RESPONSIBILITY

Ethics (2)

EARTH TRUSTEE
DECLARATION OF RESPONSIBILITY

Two hundred and twenty years ago the United States issued a Declaration of Independence.
In the succeeding years other independent governments were formed. Today nearly 200 independent countries comprise the United Nations.

While this has resulted in the increase of freedom around the world its benefits have been
severely limited because of a lack of a sense of responsibility. As a result poverty, pollution
and violence cover our globe. Rights must be equaled by responsibility in order for freedom
to succeed and human potentials be realized.

Twenty six years ago Earth Day obtained global attention and provided an Earth Trustee vision of our mutual responsibility for the care of our planet. With the dramatic increase now in knowledge and communication we can avoid catastrophe by a DECLARATION OF RESPONSIBILITY: "Let every individual and institution now think and act as a responsible trustee of Earth, seeking choices in ecology, economics and ethics that will provide a sustainable future, eliminate pollution, poverty and violence, awaken the wonder of life and bring peaceful progress in our human adventure."

While specific acts of implementation will vary in different cultures and countries, reporting
actions on World Wide Web will provide helpful data that will assist other efforts. Internet can bring rapid spread of participation worldwide. The choice of a candidate in America's election
should be on the basis of their support of the Earth Trustee agenda -- their vision, integrity and ability to carry it out.

John McConnell
(Founder of Earth Day)
http://www.earthsite.org