Recently, our Prince was interviewed by "Opus", the newspaper of Newcastle University in Australia. The University of Newcastle (http://www.newcastle.edu.au) has an enrollment of 18500, so the article in "Opus" should do much for our publicity. Author of the article Adam Williams looked at several micronations in order to select one for his article. Mr. Williams chose Freedonia:  "If you're wondering, I chose to contact you because out of all the micronation sites, I found Freedonia's the most interesting and well put together."

    We thank the University of Newcastle, Opus, and Mr. Williams for the opportunity this article has given us. Below is a reprint of the article.

    There's an old sitcom cliche where one character decides they can no longer stand another and draws a dividing line down the middle of the room/house they share. Inevitably, it never works out, but the act symbolizes a loss of faith leading to a desire for separation that we can probably all empathize with. For some, this dissatisfaction is not with a single person, but with their whole country. And, if they feel strongly enough, and don't wish to move elsewhere, the only course of action becomes declaring themselves  independent. Thus a micronation is born.

    The fact that micronations are hard to define probably explains the absence of an entry in either the OED or Britannica. They can be  anything from a group of like-minded individuals to a farm, small island or even a whole region. Those that do not claim land are known as 'non-territorial' or 'ephemeral' states and are generally less serious.

    A widely recognized, if disputed, micronation is modern day Palestine. At the other end of the scale lie micronations such as the Inner Realm of Patria, which claims to be a 'place' within all of us, accessible through meditation and yoga. Somewhere in between (along with the Hutt River Province in Western Australia) lies the Principality of Freedonia.

    Formed in 1992, originally as a republic, Freedonia was created as a joke by John Kyle and some friends. They hadn't even heard the term 'micronation', but simply thought it would be amusing to proclaim their homes as autonomous states within the U.S. Battle hymns were composed, a fort was built in one backyard, but not much else. It was only later that John learned many others were doing the same thing much more seriously and became inspired to try to make Freedonia into something real.

    Today, the goal of Freedonia is to create a physical nation wherein individuals have the most freedom possible and citizenship is open to anyone that feels the same (some other micronations charge for membership, titles, etc.). While it only consists of the foundersí houses in Houston, Texas and an 'embassy' in Boston, expansion plans include building an artificial 'sea-cell' island in international waters and claiming land on other planets. Things Freedonia does have are a monarch (John has become Prince John I), elected cabinet, constitution, flag, currency, and monthly newspaper. The monarchy aspect may seem to contradict the stated goal of freedom, but the justification given is that it is better to have a ruler that truly cares about the nation than one whose only goal is to stay in office.

    I recently spoke to John about Freedonia and micronations in general.

Opus:
    Are 'non-territorial' or 'ephemeral' states as legitimate as territorial ones like Freedonia?
 

    Well, strictly speaking Freedonia is not a territorial nation. Although we do claim some land within the United States, we don't plan to press these claims. We are looking elsewhere to find opportunities for sovereign territory in the interest of plausibility. Currently we are operating as a nation without land, like Palestine. However, we are different from ephemeral and virtual states, because they neither have nor aspire to have land. I am of the opinion that land is a very basic requirement to fulfill the definition of a country, and to try and establish a country without it is bound to be unsuccessful. As difficult as it is for a micronation to be recognized in the international arena, it is even more so for the ephemeral or virtual state. I believe that ephemeral states will never be paid any attention internationally. Ephemeral and virtual states are more aptly described as organizations, not nations.
 

Opus:
    How do you feel about religion-based micronations?
 

    The United States has provisions in its constitution to separate church and state, and I believe separation of church and states is a good thing. However, every micronation should be free to run their nation as they see fit. If they think basing their government on religion is best, I have no objections to it.
 

Opus:
    Should a company like Coca-Cola be allowed to set up their own micronation?

