Difference between revisions of "Empire of Stomaria"
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The '''Empire of Stomaria''' is a [[micronation]] based in the United Kingdom. It was created by Andrew Stott | The '''Empire of Stomaria''' is a [[micronation]] based in the United Kingdom. It was created by Andrew Stott in 2019. | ||
While Stomaria was initially held in high esteem by the greater micronational community, its reputation suffered after Stott released a series of videos on YouTube criticising the attendees and organizers of [[MicroCon 2023]] and [[MicroCon]] in general. | While Stomaria was initially held in high esteem by the greater micronational community, its reputation suffered after Stott released a series of videos on YouTube criticising the attendees and organizers of [[MicroCon 2023]] and [[MicroCon]] in general. This has led some to ponder whether or not to label Stomaria a "joke" micronation intent on trolling other micronations through social media. | ||
==Emperor Andrew Stott== | ==Emperor Andrew Stott== | ||
Stomaria is the brainchild of Mr. Andrew Stott, who proclaimed himself Emperor shortly after creating the country. | Stomaria is the brainchild of Mr. Andrew Stott, who proclaimed himself Emperor shortly after creating the country. He has cited desire for self-determination and building community as at least part of the reason for Stomaria's creation. | ||
===United People's Party=== | ===United People's Party=== | ||
| Line 49: | Line 49: | ||
In 2009, Andrew Stott founded the United People's Party (UPP), a short-lived political party in the United Kingdom. Stott's motivation for creating this party was, "a hatred of political extremism." | In 2009, Andrew Stott founded the United People's Party (UPP), a short-lived political party in the United Kingdom. Stott's motivation for creating this party was, "a hatred of political extremism." | ||
The UPP claimed to represent "a non-xenophobic form of nationalism." However, by 2012, some political commentators in the UK mused that the party was borderline fascist and dismissed it as a serious contender in upcoming elections. It was self-described as "a fusion of left-wing and right-wing values and beliefs." | The UPP claimed to represent "a non-xenophobic form of nationalism." However, by 2012, some political commentators in the UK mused that the party was borderline fascist and dismissed it as a serious contender in upcoming elections. It was self-described as "a fusion of left-wing and right-wing values and beliefs." Notably, the party bylaws stated: "All Party Officers are appointed by the Leader [Andrew Stott], who has absolute authority and responsibility within the Party, to ensure that the Party remains internally stable and active." | ||
From 2009 - 2012, three members of the UPP won seats on parish councils, but the party's lead candidate, Alan Valentine, failed to garner even 1% of the vote in his sole electoral attempt. | From 2009 - 2012, three members of the UPP won seats on parish councils, but the party's lead candidate, Alan Valentine, failed to garner even 1% of the vote in his sole electoral attempt. The UPP was no longer active by late 2012. | ||
===Patriotic Socialist Party=== | ===Patriotic Socialist Party=== | ||
[[File:Emperor Andrew.jpg|300px|thumb|Picture of Andrew Stott with the Patriotic Socialist Party logo behind him]] | [[File:Emperor Andrew.jpg|300px|thumb|Picture of Andrew Stott with the Patriotic Socialist Party logo behind him]] | ||
After the failure of the United People's Party, Andrew Stott founded the Patriotic Socialist Party (PSP) on 1 January 2014 as a successor body to the UPP. Two of the party's primary goals were the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and the abolition of the British monarchy. The PSP was ridiculed by the British press for its seemingly contradictory statements and its bizarre constitution, which included the article: "A Party member who dies or, as far as the Party is concerned, ceases to exist, will no longer be recognised as a Party member." | After the dismal failure of the United People's Party, Andrew Stott founded the Patriotic Socialist Party (PSP) on 1 January 2014 as a successor body to the UPP. Two of the party's primary goals were the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and the abolition of the British monarchy. The PSP was ridiculed by the British press for its seemingly contradictory statements and its bizarre constitution, which included the article: "A Party member who dies or, as far as the Party is concerned, ceases to exist, will no longer be recognised as a Party member." | ||
The PSP participated in several elections in 2014, and | The PSP participated in several elections in 2014, and was brutally beaten in all but one of them (their candidate won a seat on the Wittering Parish Council). In the Newark Parliamentary by-election, the PSP candidate, Lee Woods, garnered only 18 votes (.05%) coming 11th out of 11 candidates. Most PSP candidates came in last in their elections. | ||
Stott | Stott resolved to run for election himself in the 2015 Newbury General Election. He used the tagline: "You don't have to hate anyone in order to love your country." Despite telling a local reporter he was "feeling confident" about his chances of winning, Stott came in eighth out of eight candidates, garnering a meager 53 votes (less than 1%). He also would lose his £500 election deposit due to these results. | ||
==Creation of Stomaria== | ==Creation of Stomaria== | ||
[[File:PSP Logo.jpg|200px|thumb|Logo of the Patriotic Socialist Party]] | |||
