If we establish an environment in which electronic commerce can grow and flourish, then every computer will be a window open to every business, large and small, everywhere in the world. Not only will industry leaders such as IBM be able to tap in to new markets, but the smallest start-up company will have an unlimited network of sales and distribution at its fingertips. It will literally be possible to start a company tomorrow, and next week do business in Japan and Germany and Chile, all without leaving your home, something that used to take years and years and years to do. In this way, the Internet can be, and should be, a truly empowering force for large and small business people alike.
In the 21st century, we can build much of our prosperity on innovations in cyberspace, in ways that most of us cannot even imagine. This vision contemplates an America in which every American -- consumers, small business people, corporate CEOs -- will be able to extend our trade to the farthest reaches of the planet. If we do the right things now, in the right way, we can lead our economy into an area where our innovation, our flexibility, and our creativity yield tremendous benefits for all of our people; in which we can keep opportunity alive, bring our people closer to each other, and bring America closer to the world.
by Bill Clinton
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