 
    It is not really a question of allowance. No one gives permission on whether a micronation can form or not. A better way for me to address your idea is, do I think corporations should set up micronations? A micronation set up by a corporation would almost definitely be for monetary and not ideological reasons. Corporations are all about one thing, profit. This is not necessarily a bad thing. If a corporation like Coca-Cola were to set up its own nation, taxing the population would be a source of income, and social services might only be issued to the extent needed to keep people from leaving the country, and the corporation from losing money. If a corporation were to govern  a micronation, the people would probably have little say in governmental affairs unless they were all shareholders. There are some bright sides to having a corporation run a country, the main one being fiscal responsibility. In all honesty, if the people in a corporate ruled country were the equal, sole shareholders, I donít know where I would stand. The idea is completely without precedent.

    However, getting away from the theoretical and back to the issue of large international corporations setting up micronations, I have to say this is not a good thing. I believe that having a corporation attempt to do so would cheapen the cause of micronationalism on the whole.
 

Opus:
    Do you get many threats of the 'if you don't like this country then leave' variety? What about people that are just a bit too keen to help you break away from the U.S?
 

    Freedonia isn't really a secessionist movement. We do claim a very small amount of territory on US land, but we honor the defacto authority. We are looking elsewhere to establish Freedonia, where it can be done peacefully and relatively easily. We have yet to receive a threat akin to 'if you don't like America then leave'. I like the United States, but I think we can do better. If we ever get such a comment, I will simply say 'we will leave, just as soon as we get our own place to go'.

    We have yet to hear from many people interested in taking land and breaking away from the US. None of our citizens have pushed this idea because it would be by far the most difficult course of action. I have spoken with people looking into breaking away from the US, namely the Republic of Texas and the Kingdom of Hawaii, but their situation is far different from a micronational one. By the way, I would like to point out that Freedonia has no militant members, and we will never take up arms offensively for our cause.

Opus:
    It seems to me that many micronations serve as a forum in which people may practice politics at a level where they can effect change, and really see the process work. I wonder has this sort of experience tempted you to get into the larger arena of American politics?
 

    I am involved in the conservative side of American Politics. I am concerned about America. I am saddened that a country with such a lofty idealistic beginning could get to where it is today. I want what I think is best for the people and the nation's economy. And, until Freedonia is internationally recognized, in the United States' and the World's eyes, I am a US citizen, and therefore required to live as such. While  I continue to hope for a stronger America and a return to our core beliefs, there is a limit to what I can do to affect the system. While we are not altering or abolishing a government, we are establishing a new one because the United States is not the fine example of freedom and democracy it once was. That is why we are trying to create this new nation. Freedonia will be a true beacon of freedom and prosperity for all the world.
 

Opus:
    What about 'wars' among micronations I have read about - are they merely another attempt for recognition? A failure to be any different from the macronations? Is there anything to be gained?
 

    War among micronations is a ridiculous notion. There are many micronations out there and some are more serious than others. Many have absolutely no desire to become a nation and act more as a club. As a result of the inactivity and boredom that can result from this type of micronation, conflicts arise. In these contests the groups vie for superiority in the micronational community. If you are a micronation seriously looking at sovereignty and international recognition, these conflicts should be avoided at all cost, they will only weaken your position. In Freedonia, we strive not to lose sight on our main goal, to become a sovereign nation. Unfortunately, many micronations who are serious get dragged into these conflicts and become absorbed in trying to achieve micronational superiority. They lose sight of the main objective. War will never aid the recognition process. There is nothing to be gained by it except entertainment value for the inactive and silly micronations. War is usually pointless in the macronational world, and it only makes sense that it is even more so in the micronational one.
 

Opus:
    Many people are pushing the idea of the 'global village' in the belief that if we see ourselves as one big community, peace and understanding will be easier to achieve. How would you respond to the suggestion that micronations do the opposite?
 

