The whole computer Internet system is the most important, the most revolutionary development since the printing press. Eventually, I predict, it will do as much good for circulation of information as the printing press. I support the development of this so very, very strongly. I simply cite that there are some dangerous places … on the information superhighway.
Predictor: Exon, James
Prediction, in context:In 1995 Sen. James Exon, D-Neb., proposed an amendment to the Telecommunications Act. This is an excerpt from Exon’s statement, which is included the Congressional Record report from June 9, 1995: ”I have said on many occasions that I happen to believe the whole computer Internet system is the most important, the most revolutionary development since the printing press. Eventually, I predict, it will do as much good for circulation of information as the printing press. I support the development of this so very, very strongly. I simply cite that there are some dangerous places … on the information superhighway. I think that while we are creating this as an important part of our new telecommunications bill, we who are charged with the responsibilities to pass laws that are reasonable and proper should emphasize a little in our thinking what is proper and what is not proper. It is my intention to point out to the U.S. Senate some of what I think is highly improper, what I think is eroding the society and will continue to erode the society of America, unless we have the courage to stand up and do something about it, despite the minority of naysayers in the United States of America who do not want to change anything.”
Biography:James Exon, a U.S. senator from Nebraska, was the author of the Communications Decency Act, passed by the U.S. Senate in 1995. The controversial legislation contained sweeping language barring “obscene,” “indecent” or “harassing” communications online or via phone or fax. (Legislator/Politician/Lawyer.)
Date of prediction: June 9, 1995
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Censorship/Free Speech
Name of publication: Congressional Record
Title, headline, chapter name: Communications Decency Act
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?r104:1:./temp/~r104Uzm12X:e46:
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Dube, Kristin