Andrew Stott eventually discovered the [[micronation|micronational]] community and decided to create his own country. Although the official date of Stomaria's foundation is 16 June 2019, Stott registered the domain name stomaria.com a few weeks prior on 24 May 2019. | |||
There is no indication of where Stott derived the name "Stomaria" from. | There is no indication of where Stott derived the name "Stomaria" from. In the absence of an official story, there has been speculation that it may have its origins in an unsavory source, but this is unsubstantiated, no matter how compelling. Emperor Andrew has been asked to clarify this on at least one occasion. | ||
==National goals== | ==National goals== | ||
Stomaria's stated goals are achieving Sovereignty, and creating a community of like-minded projects. It also devotes significant space to fundraising in various forms, mostly through trade using its bullion (Silver Staters) and Stomaria-themed memorabilia. | |||
==Government== | ==Government== | ||
| Line 76: | Line 77: | ||
==Conflict with the micronational community== | ==Conflict with the micronational community== | ||
[[File:Stomaria Meme.jpg|350px|thumb|Meme created to ridicule and mock Stomaria]] | [[File:Stomaria Meme.jpg|350px|thumb|Meme created to ridicule and mock Stomaria]] | ||
On 27 September 2023, Emperor Andrew posted a 23-minute video announcing that he had been invited to attend [[MicroCon 2023]], but he declined the invitation because attending such an event would not benefit Stomaria in any way. He then went on to disparage most of the micronations which have attended previous MicroCons, including the [[Republic of Molossia]], [[Westarctica]], and [[Republic of Slowjamastan|Slowjamastan]], among others. | On 27 September 2023, Emperor Andrew posted a 23-minute video announcing that he had been invited to attend [[MicroCon 2023]], but he declined the invitation because attending such an event would not benefit Stomaria in any way. He then went on to disparage most of the micronations which have attended previous MicroCons, including the [[Republic of Molossia]], [[Westarctica]], and [[Republic of Slowjamastan|Slowjamastan]], among others. The overwhelming response to this video was outrage at his statements, tone, and attitude. | ||
The following day, the Sultan of Slowjamastan released a music video remixing Emperor Andrew's speech called "Friends Without Benefits." This video was met with widespread acclaim | The following day, the Sultan of Slowjamastan released a music video remixing Emperor Andrew's speech called "Friends Without Benefits." This video was met with widespread acclaim. On 3 October 2022, Emperor Andrew posted a lengthy reply video addressing the outrage and ridicule. During this speech, he further insulted many prominent members of the micronational community, calling out anyone he felt had criticized and mocked him, including at least two individuals who had not weighed in on the matter publicly. Emperor Andrew was further derided for his second video. | ||
After researching Andrew Stott's background as a political | After researching Andrew Stott's background as a political hopeful, [[Grand Duke Travis]] directed top Westarctican government officials to cease diplomatic contact with any states affiliated with Stomaria. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
* [https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/election-interview-andrew-stott-9173566/ Interview with Andrew | * [https://www.newburytoday.co.uk/news/election-interview-andrew-stott-9173566/ Interview with Andrew during his candidacy] | ||
* [https://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/news/patriotic-socialists-have-candidate-2244985 News story on a defeated PSP candidate] | * [https://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/news/patriotic-socialists-have-candidate-2244985 News story on a defeated PSP candidate] | ||
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20141121225843/http://www.patriotic-socialist.org.uk/officers/party-leader PSP website (archived)] | * [https://web.archive.org/web/20141121225843/http://www.patriotic-socialist.org.uk/officers/party-leader PSP website (archived)] | ||
* [http://howiescorner.blogspot.com/2015/04/fringe-2015-patriotic-socialist-party.html Political commentary on | * [http://howiescorner.blogspot.com/2015/04/fringe-2015-patriotic-socialist-party.html Political commentary on the PSP] | ||
* [https://electionresults.parliament.uk/election/2016-05-05/results/Location/Constituency/Newbury Newbury election results] | * [https://electionresults.parliament.uk/election/2016-05-05/results/Location/Constituency/Newbury Newbury election results] | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/slowjamastan/videos/490795526423179 | * [https://www.facebook.com/slowjamastan/videos/490795526423179 Slowjamastan response "remix"] | ||
* [https://www.stomaria.com/ Stomaria's Official Site] | * [https://www.stomaria.com/ Stomaria's Official Site] | ||
* [https://twitter.com/psp_sw?lang=en The PSP Twitter Feed] | * [https://twitter.com/psp_sw?lang=en The PSP Twitter Feed] | ||
Revision as of 02:57, 8 October 2022
| Empire of Stomaria | ||||
| ||||
| Motto "Loyalty - Honour - Courage" | ||||
| Fleet, Hampshire, United Kingdom | ||||
| Official language(s) | English | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short name | Stomaria | |||
| Demonym | Stomarian | |||
| Government | Federal absolute monarchy | |||
| - Emperor | Andrew Stott | |||
| Legislature | Imperial Court | |||
| Established | 16 June 2019 | |||
| Population | 13 (2022 estimate) | |||
| Currency | Stomarian Stater | |||
Official website | ||||
The Empire of Stomaria is a micronation based in the United Kingdom. It was created by Andrew Stott in 2019.