    The idea that we should become a homogeneous mass in one big community is seriously flawed. In such a situation, the problems we are already facing will multiply many fold. In a large global village, the interests of individuals or certain constituencies will be even more drowned out. The smaller the scale of government, the more likely it will be best suited to the needs and opinions of the population. Taken to the extreme, what if the world were full of city-states like ancient Greece? In some ways, this is ideal. In this environment, each individual would have much more of an impact on their government. Much of the money problems that affect national politics would be taken out of the loop. By having more of an impact on the government, people's interest in politics  would increase, as well as their knowledge of what goes on in government, thereby putting good people in office and preventing politicians from taking advantage of the public. Of course, having a world of city-states would make things unbelievably complicated economically. That is why the best idea would be to have small states linked very loosely by a larger governmental body. At the time the US constitution was drafted, each US state was really considered its own country, and the US constitution was meant to give powers to the federal body only where it was clearly beneficial.

    I think the perceived benefit most people see from a 'global community' is the end of racial differences and the conflicts between nations. However, I think that racism will only end when we come to a higher understanding of different people and cultures, and when we come to respect those different from us. This requires the education of the populace, not a melting pot of cultures. Our differences should be celebrated, not diluted.

    In an ideal world where micronations could easily succeed, the conservatives could get somewhere and have their own country, running it as they see fit. The liberals could establish a country and rule it as they like. And the socialists could do the same. Then everyone would be living in a country run with the system, ideology,  and morals they believed in. Wouldn't this be ideal?
 

Opus:
    How long will Freedonia last?
 

    Hopefully forever. But I can not predict the future.  I can say that Freedonia will last in some form until the time of my death. I am optimistic that Freedonia will have become large and established enough to continue on when that time comes. I have nominated Ken Allen as Prince Regent to take my place in the event of my death, and I am confident that he will be able to lead Freedonia to a solid future.
 

Opus:
    And lastly, what advice would you give to someone interested in setting up their own micronation?
 

    The best thing to do is to join a well-established and serious micronation like the Principality of Freedonia. Setting up your own micronations is by no means easy. Acquiring citizens is extremely difficult, and acquiring active, dedicated citizens sometimes seems impossible. Freedonia is over 6 years old and only now is the ball beginning to roll. As a new nation, you will have serious hurdles to overcome. You must compete with established micronations who may have many citizens. What would make someone want to join your new nation with one or two citizens in it? Of course, if you would like to set up a micronation for fun and are not to concerned with success than go right ahead. Lots of people have set up nations solely for the fun of it. There are some micronations which deal exclusively with chocolate, and others consisting solely of someone's bedroom.

    If you are interested in setting up your own micronation, you will need all the basics. You should design a flag, national seal, and other government symbols. You should write some kind of constitution or document outlining what your country is and how it works. Producing passports and currency is also a good idea. Once you roughly have your micronation set up, contact other micronations to become known in the micronational community. Then sit back and enjoy the reign.
 
 
 

    Recent events have come a long way twords raising public awareness of Freedonia. Since Febuary, the embassy site has had over 1,500 hits. And the recent article in Opus could be read by as many as 18,500 people. However, the Freedonian government wants to do more. "The Principality of Freedonia can only come to fruitation with exponential growth in new citizens and a greater public awareness of our movement." says Prince John. To that end, the Freedonian government is announcing promotional items like t-shirts and other products, and plans for advertising. "People around the world already wear t-shirts displaying thier favorite sports team or company." stated Prince John, "I think people should be able to do something similar with Freedonia." T-shirts would be a small part of a larger campaign to increase public awareness of the principality and boost hits on the website. The proposed t-shirt design calls for the national arms to be placed on the front of the shirt, on the upper left at 3.5" high. Underneth the arms would read "Principality of Freedonia". On the back would be our web site address. T-shirts are the only promotional items definately set for production, but other items produced in the future might include hats, bumper stickers, bags, drinking glasses, and more.
    Prince John is quick to add, "We are not making these items for profit. I do not want to send the wrong message with these products. In fact, we intend to sell our T-shirts for LESS than we are going to pay for them. The t-shirts could range anywhere from $5-$10, including shipping."
    The government has also stated that they intend to advertise Freedonia's existence by sponsoring websites and purchasing ad space on other websites. Small ads in the classified section of newspapers and magazines are another possibility, although no specific publications were mentioned.
 
