Amway and Free Speech

© Copyright 1998. This article may not be reproduced or distributed, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the author.

Last December 17, Amway Corporation posted a web page on their public site at www.amway.com, titled "Amway Statements. . ." Subheadings included " . . On Free Speech," ". . . On the Internet," and ". . . On Sidney Schwartz."

The article begins with Amway's claim that they support personal freedoms, including freedom of speech. "Freedom is one of the essential elements of Amway's business philosophy," they assert.

The second paragraph, ". . . On the Internet," claims that Amway supports "honest disagreement and discussion," that they expect that others will use the internet in a civilized manner, and "will also seek to tell the truth, obey the law and respect others and their differences."

These are noble sentiments indeed! Free and open exchange of ideas, with civility, respect, and truth! Let's back up and look at some Amway and internet history.