Subject:
FAQ: Oceania - The New Country
Newsgroups:
alt.culture.virtual.oceania
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, sci.misc
, soc.misc
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Archive-name: oceania/faq
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Oceania: The New Country FAQ
1) WHAT IS OCEANIA ABOUT?
1.1) History of Oceania
1.2) Description of Oceania
1.3) Capitalist paradise
1.4) The phases of building Oceania
1.5) A haven for free thought
1.6) A new land of justice
2) ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
2.1) What will be the major industries in Oceania?
2.2) What will be the cost and size of Oceania?
2.3) What is the status of the model?
2.4) Why not buy an island?
2.5) Is drug use legal in Oceania?
2.6) Where will Oceania be located?
2.7) Can people be extradited from Oceania?
2.8) Can I visit your headquarters?
2.9) Aren't you worried about hurricanes?
2.10) How will construction of Oceania be financed?
2.11) How can I help?
2.12) How can I learn more about libertarianism
and objectivism?
2.13) Where did you get the name Oceania?
3) HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT OCEANIA?
3.1) Listserver/Mailing list
3.2) FTP site
3.3) WWW Site
3.4) alt.culture.virtual.oceania
1) WHAT IS OCEANIA ABOUT?
1.1) History of Oceania
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TO START A NEW COUNTRY....
The Atlantis Project began in February '93, conceived shortly after
Tamara Clark was defeated by massive election fraud in her quest
for the State Senate in Nevada. Its goal is to create a new
country called Oceania, with this country being constructed on an
artificial island in the Caribbean.
Eric Klien, Tamara Clark's treasurer, was greatly upset to uncover
systemic, massive, nationwide election fraud throughout the U.S.
and realized that the resources needed to combat it were way beyond
his means. The death threats and intimidation by goons that the
election fraud investigation encountered were just a hint of the
size and power of the opposition. Being told by the state senate
that they were "too tired" to review our five boxes of evidence was
the final blow in our attempt to get this instance of election fraud
reversed.
Having given up on the U.S., Eric looked for other countries with a
bright future and found none. So the concept of a country on the
sea was born. The project rapidly picked up steam in 1993, getting
nationwide publicity on The Art Bell Show, Details Magazine, The
Miami Herald, Boating Magazine and more. Worldwide publicity was
received as well in Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, England, and
Belgium. Unfortunately, as the publicity increased the funds began
to run out, and eventually the project ran out of money. A focus
on donations instead of investments was its biggest mistake.
Slowly, after the project's collapse in April of 1994, the project
is being brought back to life. At the moment the main goal of the
project is to pay off past debts of the project plus to keep its
supporters aware of the incremental progress that is being made.
Once the project's debts are paid off, the project will go into full
gear again. Eric Klien is currently undergoing numerous financial
ventures to rebuild the project's finances.
1.2) Description of Oceania
As the slogan of Oceania suggests, we're out to "Break the Chains"
that bind us. A complete Constitution and system of Laws were
created early on. This way anyone involved may know about what they
are investing their time and money. Since this is the first time in
modern history a new country will be formed where there was none
before, future Oceanians have the distinct opportunity of creating a
governmental structure from the start rather than being required to
revolt and overthrow a previously entrenched regime. The formation
of Oceania is truly a peaceful way towards an ideal. Today, every
society is hopelessly entangled in bureaucracy, corruption and/or
outright slavery, forever muddled in the free-lunch philosophy. The
founders of Oceania have set a course for freedom.
Appropriately named Oceania, our new country will be a floating
sea-city. We plan to build it about fifty miles off the coast of
Panama in the Caribbean Sea. Hired architect, Sten Sjostrand, has
designed this revolutionary new idea for habitation so it may grow
almost infinitely. Our structure will consist of hexagonal, modular
units (each about 1.60 acres). Although we believe the initial
layout will be a horseshoe shaped harbor, the form of Oceania will
continually evolve. Its development should be as unique as those who
become involved in its various enterprises.
At the outset, Oceania's amenities will include space for light
industry, small parks, day-care centers, theaters, schools,
libraries, resorts, shopping malls, sports facilities and ports for
STOL airplanes, helicopters, and ships. The government of Oceania
will be restricted in scope, allowing you to exercise your right to
attain and keep honestly acquired wealth, and to use it as only you
see fit. Genuine free-enterprise (as envisioned by Adam Smith,
Ludwig von Mises, F. A. Hayek and Ayn Rand) will be practiced. Thus,
what the market will provide is limited only by the imagination.
1.3) Capitalist paradise
Come live in Oceania...or just visit. Either way, there will be no
better place on earth to do business. By its very nature, a land
which, by law, keeps the non-productive and their government agents
off the backs of the industrious capitalists, and more important,
keeps the established firms from legislating its competition out of
business, will have a thriving economy. The Law of Oceania has its
basis in the separation of economy and state.
