The Baron's Christmas Message - 2011

Christmas is a Christian festival which celebrates the birth of the Prince of Peace. At times it is almost hidden by the merry making and tinsel, but the essential message of Christmas is still that we all belong to the great brotherhood of man.

This idea is not limited to the Christian faith. Philosophers and prophets have concluded that peace is better than war, love is better than hate and that mankind can only find progress in friendship and co-operation.

Many ideas are being questioned today, but these great truths will continue to shine out as the light of hope in the darkness of intolerance and inhumanity.

The words 'the brotherhood of man' have a splendid ring about them, but the idea may seem too remote to have any practical meaning in this hard and bustling age.

Indeed it means nothing at all unless the brotherhood, starting with individuals, can reconcile rival communities, conflicting religions, differing races and the divided and prejudiced nations and notions of the world.

If we truly believe that the brotherhood of man has a value for the world's future, then we should seek to support those international organizations which foster understanding between people and between nations.

The people of Nonsuch, and I, their baron, an well as our friends and allies together have achieved great things in this past year and have overcome many dangers, but we cannot make further progress if we resurrect ancient squabbles.

The nations of the world, both micro and macro have in their hands a well-tried framework for mutual help and co-operation. It would be short-sighted to waste this modest step towards brotherhood because we are too busy with the dissensions of the moment.

Every individual and every nation have problems, so there is all the more reason for us to do our utmost to show our concern for others.

Rich or poor, 1% or 99%, we all depend upon the work and skill of individual men and women, particularly those in industry and production who are the creators of wealth and prosperity. We depend on new knowledge, invention and innovation, practical improvements and developments, all of which offer us a better life.

Yet we should not be obsessed by material problems. We must also be sure that we remain spiritually alive. Everything we do now is helping to shape the world in which our children and future generations are going to live.

Our young people need all the help and opportunities we can give them to prepare them for the responsibilities which they will soon have to carry.

Today I speak of 'the brotherhood of man' and the hope it holds out for the world. This should not remain a vague thought nor an abstract idea. Each of us can put it into practice by treating one another with kindness and consideration at all times and in spite of every kind of provocation.

Christmas is the festival of peace. It is God's will that it should be our constant endeavor to establish 'Peace on earth, goodwill towards All'.

I hope you all have a very happy Christmas and every good fortune in the New Year.

His serene & sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Declaration of Exclusion Against Michele Bachmann

The primary achievement of the Tea Party movement has been in confusing the public mind, as between the internal and the external threats of Terrorism, Gay Rights, the Great Recession, public spending, and the rather large defficit in the United States of America.

I would advise my American allies that they must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. They must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law.

The Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch does not, and hopes that it's ally, the United States of America will not, walk in fear of those whose opinions differ from one another. We must not be driven by fear into an age of unreason.

If the United States of America digs deep into it's history and doctrine, they will hopefully remember that they were not descended from founding fathers who were fearful men.

We proclaim ourselves and our allies, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world. But we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home.

The words and actions of the junior representative from the American state of Minnesota and those who share her opinions and offer her their support, have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies, and given considerable comfort to our enemies.

And whose fault is that? Not really hers. She didn't create this situation of fear; she merely exploited it—and rather successfully.

It is for these and other sundry reasons that Michele Bachmann is declared Persona Non Grata in the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch and will not be allowed, under any circumstances, within our borders.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Official Condemnation

While at the gym today, working out on the treadmill, I witnessed an act of such heartless indifference, I feel it worthy of Official Condemnation by the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch.

I was in conversation with a woman who was on the treadmill to my immediate right. I often talk to people who are willing to engage in conversation while using the cardiovascular equipment as I find it helps the time seem to go by so much more quickly.

Everything was going well, and I and the woman I was talking to were enjoying the conversation, when all of a sudden, she lost her balance and fell off the machine.

My first action was to reach over and press the emergency stop button on her treadmill then get off mine and try to help her up. Another gym patron, two treadmills to our right also got off her machine to come over to offer assistance, but another woman, who was on the treadmill to the right of the woman who fell not only did nothing and kept right on with her fast pace walking, she actually gave the woman who fell and those of us who came to offer aide a dirty look and said to us 'Please stop bumping my machine! I'm trying to workout here!'.

I condemn this woman in the strongest sense that I can. I would also like to point out to her and any who might be in agreement with her that cardiovascular exercise is only effective for you when you have a heart to begin with.

I do not know who the woman was, and I can only hope and pray that I am never in a situation in which I might need help from her, but I still hope that if it came up that I would still offer help too her.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Message of Condolence to the People of Norway

I was very saddened to hear of the recent violence in the Kingdom of Norway. My heart and prayers go out to the families of the victims of this horrendous act of cowardice and hatred.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Message of Condolence to the Family of Betty Ford

I extend my deepest, and most sincere condolences to the family of Betty Ford, widow of former president of the United States of America, Gerald Ford.

Mrs. Ford accomplished much in her life and helped to end the stigma of drug dependency and show it for the recoverable illness it is, as well as a symbol of the early feminist movement.

Although I never met or knew Mrs. Ford personally, I do recall, as a very young child, seeing her on the news, doing what she could to support her husband as he assumed the office of president at a very difficult time in the history of the United States.

Again, I extend my condolences to her entire family.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

The Baron's Official Birthday Message

My friends, as one gets older, birthdays seem to come around quicker; they are therefore less obviously excuses for wider celebration than personal moments to count one's blessings. As Groucho Marx once said, "Anyone can get old - all you have to do is live long enough".

