01. What is Lemuria?
The Empire of Lemuria is a
sovereign, independent non-territorial state of a type popularly called a
'micronation' or 'ephemeral state'. It was created by a declaration on September 9th, 2001 C.E.
02. You're kidding, right?
No, we're quite serious.
03. Isn't that illegal?
Not at all. There are
thousands of microstates in existence: [link] This is how nations are formed:
communities of people banding together for mutual support and well-being.
04.
You people should support the USA in all things, not run off on your own!
Even if they run off of a
cliff? Take a long, hard look at the policies of the Western States - not just
the U.S. - over the last century; not just what is in the history books. Look
deeper, at what went on, and more importantly, why.
You will find your opinions
changing.
05.
OK, even if this isn't illegal, what's the point?
At the base, to educate people in the lost art of independent, non-propagandized thinking. At the end, we intend to be a physical entity holding a light up for everyone to see. A light that leads the way out of Darkness.
06.
Hmmmm...Okay, I see that some people have letters after their names. What do
those mean?
That means that they have been granted with a title, usually as a Knight.
07.
I thought you couldn't do that.
We are not claiming to grant
titles of nobility that rightfully belong to other countries; these were
created by and for Lemuria. It is an involved discussion, however, better
discussed here.
08.
Okay, what are your views on religion?
Religion is a completely personal matter between you and whoever or whatever you worship; the Empire takes no official position on the matter. As long as you are not threatening anyone with violence or actually doing physical harm to another person, we don't care what your religion is.
09.
Abortion?
At this writing (August, 2004 C.E.), there has been no official position promulgated by the Throne on this subject. When there is one, this space will be updated.
10.
Homosexuality?
What goes on between consenting adults behind closed doors is none of this Government's business.
11.
Education?
We are abhorred at the decline
in the level of overall education in Western Society, and in the United states
in particular; in fact, that was one of the original reasons for founding the
Empire.
Lemuria takes the position
that education must be returned to its true form: that of education for the
sake of knowing -- not the trite and cynical Industrial Age model of
"molding lumps of formless clay" into mere cogs in the societal
machine.
12.
Race?
Humanity Is One. There are very likely sentient beings inhabiting other planets around other stars...but we've never met them. When we do, we'll revisit this question.
13.
Drugs?
While advising all Lemurian
Citizens to abide by the laws of the countries they currently reside in, if it
grows naturally and doesn't kill you outright, how is that wrong? On the other
hand, if you want to put gasoline in your body, drinking a cup or two of
gasoline is a lot cheaper than the alternative.
14.
Health care?
Basic medical needs like trauma care, childbirth and emergency
surgery (for things like appendicitis) will be covered under the Empire's
medical plan, once we get to that point.
Elective surgeries, like
'cosmetic' surgery, are the responsibility of the individual to pay.
15.
If I wanted to become a Citizen of Lemuria, do I have to give up my current
Citizenship?
No. The Empire currently allows dual-Citizenship. We may review this in the future, but that is the current policy.
16.
How do I get to be a Knight or another kind of noble? Can I buy a title?
No, you most definitely cannot "buy" a title. Titles are granted for service; in the case of the Order of the Lemurian Sword, the award is granted to Citizens who have previously served honorably in a recognized military service.
17.
Is there a membership fee or taxes, or something?
No. At present, trying to tax
the Citizenry would do more harm than good. If you would like to help support
the Empire in its endeavors, however, please email the Exchequer
or visit the Bazaar.
18. Check here for the Lemurian entry in the CIA World
Factbook.