The Dominion of Melchizedek
As reported on the news
page of this website, a man calling himself
David Korem, representing the so-called Dominion of Melchizedek (DOM),
visited Rotuma recently and tried to persuade the Rotuma Council to
secede from Fiji and join the DOM. The comments below have been sent
to the Rotuman Forum in response to that posting.
Link to David Korem's draft
Constitution for the Republic of Rotuma
Sefo (29 January 2000)
Is it April Fool's again? I was
going to write something serious but after checking out this American
gentleman's so called organisation, I almost wet myself laughing
instead. Lord almighty, please don't tell me our great Council
of Chiefs on the Island have been conned by another bullshit artist.
How gullible are we?
Rotuma needs Fiji more than Fiji
needs us. Let's think LOGISTICS not Independence (or becoming another
Banana Republic). I hope the Fiji Government is not taking this
too seriously.
Still laughing -
p.s.: Wasn't there a David Koresh at
Waco a few years back?
Taraivina (29 January 2000)
Congratulations
David, Divine timing-
From an anonymous observer (1 February 2000)
Regarding the "Rotuman History," touted
by the self proclaimed Gagaj Sau Lagfatmaro II, it's obvious Henry's
at it again. I can't believe the persistence of this power hungry
man!
He says people should await the publication
of "A comprehensive history of ROTUMA." Who's history will we read?
Henry's? I am sure that a history written by Henry will only benefit
and further the claims of King Henry.
Dear Michael:
In an attempt to correct some of
the factual errors you have made and horrible poetic liberties
you have taken in reporting about DOM, etc., DOM press has posted
your articles, adding and subtracting therefrom, with equally great
poetic liberty. I hope that you will not be as offended as I should
have been and that you will see the one jab at humor. (See http://www.melchizedek.com/press/news_20000201-01.htm )
I'm glad you have found DOM a worthy
story to follow and look forward to seeing your writings evolve
as DOM grows.
By the way, I have been aware of
the adventures of Oliver since 1991 and have had some experience
in the Pacific before my visit to Rotuma. Some of my experiences
have included Hawaii, (I visited the "Queen and King" thereof in
both Maui and at the UN), I was actually in the Marshall Islands
when Iroijlaplap Remios Hermios of Taongi granted DOM a sovereign
lease for 50 years, and let's not forget about that itinerant Polynesian "King
Mitchara" that sold us the fantasy island he called, "Karitane".
It doesn't seem that you have taken
a serious look at the DOM web sites, but have mostly relied on
false information found from unreliable sources.
Sincerely,
Tzemach "Ben" David Netzer Korem,
Head of the House of Elders of the Dominion of Melchizedek
The following messages were sent to Michael Field (New Zealand/South
Pacific Correspondent Agence France-Presse) in response to a news report
he authored concerning David Korem and DOM that appeared on the Pacific
Island News Website on
2 February, 2000.
In response to your article on Rotuma,
your reporting was not factual. I, taraivina Rae of Rotuman Heritage
took Dr. Tzemach David Korem, Head of the House of Elders for the
Dominion of Melchizedek (DOM), to Rotuma to visit with my beautiful
family.
It was a holiday and a fact finding
mission for myself to see how I could help Rotuma stand on it own
two feet economically. I saw a major need for proper infrastructure,
something the Fiji Government has been promising...to no avail.
With the help and Aid network of
Dr. Tzemach David Korem, I saw an immediate need for the one and
only high school to get wired for electricity. The generator and
computers having been waiting patiently for three years for the
Fiji govt. Also included, are sponsorships for two young Rotumans
for Higher education in the USA, plus equipping the Rotuma hospital
with state of the art equipment.
Completing my village hall and Rotuma
Sport sponsorship are just some of the community projects I've
committed on behalf of the Dominion of Melchizedek. Is this all
so bad???
I've found a way to help my people!
It seems like Divine timing!
Any Aid to Rotuma is greatly appreciated
by my people, regardless of your unfounded accusations towards
Dr. Korem. It's time for Rotuma to benefit!
Dr. Korem and myself flew out on
our scheduled Air Pacific flight FJ810 to LAX from Nadi on the
27th of Jan 2000. We would have gladly answered any questions regarding
our stay in Rotuma, if only we had been approached.
Thank you Mr field for helping start
a ripple that's turned into a wave of awareness across the world.
For the first time Rotuma is being spoken of at a global level,
regardless of your ignorance. If you have any questions, please
contact me at taraivina@yahoo.com
Faiaksia and Vinaka !!
taraivina Rae
Humble servant to Rotuma & DOM
From Gale (5 February 2000)
I am not living in Rotuma, though
we do have family there. I firmly believe that it should be up
to people who live in Rotuma to decide what they want. However,
I do wish that people would be just a little careful before believing
anyone who stops in as to what they can/are able to do for Rotuma--and
do be a little suspicious of total strangers who have absolutely
no ties to Rotuma who suddenly want to go and "help" them out.....out
of what?