And there are in my view, many other anniversaries this year that are much more noteworthy and deserving of celebration. In particular, I hope you will bare with me as I single out one particular organisation that is very close to my heart. The 60th anniversary season of the Stockton Civic Theatre.

This year, the SCT has seen some particularly exceptional shows, and has had an exceptional collection of casts performing this year, especially, if I do say so myself, the production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic "Oklahoma". The actors, the scenery builders, the technical and stage crew, and of course our director should all be praised for contributing to a production that honored a landmark season, and I am very happy to draw attention to not just their achievement, but to everyone involved with every show for the 2010-2011 season, and to thank them for letting me in my own way to share in that joy.

As I count my blessings on my birthday, I am well aware of the value of the love and advice, strength and encouragement from my friends, my family of choice, from all of you.

Thank you all very much.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Spreading the Word to End the Word

I, and the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch have been deeply moved by the new public service announcement sponsored by the "Spread the Word to End the Word" campaign and to hereby declare a new law within all territories controlled by Our sovereign micronation.

"No derogatory words may be spoken within the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch under penalty of The Baron's extreme displeasure."

I hope you will take the time to view the PSA that so inspired me.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,
Wesley,
Baron of Nonsuch

To the People of Missouri

I have been deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life caused by the tornado that struck the city of Joplin , Missouri , a town just 16 miles from the birthplace of my late, much beloved, Grandmother Irene Rush-Gentry.

My heart and prayers go out to the victim’s, to their families, and to the men and women assisting with the rescue and clean-up efforts.

I encourage everyone and anyone reading this to contribute what you can, whether it be time or money, to the charity or relief organization of your choice that is helping to alleviate the suffering of those affected.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,
Wesley
Baron of Nonsuch

To the People of Alabama and the American Southern States

I watch the news reports on television, and listen to news reports on the radio, and my heart goes out to the people of Alabama and the other American Southern states affected by the recent Tornadoes and other extreme weather.

The courage they are showing in this adversity is inspiring, but I know that they will need more than courage to recover from these recent tragedies.

Therefore, I would encourage everyone who can to give what you can of money or time to help the charity of your choice in their efforts to help the people affected by this most recent series of disasters.

I, and the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch, have made a donation to the American Red Cross, but there are many, very worthwhile charities and non-profits that are also assisting with the relief efforts. If you cannot donate money, donate blankets, clothing, or even time by helping with their efforts locally, so that the they will be able to divert more time and attention to where it is so desperately needed.

His serene & sovereign lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

That Slow Fade

As night-fall does not come at once; neither does oppression. It is in such a twilight that we must all be aware of that subtle change in the air - however slight - lest we become victims of the darkness.

His serene & sovereign lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Farewell Ms. Elizabeth Taylor

The world lost one of it's last true stars, when on March 23rd, 2011, the great Dame Elizabeth Taylor, after many years of ill health, lost her tenuous grip on this life, and left for the next.

Many words will be spoken of Ms. Taylor, many memories will be recalled, and while we never personally met this icon of the world, the Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch nonetheless pays tribute to her for her contributions to the world of cinema, her humanitarianism, and her activism.

While our earliest memory of Elizabeth Taylor was from her portrayal of Cleopatra, our greatest memory was of an interview she gave with Larry King in which she discussed, among other topics, her jewelry, and in particular the Taylor-Burton diamond, and the even more famous Krupp Diamond.

In the interview, Ms. Taylor talked about how it was so wonderfully ironic that a diamond once owned by the German war criminal Alfried Krupp should end up on the finger of a nice Jewish girl, but it was her talk of the Taylor-Burton diamond that inspired our greatest respect.

In 1978, after her second divorce from Sir Richard Burton, Ms. Taylor sold the diamond at auction for $5,000,000.00 (nearly $17Million in today's dollars) and donated the proceeds to build a hospital in Botswana.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor, I salute you.

His serene & sovereign lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

On this joyous day, which celebrates all things Irish, I wish you all a happy day for "The wearin' O' The Green".

His Serene and Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

To The People of Japan

I was saddened, this morning, to hear of the tragic loss of life caused by the earthquake which has struck North East Japan today.


I extend not only my own personal sympathies and condolences, but those of the entire Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch, to the families and friends of those who have been killed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

In the spirit of compassion and international peace and brotherhood, a donation shall be made to a worthy charity to aid the people of Japan.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

To The People of New Zealand

I have been utterly shocked and saddened by the news of this most recent earthquake in the city of Christchurch, New Zealand.

I extend not only my own personal sympathies and condolences, but those of the entire Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch, to the families and friends of those who have been killed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

My thoughts and prayers also go out to the emergency services and volunteer personnel who are assisting in the search and rescue efforts. May your efforts be rewarded with many rescued survivors and very few fatalities.

In the spirit of compassion and international peace and brotherhood, a donation shall be made to the New Zealand Red Cross.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch

To the Family of J. Paul Getty III

The Sovereign Barony of Nonsuch extends to the family of J. Paul Getty III its sincerest condolences on his death.

Although I never met Mr. Getty personally, I still recall with great fondness the time I spent at the Getty Villa on a trip to Los Angeles , California in October of 2010.

Mr. Getty had a troubled life and we can now but hope he is at peace.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch.

Our Deepest Fear

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. No, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves; "Who are we to be brilliant? Gorgeous? Talented? Fabulous?"

Actually, who are we not to be? We are, after all, the Children of The Universe.

His serene & sovereign lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch