Clearing up some misconceptions (foreign diplomats read)

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Scott Alexander
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Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2001 9:16 pm

Clearing up some misconceptions (foreign diplomats read)

Post by Scott Alexander »

I realize that certain aspects of our internet presence may give the wrong impression of us, and various people have seen fit recently to make inaccurate comments about Shireroth that reinforce that wrong impression and may tarnish our image in the world community. I hope I can address a few of these points to prevent people from getting the wrong impression.MYTH: Shireroth is a fantasy/rpg/recwar nationFACT: The Shireroth national government does not officially support any fantasy or RPGs, and we have not had a recwar in over a year, a very long amount of time when compared to some supposedly more serious nations. Although many of our citizens are interested in fantasy or role-playing and may engage in it in their respective Duchies, it does not interfere with the normal operations of the government any more than a Senator who happened to like playing Dungeons and Dragons during his spare time would interfere with the operations of the United States. MYTH: Shireroth is not a "real" micronation but just a place to chatFACT: This restatement of the previous argument is just as wrong. Our Landsraad has passed in the past year or so approximately seventy-five different bills and rejected perhaps a hundred more, using a complex voting process based on noble rank. Our immigration process, complete with a guide for new citizens and a "phasing-in" period is one of the most efficient of which I know, our census lets us determine who is inactive and needs to be booted out, and our university teaches all sorts of interesting and sometimes just plain bizarre classes, to give a few examples of the success of our Ministries. Anyone who doubts the seriousness of our government and our commitment to the rule of law need only check our infamously well-organized Lawbook to allay their worries.MYTH: Shireroth is militaristicFACT: Shireroth has not fought a war in over three years, again a very good record compared to many other large nations. We helped found and are currently a member of the Olive Branch Confederation, an organization dedicated to intermicronational peace, and have spoken out against recent conflicts when others kept quiet. Shireroth's military has no say in the national government.MYTH: Shirerithians are not serious or dedicated micronationalistsFACT: Shireroth has a long history of committment to serious micronationalism. At least four citizens have been in the hobby for three years or more, and our laws place strong restrictions upon joining multiple micronations without real committment. Many Shirerithians are so committed to the nation that they travel thousands of miles to attend the annual convention in Sonoma.MYTH: Shireroth does not contribute to the intermicronational communityFACT: What is today possibly the most successful intermicronational organization in existence, the MCS, was founded by two Shirerithians. Some top intermicronational newspapers, such as the Furball and the Skyline before it, are published by our citizens, and it is a Shirerithian, Mattlore Devious, who runs one of micronationalism's most successful sports leagues. Shireroth helped found the Olive Branch Community, was an integral part of the Assembly of Micronations when it was around, the League of Micronations before it grew pointless, and would join any similar organization were it to arise today (hopefully not TOO similar!).MYTH: Shireroth is oppressive or dictatorial or fascist or communist or [insert your least favorite adjective here]FACT: Almost all important decisions in Shireroth are made by the Landsraad, a legislative body on which most active long-term citizens hold a say. Although the Kaiser reserves the right to overrule the Landsraad, the last time he did so was...well, so far as I can remember never. People, even foreigners, often critique or even outright insult the government with impunity. There are no restrictions on freedom of worship, freedom of the press, freedom of thought, et cetera, and of course everyone who has come to Shireroth has done so of their own free will - and they keep coming!MYTH: Shireroth doesn't care about international affairs and is isolationist.FACT: If we didn't care about international affairs, why would I be wasting my time writing this? Although many Shirerithians choose not to travel abroad, many others do, and some are even citizens in foreign countries. The Ministry of the Exterior is almost constantly working on negotiations with someone or other about something, and occasionally even the Kaiser sees fit to grace foreign countries with his presence. Shireroth recognizes the importance of international affairs and is one of the major participants in them in the micronational world today.Do Shirerithians have a sense of humor? Yes. Can we sometimes be a little crazy? Sure...but you have to be a little crazy to be a micronationalist, and if we're not as good at hiding it as some people are, we make no apologies for the fact. We're all a little crazy here, and if that doesn't stop us from wanting to establish a better relationship with you, we hope that it won't stop you from wanting to look into the possibility of closer contact with us. Edited by: Scott Siskind  at: 2/14/04 10:57 am

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Ari Rahikkala
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Joined: Sun Jan 21, 2001 12:56 pm
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Re: Clearing up some misconceptions (foreign diplomats read)

Post by Ari Rahikkala »

Requesting declassification per Declassification act of 3742.
No-one should be without a parasol, Sirocco.

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