The rest of the world dwells in statist dominance over its
productive class. Ranging from the most vicious socialist wealth-
redistribution schemes to the over-regulated, protectionist fascist
economies, we are offered strangulation and enslavement at every
turn. In Oceania the sharks and barnacles will be in the sea, not on
your property!
Upon habitation, a stock market, banking, import/export,
manufacturing -- the whole spectrum of completely free, private
enterprise -- will commence. Doing business is a right in Oceania;
no government licensure will be tolerated. Earning and keeping your
wealth is a right in Oceania; taxation is outlawed.
Take a minute to imagine what it would be like running your business
(including raising capital) or making investments without the
obnoxious interference of government bureaucrats and tax
extortionists. Your lawyer will be hired to help you with contracts,
not to keep you out of jail for breaking a "law". Your accountant
can help you attain a better bottom line... not jump through
government tax hoops.
In Oceania, we celebrate unabashed free-market capitalism. If you
own a business, prepare to thrive in the competition. If you seek
employment, revel in the idea of industries bidding for your
services with ever higher wages and benefits. If you are a
speculative investor, get ready to watch the wonder of the unchained
human spirit unfold at your feet as inventors, artists, researchers,
scientists -- unlimited creative thinkers -- vie for your support.
Imagine the glorious feast of opportunity....
1.4) The phases of building Oceania
PHASE ONE: CONSTITUTION AND LAW
Complete the constitution and laws of Oceania. This phase is
complete and these documents are currently available.
PHASE TWO: MARKETING
Advertise and gain support for the project. This phase is 50%
complete. To complete this marketing phase, the model debt must be
paid off. The free publicitiy from having a paid for, completed
model, would be much greater than that of all the paid advertising
the project has contract to date.
PHASE THREE: ARCHITECTURE
Design Oceania. Initial models and design cost will cost $70,000.
The final part of the third phase is when the blueprints are
completed, which will cost approximately 1% of the construction
costs. This phase is 50% complete and will go forward when the model
debt is paid off.
PHASE FOUR: CONSTRUCTION
Begin construction of Oceania. Once Phases One through Three are
completed, private investors and companies will be approached for
working capital. Then we begin the marketing and selling of "land"
to real estate development companies. This phase is 0% complete due
to burdensome "blue sky" laws involving investments.
1.5) A haven for free thought
Are you ready to begin living like an adult? Are you ready to take
responsibility for your own moral choices? Are you ready to leave
others to their own vices and habits? Are you ready to live in a
nation where the government will not be your nanny? Or your
neighbor's?
Oceanians will be expected to make their own lifestyle choices.
Government will be prohibited from "sin-taxing", "warning", "zoning"
and censoring what you listen to, watch, read or write! Oceanians
are expected to be tolerant of others doing things they disapprove
of. This is not so hard once they realize they need not tolerate any
unwanted associations of any kind. Any regulations will be done
privately; private property enables us to maintain privacy.
Your religion is yours to follow...or not. No majority-rule
"community standards" will dictate laws over the individual or a
congregation; you may pray as you see fit in your own house of
worship; you may exclude the antagonizer.
In Oceania, "Big Brother" will not even be a little cousin!
1.6) A new land of justice
America began with the intent of seeing that criminals who violated
the rights to property and privacy were dealt with swiftly and
punished accordingly. A fair trial was promised for the accused.
Something happened along the way: The laws became more complicated
and intrusive because lawyers and legislators were able to tamper
with your sanctity. Things will be different in Oceania. For a crime
to be so in our new country, there must be a victim. For a
conviction, jurors who understand their proper rights and duties
will be in charge.
2) ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
2.1) What will be the major industries in Oceania?
The marketplace will determine the major industries in Oceania. We
guess that originally the major industries will be private banking,
tourism, and fishing. Medical research would also move to Oceania,
especially recombinant biotechnology. Finally, life extension
technology can be pursued!
2.2) What will be the cost and size of Oceania?
The initial size that is planned for this project will be built to
house approximately 10,000 to 30,000 people and the businesses and
industry to support this population. Of course, with the innovative
architecture and design, the sea city will have the ability to
expand in order to accomodate its growing population.
We are roughly looking at one billion dollars to start
construction. This will build approximately 80 hexagons and some
additional property development. Most of actual construction
should come from business or other land development companies.
2.3) What is the status of the model?
The model is completed but it is only half paid for.
2.4) Why not buy an island?
When the founder first considered this project, his first idea was
to purchase an island. The more he investigated, the more he
realized that for the purposes of sovereignty, none were available
for purchase. There were islands for sale, but they were still
under the umbrella of another government.
He also considered ninety-nine year land leases, but ultimately the
land would still not be its own entity with all the privileges of
being a sovereign country.
2.5) Is drug use legal in Oceania?
Since those who are interested in having residence in Oceania will
adhere to the philosophy of "My body, my business", drug use of any
kind (even vitamins) will be left up to the individual.
This does pose a problem when certain drugs leave Oceania soil in
regard to relationships with other countries. It has been written
within the laws of Oceania that drug exportation would compromise
national safety if the country of Oceania were used as a vehicle to
traffic mind-altering drugs to countries which deemed them illegal.
Those who would inhabit Oceania do not advocate one to use Oceania
to violate another country's laws. This would very likely incite an
attack against this peaceful nation.
2.6) Where will Oceania be located?
The site that has been chosen for Oceania is approximately fifty
miles northeast off the coast of Panama.
The reason for this location is:
a. There has never been a hurricane in this area of the
Caribbean in recorded history.
b. The temperature is always moderate so those who live there
will have pleasant living conditions. This will also
encourage tourism.
c. The water is only 100 feet deep, so it wouldn't be
difficult to build up the sea floor if necessary.
d. This area is also near major trade routes.
2.7) Can people be extradited from Oceania?
For people who have been accused of crimes in other countries, if it
is also a crime in Oceania, then the accused can be tried in Oceania
under Oceania law. It will be up to the jury to decide the
punishment if the accused is found guilty. The jury might decide on
restitution, jail time in Oceania, or exile.
One note of interest is that the country accusing the defendant
will be the actual prosecutor. In cases where the accused is found
innocent, the country of origin will be liable for all court costs.
2.8) Can I visit your headquarters?
If you would like to come visit our headquarters in Las Vegas,
please contact us first, so arrangements can be made. We would be
more than happy to answer any questions you have about The Atlantis
Project.
2.9) Aren't you worried about hurricanes?
50 miles east of Panama is the calmer side of the Caribbean Sea. In
addition, the flexible and sturdy design of Oceania will allow it to
survive hurricanes just as Sten Sjostrand's Saigon Hotel survived a
hurricane undamaged. Sten Sjostrand is the architect designing
Oceania for The Atlantis Project.
2.10) How will construction of Oceania be financed?
The construction of Oceania will be financed through selling off
the platforms of Oceania to private investors. A single company
will be established to sell off these platforms, then the company
will be dissolved once all the initial land has been sold.
The eventual dissolution of this company is important to stop any
conflicts of interest that may develop.
2.11) How can I help?
If you have the ability to work with CAD software, you can help work
on the CAD animation of the model. You can also help us collect
source material for the CAD animation such as still pictures of
oceans and marine life and also sound files of oceans and marine
life.
You can purchase things in our mall which is accessible via our web
site, FTP site, and listserver. Or you can decide to provide us
with new items to sell in our mall.
You can make tax deductible contributions (send e-mail for details).
You may read and review the constitution and laws. Note that "no"
financial compensation will be given to anyone for suggestions on
how to improve our constitution or laws. But Eric may decide to
name a street after you in the housing development he will be
building in Oceania.
You may promote our web site, FTP site, and listserver. It is felt
that long term our web site will be our most important way in
communicating with the public.
2.12) How can I learn more about libertarianism and objectivism?
Read alt.politics.libertarian and alt.philosophy.objectivism.
Please do not send us messages asking why we think it is right that
Oceania does not have antitrust laws, welfare, or taxes.
2.13) Where did you get the name Oceania?
Oceania is named after the fictional totalitarian state in George
Orwell's book _1984_. It is hoped that the name of this country
will cause more people to read this book and realize how similar
the country they currently live in is like the country of Oceania
described in this famous book.
3) HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT OCEANIA?
3.1) Listserver/Mailing list
To subscribe to our mailing list, send the message
SUBSCRIBE OCEANIA-L <YOUR FULL NAME> to
listproc@unicycle.cs.tulane.edu.
To unsubscribe, send the message
UNSUBSCRIBE OCEANIA-L to listproc@unicycle.cs.tulane.edu.
3.2) FTP site
Our FTP site is at oceania.org. Information is stored there at
/pub/oceania.
3.3) WWW Site
Our web site is available at http://oceania.org/
3.4) alt.culture.virtual.oceania
Is the name of our newsgroup.
"Why don't you have a newsgroup with the big seven?" My friends
David C. Lawrence/tale@uunet.uu.net and
Una Smith/una@minerva.cis.yale.edu are stopping a vote from
happening.
If you send any messages to my friends, please tell them that you
would prefer the name soc.culture.newcountry.oceania. The name
"virtual" is the pits.
___________________________________________________________
Copyright (c) 1995 by The Atlantis Project, all rights reserved.
This FAQ may be posted to any USENET newsgroup, on-line service, or BBS
as long as it is posted in its entirety and includes this copyright
statement.
This FAQ may not be distributed for financial gain.
This FAQ may not be included in commercial collections or compilations
without express permission from the author.
--
Titus Brown, brown@krl.caltech.edu.