I am extremely concerned about this
Domain of Melchizedek character who is an alleged millionaire.
Fortunately, there is an FBI office in our little town and I am
going to see what, if anything, they are able to tell me about
this character. After all, it is pretty difficult from Rotuma to
find out about outside people. How do you know that even the businesswoman
from Nadi or the Rotuman man who brought this American are not
getting some personal benefit out of it? That's not to say that
there is something wrong, but how do you know there is not? If
I do find anything, I will attach what I receive from them (FBI)
and I would definitely leave it up to whoever wants to, to find
out from the same authorities themselves. I would not want anyone
to just take my word for it....this is a very dangerous practice.
There are those who have very good intentions but are also misinformed.
I am un-informed, but intend to find out. It doesn't involve me?
Perhaps not, but it involves family for whom I am very concerned.
Also, about what Dr. Mua was saying, there is already a problem
with people having land disputes. It would be a real cyclone if
suddenly all Rotumans had to return at one time to Rotuma; that
would make for an upheaval.
However, that again, is not my say.
What I am concerned about is, for example, when the hospital which
has been provided by the Fiji government would be taken down, who
is going to provide all the medication, the wages for all the medical
staff, etc.?
I hope no one is mistaken enough
to think that anyone's money is endless, for it is not. Secondly,
whoever, especially privately, tells you that they will put a lot
of money into this or that--what are their intentions? Will everyone
receive equal benefits or will it basically be his or her family
members first and/or foremost? Also, just because some aid has
come from America/Americans/American organization(s)/etc., does
that mean that it is on an ongoing basis? This is beginning to
sound like when the New Zealand people helped out after the bad
cyclone--some people were convinced that New Zealand would be forever
providing assistance if Rotuma was to go under the New Zealand
government. All I ask is that people stop, think before they move,
and don't just take the word of anyone--(no, not even mine)--but
first find out the facts. I have had people I love dearly tell
me things and I could not just assume they were right just because
I loved them and knew them to be honest, upright people. We need
to know the facts. I will try my best to find out some facts about
this character Colin David (or David Korem, or whatever it is)
and his Domain of Melchizedek. I will contact the forum again.
Thanks for your time. I remain yours
truly for a safe and happy Rotuma
From Helge (5 February 2000)
See
to it so you can become an independent nation in a free association
with Fiji, like the Faroe islands and Greenland here in Scandinavia.
The Fijians and the Rotumans have so much in common. An independent
republic or kingdom is not possible. Rotuma might be to small for that.
but a free association is a different matter. You deserve to become
masters in your own house. And I don't think the Fijians will object
to that. But stay away from con men, be it Fijian. Rotuman or European.
Go for it, you deserve the best.
From Rachele Mataere in Sydney, Australia (9 February 2000)
I believe that there are two issues
here which need to be addressed separately. Rotuman independence
is one of them, but the more immediate question is why we would
want to have any affiliation with this DOM organisation.
If independence is the best thing
for Rotuma and it's future, then so be it, but unfortunately I
have neither the right nor the education to make a judgment. However,
as uneducated as I may be, I can read and after reviewing the background
of the Dominion of Melchizedek, I greatly fear for Rotuma's future.
This organisation is obviously a
fraud, out to capitalise on our home, culture and heritage. I believe
it is painfully obvious that they do not have our best interests
at heart, namely that of the future we leave for our children and
children's children. It scares me to think that a Rotuman has actually
invited this person and his organisation to our home and has even
gone as far as noting that this man, David Korem has written a
constitution on our behalf.
There are many educated, professional
and successful Rotumans around the world, whom we should be proud
of, and who can aid in writing a constitution for Rotuma; one for
Rotuma by Rotumans, so I fail to see why we would call upon foreigners
to act on our behalf.
Rotuma faces many problems at the
moment; very bad roads, lack of electrical power and lighting,
poor domestic waste management, lack of a Rotuman owned shipping
service, but perhaps more importantly, the lack of any substantial
and sustainable economic resource (natural or otherwise).
Independence is the least of these;
it's way down the bottom of what some perceive as a bottomless
pit of problems.
The burning issue now is not independence
but dependence and how much Rotumans in Rotuma can make that dependence
less burdensome on the Republic of Fiji and equally so on relatives
who reside outside of Rotuma.
I can't see Rotuma's salvation coming
from DOM, a practical nonentity, existing only in cyberspace and
having been implicated in major international fraud.