 

    The Bank of Freedonia is currently looking to add coins to the current portfolio of Freedonian currency. Freedonian Paper money is under revision, as the old style currency designed in 1992 gets replaced. The new currency unveiling has experienced some delays, although the Secretary of Treasury assures us the extra wait will result in superior quality bills with good anti-counterfitting features. The government is predicting a 90% chance that a new coin will be issued, at a value of $100 Freedonian Dollars ($25 US). The design of the coin is still under development, and only a few basic facts are known at this point. The coin would be about 1.5 inches in diameter, and will most likely consist of .999 pure silver. A pure silver coin would give Freedonian currency an inherent value, aside from its government backing. Also, a coin would do much to legitimize Freedonian currency and the principality itself. The coin would also play its part in establishing  Freedonian culture, Freedonian prestige, and public awareness.
    The coin could be issued in as little as 1-2 months, in time for the unveiling of the new paper currency.
 
 

    The Freedonian government has recently tweaked its foreign policy, with the greatest changes coming in Freedoniaís relations with other micronations. The Principality still welcomes contact and discourse with all other micronations. And the government still feels these relations play an important role in governmental affairs, although not as important as before. "Freedonia must not lose sight of its main goal, which is the establishment of a soverign nation, recognized by the macronations of the world. While our relationships with other micronations are important, we must not get so involved with them that we lose sight of the main goal." Prince John told the Free Press.

    In addition, the Free Press will no long cover news about other micronations, barring some very major development.
 
 

    The new Ministry of Foreign  Affairs has been established, and Michael Zimmerman has been named to head up the organization. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' main mission is the issuance of the new Principality of Freedonia Passports. The role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be expanded in the future to cover other international issues including relations between macronations, other micronations, and Freedonian consulates.

    This week the Principality of Freedonia website has moved to www.Freedonia.org. The new address plays a part in legitimizing the Principality and boosting hits on the website. Also, the new URL is key in the planned release of promotional items such as T-shirts and bumperstickers. The old URL would have been too complicated to be effective.

    Citizens may appy for new email forwarding from the Principality. Citizens can get a new address, i.e.  yourname@freedonia.org. Mail sent to this address will automatically be forwarded to your regular email account. Citizens interested in email forwarding should contact the Prince directly.
 
 

    Recently, the Principality of Freedonia got a new Minister Defense, filling a position that has been open for an extended period of time. And the new Minister of Defense is none other than Christopher Ngan, one of the original founding fathers of Freedonia from 1992. Chris also served as a co-president for awhile, but dropped out of Freedonian affairs several years ago. Now Chris is back as Minister of Defense. "I am glad to be back, and I am very optomistic about Freedonia's potential" Chris told government officials recently.

 

    Recently, Freedonian Consulates and Embassies have been popping up around the globe. There are now Freedonian consulates in Australia, Germany, Spain, France, and a Freedonian Embassy in Ireland.
     Prince John had the following statement to make about the new consualtes and embassies: "Our recent establishment of several embassies and consulates has left us with the question, what should be the role and missions of these entities? My cabinet and I are close to coming to a definitive decision on this. First and foremost, the embassy should serve to represent Freedonia in the area, and serve as a resource for other Freedonian citizens living in that country. Secondly, consulates and embassies might write a letter to the leaders of the country they are located, making them aware of Freedonia in general. Finally, we would like consulates and embassies to set up their own webpages. They needn't be complex, but it would play a large part in being a resource to other Freedonian citizens in the area. These sites would be in the country's native language as well and would be good for prospective citizens living in that country."
    Citizens living in a country with a Freedonian Consulate or Embassy are encouraged to contact their local Consulate General or Ambassador.