imprimatur
issue no. 5 - july 15, 1998



dogma et heretica
Simon says: Practice what you preach
Editorial by HCH Prince Peter I Ravn of Corvinia

in the last issue of Imprimatur, I dealt with the subject of the rôle of traditional (and non-traditional) religion in the world of the micronations. This issue, I will examine a somewhat different, if no less entrenched, system of belief - the "theology", if you will, of democracy.

democracy is a widespread political phenomenon in the world of today. As a system of political philosophy, it certainly has a lot going for it. Its proponents speak eloquently of fundamental rights and liberties, and maintain that their system is superior to any other.

far be it from me to disagree with the noble sentiments of the democrats. They are right: a functioning democracy (by which I mean, a democracy that actually upholds these liberties) is one of the most beautiful works of human endeavour. But how often does one see a functioning democracy?

even in the micronational world, with small populations and a populace that can resign their citizenship at will, by the simple expedient of refusing to participate, how often do we actually see democracies that uphold the fundamental rights of religious freedom, or freedom of thought and expression?

paradoxically enough, the most outspoken proponents of democracy are also the first to shout for the suppression of "undemocratic" viewpoints. When a pro-monarchist partakes in a democratic forum, the likelihood is that he will be asked why he is there, implying that they should leave - as was indeed the case, when Baron Kasper, representing Corvinia at the MicroParliament, took part in the Democracy Committee.

fundamental liberties, surely, are fundamental to all people, not just to those who happen to agree with Holy Democratic Dogma? Or is democracy merely another word for "tyranny of the majority"?



correction
The editorial staff of Imprimatur wishes to correct some mistaken information presented in issue 4.
In a sidebar to the editorial of that issue, it was stated, erroneously, that the official religion of the Holy Empire of Reunion is the Roman Catholic Church. This is not true.
According to the Reunian constitution, the official religion of Reunion is "Christianity as practiced by the Holy Emperor", and HHIM Claudio I, while Christian, is not a Roman Catholic.
The staff of Imprimatur apologizes for any confusion this may have caused.



letters to the editor
Comments from our readers

religion and micronationalism
Letter from Flavius Vedius Germanicus,
Consul of Nova Roma

salve!

i was very pleased to read your thoughts on the role of religion in micronational affairs. I think it's a subject that has too long been ignored (especially since religion plays such an important role in Nova Roma; all of our magistrates must swear an oath to the old Gods of Rome).

one thing that you're probably not aware of that has a bearing on the subject. In April we approached Lomar with an offer of opening relations. They refused because of our pagan orientation; apparently they felt the only way to maintain their own religious freedom was to discriminate against us. So religion has already intruded into micronational affairs...

an interesting sidelight.

Vale,

Flavius Vedius Germanicus

The Editor responds:

"The Editor responds"....how do you respond to something like this? This is the twentieth century, if only for a little while longer, and religious bigotry belongs in an earlier and darker century.
For a brief moment, I deluded myself. I thought, perhaps this small community of educated and well-meaning people can rise above the dark prejudices that have so plagued human history.
Then, one after another, any illusions I might have had on this matter were taken from me.
Depressing.
The silver lining (there always is a silver lining) is that at least it teaches us the mettle of those we deal with.
When one refuses to deal with someone on the basis of one's own bigotries, rather than on the basis of their character, one is a fool. And what is worse, this folly is clear to those who have eyes to see with.
Oh, by the way....
Article 19 of the constitution of Lomar states that "The freedom of religious confession is guaranteed. The right to express one's faith freely and publicly, individually or with others is guaranteed."



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