Question 5:

The Internet. Getting beyond the hype, what role, if any, should state government play in the development, promotion, use, taxation, and regulation of the Internet?

VENTURA Response 5:

Jesse Ventura’s Response To Question 5

If government is involved with the Internet at all, it should facilitate but not control it. It’s OK for government to help wire the State for Internet use.. The more people that get connected, the better. It’s not OK for government to try to control the content of what goes over the wires.

In schools and libraries where children can access the Internet, use filtering programs to limit access to adult content. At home, parents are responsible for their children’s use of the computer...not the government, and not Internet service providers operating under government-imposed mandates.

Except for helping more people get on line, government should have as little to do with the Internet as possible.

I have stated my no new taxes position in other forums. Let me state it here. As Governor, I will veto any new proposed tax. When we are racking up surpluses like we are, there is no need for new taxes. An Internet tax would be a new tax and I would veto it.

Even without my no new taxes pledge, I would be reluctant to tax the Internet. Left to grow on its own, the Internet will create many wealth-producing opportunities for online entrepreneurs. That income will be taxed as income tax and sales tax.

The Internet is a good thing. Let it grow with some government help and with no government interference.

Watch for my web site, coming soon.