When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for
one people to join the political bonds which have long separated
us from each other, and to assume among the Powers of the earth,
the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and
of Nature's Creator entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions
of mankind requires that we should declare the causes which impel
us to unity.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created
equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable
Rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of
Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are
instituted among Men, deriving their powers from the consent of
the governed. That when any Form of Government relinquishes
their Authority, that Government becomes a Blessing to All People.
The Past, Present, and Future Internet Overseers' accept full
responsibility for the future of the Planet, the Children of the
World, and the distribution of information thereof; and to institute
a new System, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing
its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to
effect the Safety and Happiness of All.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established
should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly
all experience has shown, that mankind is more prone to suffer,
while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing
the forms to which they are accustomed. It is the right
and solemn duty of Free People to provide new Guards for the security
of All.
The History of the United States shall show that democracy has
and always will triumph over tyranny.
Freedom has always come at a price. To prove this, let Facts
be submitted to the candid people of the world.
The thirteen original colonies were founded on the Principles
of Freedom and Respect for all people.
During the American Civil War - People from all sides shed their
blood for the sake of Freedom in Ones own personal beliefs.
The first World War showed that all war is senseless and that
All Nations shall have the unalienable Right to maintain their
independent sovereignty and will.
World War II showed that trying to win back land that was lost
in previous wars only creates more death. Within the Leadership
of the Internet Community we commit to the task of making sure
that no Tyrant or Dictator shall ever become a leader to the People,
but rather a Prince of Peace, and that all People shall maintain
their Right to Free Thought, and that Internet Domains shall be
registered and maintained in a fashion that is based on Honor,
Loyalty, and Longevity for the sake of all people.
The present governing agency has willingly Assented to Laws, the
most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
That the financial resources of the People of the World have contributed
to the growth of the Internet. Thereby, the present government
overseeing committee has caused others to be elected; whereby
the capable powers, have returned to the People at large for their
exercise.
That We understand that this decree shall Never render any Military
Organization independent of and superior to the Civil Power and
Right of the People.
This document shall ensure that Free Trade shall be open to all
and remain with all peoples of the free world:
That no Past, Present, or Future Nation or Government shall impose
Taxes on the Internet without the Consent of the Free People of
the World:
That no Past, Present, or Future Nation or Government shall deprive
us of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
That no Past, Present, or Future Nation or Government shall transport
any Internet Community members beyond Seas and National boundaries,
which boundaries shall have been previously ascertained by law,
to be tried for pretended offenses:
That no Past, Present, or Future Nation or Government shall take
away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and alter
fundamentally the Forms of our Independent Governments:
That no Past, Present, or Future Nation or Government shall suspend
our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power
to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
That the People of all Nations shall be declared in the Protection
and waging of War from any Power that may try to come against
us.
That any Character of Government, whose every act which may define
a Tyrant, will be determined unfit to be the ruler of a free people,
and shall be deposed.
We must, therefore, submit to the necessity, which announces our
Unity, as we all mankind, Friends in Peace.
Article I
No Government shall make Internet law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble in cyberspace, and to petition any government for a redress of grievances.
Article II
A well regulated Internet Security Force, being necessary for the protection of the free flow of information, the Right of the Children to keep themselves from information that has been determined by the Majority of People to be declared as offensive material by the Parents of said Children, shall not be infringed.
Article III
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, internet and/or digital transmissions, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall be issued, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.Article IV
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land, sea, and air forces, or in the global security forces, when in actual service in time of war or public danger;
Article V
Nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Article VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the governments and nations wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.
Article VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed the legal expenses determined by the People at Large, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the Internet Counsel, than according to the rules of the common law.
Article VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Article IX
The enumeration of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Article X
The powers not delegated to the Internet Community, nor prohibited by it to the Nations, are reserved to the Nations respectively, and to the people.
Article XI
That unsolicited bulk-email and unauthorized cyber-spam will be eradicated from the Internet, and that the free flow of information will continue as long as the earth is in existence with respect to All People, All Nations, and All Beliefs.
Article XII
That a Blue Butterfly placed within a Circle shall become the Symbol of Peace and Harmony throughout the World, signifying an all inclusive system, and that this Internet Declaration of Independence shall not be overthrown by any Past, Present, or Future Tyrant, Dictator, or Government; and that All Free People shall have the unalienable Right to freely express their thoughts; so long as their thoughts do not infringe upon the Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness of All.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the Internet Community,
in General Congress, Assembled in Cyberspace, appealing to the
Supreme Creator of the Universe for the rectitude of our intentions,
do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of the World,
solemnly post, publish, and declare, that no boundaries shall
exist in the Management and Administration of the Internet, and
of our Right to be proclaimed as a Free and Independent People;
and that as Independent and Free-Thinking People, we have the
Power to contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all
other Acts and Things which Independent Free People have the Natural
given right to do. And for the support of this Declaration,
with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we
mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our
sacred Honor.
Hans Schnauber
International Federation of Butterfly Enthusiasts
http://www.IFBE.org