nancy Batchelder |
Sec. of Founders of Freedom |
William H. Moore, Jr |
Esq. |
C. Jerry Kutner |
Esq. |
David Boruff |
President of Musenet, Online Organization |
Arnold Rosenthal |
School Teacher |
Tom Rincker |
President of Telegence, Online Company |
Jimmy George |
Producer-Songwriter, President of J.G. Productions |
Dr. George Schuchard |
DDS. |
Raymond Hart |
Online Entertainer |
John Russell |
Businessman, Owner of Russell Automotive |
Jo Ann Russell |
Online Mother |
Frank Jaramillo |
Businessman |
Sharon Jaramillo |
Online Mother |
Barbara Teuscher |
Property Manager |
Carlo Panno |
Research Expert |
Donald J. Paul |
Certified Public Accountant |
Marc Kanter |
Solid Oak Software, Makers of CYBERsitter |
Ray Soular |
Founder, SafeSurf |
Wendy Simpson |
President, SafeSurf |
Eric T. Benoit |
Partner, Benoit Internet Services Co. |
Scott R. Chene |
Co-Owner of Advanced Business Innovations |
Jeff McCormick |
Co-Owner of Advanced Business Innovations |
Dr. Michael Baker |
Electronic Frontiers, Australia |
|