I'd hope that we Rotumans could have
more foresight when thinking, talking and deciding the future of our
fragile yet beautiful home and way of life.
From Alicia Mataere in Sydney, Australia (9 February 2000)
I am writing to the forum for two
main reasons, firstly to express my personal opinions on Rotuma's
latest move towards independence, and to question the real motive
of the "American" who is behind it. I was shocked and angered to
read the newspaper clipping's that were posted on the web site.
It seems hilarious to me that a nation that wants independence
so badly is unable to attain it independently.
If that's not bad enough, according
to a member of the Council of Chiefs, it appears that only Rotumans
who live on the island are eligible to have an opinion about the
issue of independence. He was quoted in the Daily Post, 28th January,
as stating that "it has only to do with Rotumans on the island." Funny
isn't it--Rotumans living in Fiji and elsewhere in the world have
no right to have an opinion, but an American with no connection
to Rotuma does?
That leads me to my next question
for the pro-Korem independent supporters. What are his real motives?
I was shocked to read about his dominion on his websites, and about
him. I think that Rotumans really need to ask these questions,
and find out his real motive. Is it religious, or political, or
maybe he's just that generous..........NOT. Rotuma needs to ask
these questions, and find out what it is that he wants in return
for his so called help. From the information available and his
quotes in Pacific Island News it appears that all he wants is "dry
land" for his physco cyberspace nation.
I do not mean to be so harsh, as
I completely understand the wishes of the Council of Chiefs for
better facilities and infrastructure for Rotuma that have been
promised by the Fiji government for so long. I, too, had a taste
of Rotuma's highway just this month, and completely understand.
However, do you really believe that independence will bring these
promises to fruition? It appears to me that the responsibility
for the fulfillment of these promises is in the hands of the Council
of Chiefs and those Rotumans who have been elected into government
by their people. In order to have action taken upon these promises
ROTUMANS need to take the initiative. We need to take the initiative
to achieve all the things that Rotuma needs. Independence by definition
means being totally self sufficient, where you do not depend on
anyone, and most importantly are not controlled by anyone either.
Another point I would like to stress
is that a key component of independence is unity--something that
with Rotumans seems at times to be somewhat of an ideal. I truly
believe that what Rotuma needs right now is not independence as
it will probably again just turn out to be another power kick for
a select few while others continue to suffer.
From the articles posted on the
net the only argument given by the Council of Chiefs for independence
was to improve facilities on the island and to fulfill the promises
of last years government visit. However, again the only real resolution
for this is for them to fulfill their responsibility to Rotuma
and lobby the government and politicians in order to achieve these
goals.
Finally I pray that Rotuma is not stupid
enough to be sweet talked by this convicted con-man, for the sake of
Rotuma and it's future generations.
From Gillian (10 February 2000)
This so called "DOM" thing is such
a joke, I also pissed myself laughing .... Gotta be kidding ....
- 1. What do the supporters of
the so called DOM get out of this ?
- 2. Why is an American "Millionaire" trying
to take over Rotuma ?
- 3. Who are the 2 Rotumans who
were involved with this American man ? and what do they get out
of this ? (Personally)
I totally agree with some of comments
I have read inregards to "NO INDEPENDENCE" ... as one comment said,
Rotuma needs Fiji more than Fiji needs us, which is totally true.
What would we prefer, an island
with high rise hotels or just the way it is with a few improvements
in regards to facilities with the help of the Rotuman people and
the Fiji Government or by some unknown millionaire, all of a sudden
had an interest on some island he has never visited before.....or
has he ?
Anyway my case rests for "NO INDEPENDENCE" and
I hope the Council of Chiefs in Rotuma will get this message.
Another "waco" alright ..... "NO INDEPENDENCE".
From Itu Taito in Sydney (12 February 2000)
There appears to be sufficient evidence
and information published on this so called "Dominion" to cause
scepticism and concern. If the allegations of fraudulent behaviour
and criminal convictions prove correct, then any documents signed
by this group would simply be null and void. As such , one would
hope that an episode such as this will ensure that any future dealings
with "foreigners" (espousing such ludicrous ideals of independant
nation states within a state) will at least provoke indepth research
and study before any such dealings are finalised.
From Vanessa Charters (5 March 2000)
I was in Fiji at the time Korem
was declared persona non grata. It saddens me that idiots with
more money than sense continue to believe that they can swan into
our island and tell us how to run our lives. Reading about it again
on your website re-fuelled my rage and I was moved to send the
following message to Korem's email address :
"Read your website. If you seriously
want to attract citizens you might want to read up on Government
101 or Basic Marketing 100. Take my advice and leave Rotuma alone.
