About Us
About Us
Founded in August 2020, the Republic of Soundland is a sovereign and independent nation that consists of a ever growing collection of territorial states and territories located in the beautiful Puget Sound and Pacific Northwest. We highly value democracy, civil and human rights, liberty and equality, and the environment and climate. Soundland operates as a centralized presidential republic with a unicameral legislature, the National Senate. To learn more about our governmental structure, visit our Government page.
History
The Republic of Soundland was founded by Clark Morber in 2020 in response to the actions of federal agents in Portland Oregon, who, acting under the orders of then-president Trump, were unlawfully seizing people straight off the street in unmarked cars and detaining them without charges in such a way that could only be described as kidnapping. These actions were one piece of an arsenal of tactics that were used by federal agents in response to widespread protests at the time in Portland.
Morber watched this, and the lack of national backlash to these obvious violations of basic constitutional rights with much worry. If such a thing could happen with no consequences, the Constitution was effectively voided. He felt that this crossed the line into true authoritarianism. He drew parallels between these actions and other governments from history. And if Trump could get away with a secret police, what else could his administration do?
As such, in the name of democracy and civil rights, on August 2nd, 2020, the first Soundlandian constitution was ratified and Soundland became an independent nation.
The first and most of the second year of Soundland's existence consisted mainly of population growth and the establishment of culture and core government departments and agencies. Development in Soundland was slowed during this period due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the summer of 2022, President Clark Morber attended Microcon 2022, a diplomatic summit of micronations, as a delegate representing the Republic of Soundland. This is was the first step of international diplomacy for the Republic of Soundland.
This also marked the beginning of serious development and reform in Soundland as around this time President Morber begin authoring a new constitution, formalizing policies and spearheading the development of a national currency. During 2022 and onwards, Soundland's population rose considerably.
In May of 2023, the new 2023 constitution was ratified, ushering in a highly transformed political structure. Shortly after, the first National Senate was elected. This marked the start of a new historical era in Soundland.
The Republic of Soundland was an attendee of Microcon 2023, where among others, President Morber received the Order of the Snowflake from Westarctica and the Statesmanship Medal from Molossia. At the summit, President Morber signed Soundland's first treaty with another nation.
National Symbols
Like any other nation, Soundland has a full set of national symbols. They represent the state and nation and help to create a sense of national identity and unity.
National Flag
The blue in the flag represents water and the green represents land, as well as the Puget Sound's beautiful greenery and forests. Together, they form a visual of overlooking an island. In the middle of the flag is the shield of Soundland, which represents the government. You can scroll down to read more about the shield.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms serves as Soundland's official seal. It consists of the shield of Soundland which is then flanked by two Blue Herons, the national bird of Soundland. On top is the northern star, a landmark of the northern sky, which for many symbolizes inspiration, freedom, and hope. On the bottom is the date of Soundland's independence.
National Government Logo
Along with the Coat of Arms, the national Government logo is used as a signifier of the national government. The design of the government logo incorporates the coat of arms along with additional text. You can find it on things not under the control of a specific department or paid for by the national government, including websites, flyers, ads, documents and many other things in everyday life.
The Shield
Featured prominently in the coat of arms, the government logo, and the flag as well as other identifiers, the Soundland shield on national symbols represents the national government as well as the state's duty to protect its citizens and their civil rights. The red in the shield represents the sacrifice of those who have pushed for democracy and civil rights throughout history, and the yellow stands for prosperity.
The Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is Soundland's national bird and often serves as a symbol of Soundland, much like the United States Bald Eagle. It is a common sight in the waterways and shores of the Puget Sound. The Blue Heron can be found on the coat of arms of Soundland and is featured on the $20 note of the Cascadian Dollar, Soundland's currency.