American Republic Online

Here's something interesting:

A Swedish file-sharing company is looking to buy its own island-nation in order to avoid international copyright law.  They will bestow citizenship upon all who donate to their cause.  You can donate at www.buysealand.com there is a forum to discuss issues involved with creating a new nation.  This is fascinating.  

At first, I am, of course, attracted to the issues of liberty surrounding "New Sealand" (if I can get away with using such a pun).  Creating and establishing your own country: "to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another…"     sigh. 

Then I wake up.  Take a couple minutes to look at threads on the forum regarding politics of Sealand.  Specifically, peruse "Communism".  The first post is incredible: "It has been shown throughout history that poor countries do the best when it's a communist country."  Excuse me?  Maybe I'm only familiar with Communism destroying countries that I missed all the current countries that have had the bonds of poverty lifted through the power of collectivism.  Perhaps he misses the point that actually being able to buy a sovereign nation might only be possible through capitalism?  Only a company based solely upon the desire to steal what capitalism wrought be communist, for they have already begun to deny the idea of property.  And what's this talk about Bill Gates' existence leaving 30 other people with nothing?  Last time I checked he helped created a company that employs over 70,000 people…  at the least the author offers a disclaimer:  "But hey, what do I know about politics?"  Indeed.

Silly Commies aside, how can this ever be a viable nation?  Actual anarchy seems to be the only "system" that would fit with the company's lust for free media: they obviously have little use for laws and regulations.  However, pure anarchy would enivitably back fire, for even small islands cannot escape the Invisible Hand: what companies or countries would work with them?  A country founded on the "ideal" of theft would not attract many willing parties.  

Nonetheless, it would seem we have little to fear.  A quick look at the thread where you post how much you have donated reveals small actual interest: $42.81 so far.  Considering the sellers of Sealand are asking for 504 pounds (almost a billion dollars), it may be a while before aspiring communist pirates can claim their own nation.  I guess they'll need capitalism after all.