New Year's resolution to promote information freedom

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Transcript

The other day my daughter-in-law made me think deeply when she asked about my plans for the holidays and the new year. She asked, Any resolutions?

Yes.

I resolve to promote information freedom in my teaching, writing, and public speaking.

I believe strongly in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Article 19 says:

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

These rights are denied to many people in the world. They are being eroded by governments and other organizations, even in many democratic societies. And even without repression, many people unwittingly deny themselves and others their information rights through ignorance, selfishness, or stupidity.

I can act on my resolution in my Internet classes. I can help young people access and use information with skill; think about their choices and their values as they consider ethical, legal, and technical issues in communication; and make Web sites that are accessible, interesting, and meaningful.

I have had these goals for many years, but this year I resolve to become a stronger promoter and defender of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. I promise to study hard and to teach with the hope that my students will more fully appreciate information freedom and that they will use the Internet with confidence, wisdom, and compassion. (245 words)