While Stomaria was initially held in high esteem by the greater micronational community, its reputation suffered after Stott released a series of videos on YouTube criticising the attendees and organizers of MicroCon 2023 and MicroCon in general. This has led some to ponder whether or not to label Stomaria a "joke" micronation intent on trolling other micronations through social media.
Emperor Andrew Stott
Stomaria is the brainchild of Mr. Andrew Stott, who proclaimed himself Emperor shortly after creating the country. He has cited desire for self-determination and building community as at least part of the reason for Stomaria's creation.
United People's Party
In 2009, Andrew Stott founded the United People's Party (UPP), a short-lived political party in the United Kingdom. Stott's motivation for creating this party was, "a hatred of political extremism."
The UPP claimed to represent "a non-xenophobic form of nationalism." However, by 2012, some political commentators in the UK mused that the party was borderline fascist and dismissed it as a serious contender in upcoming elections. It was self-described as "a fusion of left-wing and right-wing values and beliefs." Notably, the party bylaws stated: "All Party Officers are appointed by the Leader [Andrew Stott], who has absolute authority and responsibility within the Party, to ensure that the Party remains internally stable and active."
From 2009 - 2012, three members of the UPP won seats on parish councils, but the party's lead candidate, Alan Valentine, failed to garner even 1% of the vote in his sole electoral attempt. The UPP was no longer active by late 2012.
Patriotic Socialist Party
After the dismal failure of the United People's Party, Andrew Stott founded the Patriotic Socialist Party (PSP) on 1 January 2014 as a successor body to the UPP. Two of the party's primary goals were the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union and the abolition of the British monarchy. The PSP was ridiculed by the British press for its seemingly contradictory statements and its bizarre constitution, which included the article: "A Party member who dies or, as far as the Party is concerned, ceases to exist, will no longer be recognised as a Party member."
The PSP participated in several elections in 2014, and was brutally beaten in all but one of them (their candidate won a seat on the Wittering Parish Council). In the Newark Parliamentary by-election, the PSP candidate, Lee Woods, garnered only 18 votes (.05%) coming 11th out of 11 candidates. Most PSP candidates came in last in their elections.
Stott resolved to run for election himself in the 2015 Newbury General Election. He used the tagline: "You don't have to hate anyone in order to love your country." Despite telling a local reporter he was "feeling confident" about his chances of winning, Stott came in eighth out of eight candidates, garnering a meager 53 votes (less than 1%). He also would lose his £500 election deposit due to these results.
Creation of Stomaria
Andrew Stott eventually discovered the micronational community and decided to create his own country. Although the official date of Stomaria's foundation is 16 June 2019, Stott registered the domain name stomaria.com a few weeks prior on 24 May 2019.
There is no indication of where Stott derived the name "Stomaria" from. In the absence of an official story, there has been speculation that it may have its origins in an unsavory source, but this is unsubstantiated, no matter how compelling. Emperor Andrew has been asked to clarify this on at least one occasion.
National goals
Stomaria's stated goals are achieving Sovereignty, and creating a community of like-minded projects. It also devotes significant space to fundraising in various forms, mostly through trade using its bullion (Silver Staters) and Stomaria-themed memorabilia.
Government
After creating Stomaria, Stott declared himself Emperor Andrew. According to their national laws, the Emperor of Stomaria has complete power over Stomaria and is an absolute monarch. The Emperor is surrounded by his Imperial Court which advises him on national matters.
Stomaria consists of multiple states, protectorates, and provinces that make up the greater Empire.
Conflict with the micronational community
On 27 September 2023, Emperor Andrew posted a 23-minute video announcing that he had been invited to attend MicroCon 2023, but he declined the invitation because attending such an event would not benefit Stomaria in any way. He then went on to disparage most of the micronations which have attended previous MicroCons, including the Republic of Molossia, Westarctica, and Slowjamastan, among others. The overwhelming response to this video was outrage at his statements, tone, and attitude.
The following day, the Sultan of Slowjamastan released a music video remixing Emperor Andrew's speech called "Friends Without Benefits." This video was met with widespread acclaim. On 3 October 2022, Emperor Andrew posted a lengthy reply video addressing the outrage and ridicule. During this speech, he further insulted many prominent members of the micronational community, calling out anyone he felt had criticized and mocked him, including at least two individuals who had not weighed in on the matter publicly. Emperor Andrew was further derided for his second video.
After researching Andrew Stott's background as a political hopeful, Grand Duke Travis directed top Westarctican government officials to cease diplomatic contact with any states affiliated with Stomaria.
Sources
- Interview with Andrew during his candidacy
- News story on a defeated PSP candidate
- PSP website (archived)
- Political commentary on the PSP
- Newbury election results