This site is mainly about Shetland, but the principles apply world-wide. It is a temporary site, so forgive any small glitches.
Because of Shetland's unique history, the people find themselves in a position where they can decide for themselves what relationship they want with the rest of the world. Unfortunately, our elected representatives, while saying they want more autonomy, will not simply assert Shetland's rights, but go cap in hand to those who hold the power. It is obviously not in the interests of Scotland or the UK to give Shetland any more autonomy, even less the EU. Unless the people of Shetland show they want more freedom from those powers and assert the rights they already have, nothing will change, but on an individual basis change can be made.
The whole world is sliding into a situation where fewer and fewer people control more and more of the money, resources and power, where ordinary people are losing control of their lives and being dependent on authority in one way or another.
The Sovereign Nation State of Shetland is set to reverse that trend. To take back power from the government, the bankers and the global corporations, we have to start thinking locally again. We need a means by which people can simply turn away from the present corrupt system into one where they have control over their elected representatives, their money and banking systems and their law. The Sovereign Nation State of Shetland provides that means.
The UK is sleep-walking towards the point where the government has given away sovereignty to an organisation (the EU) so corrupt that it has not been able to have its books audited for the past fifteen years, it is shackled into crippling debt by the recent bank bailout, it has corrupt government and we are seemingly helpless to do anything about any of it.
Though it acts as the agent, the UK government is not directly to blame. They don′t have any choice. Behind the scenes is a much more powerful force, which has the government by the throat. The world of banking and global corporations is run by a small number of very powerful people, to whom you and I are simply pawns in a game - but it′s a game we don′t have to play.
Just stop and think for a minute. During the banking crisis, were there any less resources in the world? The only thing there was a shortage of was money. What many people don′t realise is that money is created by the banks. That gives them the ultimate power over us and all governments and nations. "Give me control over a nations currency, and I care not who makes its laws." as Baron M.A. Rothschild is quoted as saying. It′s the interest on bank loans that means we have to have constant, unsustainable growth. It means the system is set up so that a certain percentage of debtors must default on their loans. And who gets their property when they default? The banks of course.
Just as the playground bully becomes powerless if his victim does not co-operate, we only have to realise that we are the source of that power and we don′t have to continue playing the game. Most people simply accept the inevitability of their situation and think that nothing can be done, but in reality it is only by each one making the decision for themselves that change can happen.
It doesn′t have to be violent. It can happen by people simply changing their minds and turning their backs on the existing situation. Just as it takes only a small number to keep the present system in place, it takes an equally small number to achieve change. As more and more people make the change, the old system will simply die on the vine.
People often ask me how Shetland could manage without EU and UK grants and subsidies. The truth is, the boot is on the other foot. Shetland is, and always has been, a source of income for the government or the Crown. Most people would assume that Shetland, being an island group right out on the periphery, would be a net recipient of the tax/grant/subsidy merry-go-round, but not so. In 2003 (the latest year we have figures for) Shetland paid into the UK Treasury £200 million in direct and indirect taxes. It got back £100 million in grants and subsidies. £100 million went out of the Shetland economy, never to return; and was spent on supporting things like payments to the EU (reputedly £250 million per day from the UK), illegal wars and other essentials.
£100 million (and it will be more by now) into the Shetland economy dwarfs the dubious benefits of the Viking Energy wind factory project and without any of the environmental impact of that scheme. It would cut petrol and diesel prices by 70% and make goods cheaper in our shops, as well as putting more money into peoples′ pockets.
Shetland′s history gives it a unique opportunity to make this change happen. Because it can never have been legitimately incorporated into either Scotland or the United Kingdom, neither can it be subject to any decisions by those governments. Stuart Hill has spent the past two years trying to get those organisations that profess to have authority in Shetland to prove their authority. None has been able to do so and all have avoided taking me to court to enforce their pretended authority. They can only continue to exert their power if we continue to consent.
This is not about sitting back and watching things happen - every individual must make their own decision and take responsibility for their own actions. You can make your own declaration here.
The Sovereign Nation State was officially declared at a gathering of around 100 people on 21st June 2010. The declaration was read out in full and twenty people signed their personal sovereignty declarations.
On 27th-28th August, Shetland hosted a three day international conference to discuss the issues. The whole event was filmed and will be available as soon as we get it edited.
If you agree with our aims, but are not able to give your time, please buy a T-shirt, or help with a regular donation:
Thank you.
The Sovereign Nation State of Shetland has no party political or religious affiliations.