Article by Evren F
Yesterday, James von Puchow issued a statement explaining that his two-year involvement with Francisville was coming to an end.
A micronationalist of long standing in the micronational community – Mr von Puchow has been nationbuilding for well over a decade – James has decided to cement Landashir’s status as “a politically autonomous collective which operates as a nation state” in order that it may “continue to exist without needing me to prop it up… [so that] the inactivity of my own self would not indicate that Landashir had ceased to exist. Landashir is still my home, but I would like to invest my efforts somewhere else.”
James cited personal commitments such as his studies for the reasoning behind the decision, which “was made a long time ago”. Mr von Puchow does not see his announcement as an “announcement of radical ideas” but simply a confirmation of a naturally made decision and stated further that,
“I have felt personally disappointed that I have not been able to fulfil any major duties as Premier nor go out and be a diehard micronationalist since I arrived in Edinburgh, but what needs to be stressed is that I am not the country. I have done a lot for it – I built it up – but Landashir can still be a functioning small little country with a government and territory without my constant input. I’ve learned to embrace the feelings of guilt by knowing that I belong to a country, but that country does not necessarily belong to me.”
On the subject of James’ intent towards the Empire of Austenasia, he stated that,
“The Emperor and I are looking to use my experience as a statesman to work for the Empire’s diplomatic service and embassies, possibly installing me in the office of an Austenasian embassy… The Emperor and I have been very close friends in the professional world, and I have taken time to attend national events in Austenasia and visit. I see a stable, structured nation and a possible new home. They have also embraced democratic institutions and their culture is not too different from my own. However, it can’t be denied that I am a staunch republican, so any oaths I take will have to reflect that although I may give allegiance to an Emperor, I remain loyal to a nation and its people.
“I may be a critical voice within the country as a result, but I know that this will not stop me from taking part in Austenasian processes and its culture. Think of it this way – Landashir is my spiritual home and place of rest, but I will live and work with Austenasia. Landashir doesn’t need all my time because it can function without a designated leader or a stack of laws – it is a commune.”
When asked about his future plans, hopes and dreams for this new, evolved role in micronationalism, James simply answered that “Plans will simply be to keep everyone updated on how I’m doing – I’m a friend of this entire community and a veteran at the same time. I have asked that my experience be used and somewhat exploited; at the end of the day, I find much comfort in being involved in this community because it realises my passion for politics and talking about what sort of country I wish to live in. We’ve yet to see the fruits of my labour, so I look forward to the future.”
An inspiring message for long-standing members of the community everywhere, James von Puchow is a shining example of the evolution of micronational statesmanship. We await further developments with interest.