We get crack-pots like you for a dozen a penny, coming to the island
and saying 'join my paradise now'. They all left and have been
forgotten. So will you. Thank goodness the Fiji goverment has declared
you persona non grata. I am only sorry that poor Tara got dragged
into all this.
"Nothing personal, you understand.
But leave our land, leave our people, leave us alone."
I hope that others are also exercising
their freedom of speech, and telling him to sod off.
From David Korem in response to Vanessa Charters (10 March 2000)
Dear Vanessa:
Since you have posted your letter
to me on a Rotuman public message board, I hope you don't mind
that I respond in the same fashion.
I'm sorry that you feel the way
you do, but I do appreciate your taking the time to write.
We are not interested in joining
the ways of the world in marketing or governance.
Why is the Fiji government so afraid
of me to ask me to refrain from returning there? Because I want
to help the same Rotuma that Fiji fails to keep its promises to?
Because of my actions, Fiji is under pressure to perform. If you
are really Rotuman, I would think you would thank me for that.
Tara hasn't been dragged into anything.
She is a bright and capable young lady. We are very proud that
Taraivina is our Minister of Environment.
If I am forgotten, I'm forgotten,
but I doubt it will be any time soon, should your desire be fulfilled.
Have you shared your feelings with
Tara?
How can I leave your land when I
am in California. I hope to return to your beautiful Fiji and that
DOM will be an eternal blessing to it and your people.
May God bless you with unlimited
peace and joy,
David
From Sefo Avaiki to David Korem (12 March 2000)
It amazes me that you'd travel thousands
of miles across the ocean to help us when you reside in a land
where indigenous peoples continue their struggles with your American
Government for the return of their land. Native Americans and native
Hawaiians have been fighting for years for the rights to their
ancestral land to no avail, yet you see fit to accuse the Fijian
Government of not keeping up to its promise. Lend your American
brothers and sisters a helping hand.
Another area you could have offered
your help would have been to bring peace and harmony to the schools
in America. When I'm reminded of the tragedy in Columbine I ask
myself, why? But, alas my good sir, it's never too late and you
can still help so be a good human being and help your neighbours
and fellow countrymen. If, however, you find it too far out of
your way, then I suggest you hop along to East Los Angeles and
help the youth there. Put your vision into practice and solve problems
that exist where you are right now. Or run for the office of the
President of the United States. Convince Bush and Gore for a televised
debate on the issues brought forth in your proposed "constitution" and
convince the American people of it's usefulness. Come to think
it, why try to be a "big fish" in a small pond when you can be
a "whale" in the ocean.
I'm sure you are aware of the saying..."the
road to hell is paved with good intentions".
The other reminder is..."charity
begins at home", so get busy in America. You can be helpful in
the Bronx, too.
From Alicia Mataere to David Korem (17 March 2000)
Who the hell do you think you are?
Or more pointedly should I ask who the hell do you think we are?
I have read your response to Vanessa Charters letter and would
love to tell you my response but unfortunately I don't think Mr
Howard would be able to post it, so I' ll water it down for publishing.
Firstly, in your letter you seem
to question Ms Charters Rotuman heritage. Well, Mr Korem, all I
have to say is at least she has Rotuman heritage, and who are you
to question it? And, as far as the definition of cultural heritage
goes, it is something that comes from an ancestral linage, it means
having a biological link to a certain culture--in this instance
the Rotuman culture, and to my knowledge you have yet to prove
yours. Considering this, I believe that the correct manner for
situations such as this would be for you to refrain from commenting
AT ALL on whether someone is a real or true Rotuman for fear of
insulting them or their culture.
Mr Korem, you say that we should
thank you for what you have done. I'd like to know what exactly
it is that you have done that we should be thanking you for. From
what I've seen, all that you have done is cause problems for Rotumans
and Rotuma. You seem to praise yourself by stating that you have
put pressure on the Fijian government to perform. However, I'm
wondering how stupid you think we really are? There have been many,
many Rotumans who have been placing pressure on the government
for years. Furthermore even if it is possible that you have put
pressure on the Fijian government, which I highly doubt, it would
more than likely be to the detriment of the Rotuman people. Thanks
to your so-called efforts the Fijian government will be even more
reluctant to fulfil their promises for fear of Rotuma severing
all ties with Fiji.
Last of all please don't flatter
yourself in thinking that the Fijian government or anyone else
for that matter is afraid of you. I hope that you take Sefo Avaiki's
advice and help those in need in your country, and in doing so
stay out of ours.
Fi-ax-ia (spelling?)
- Dear Alicia:
- Dear Dr. Howard:
- Dear Sefo:
- Dear Vannesa:
I hope that I haven't broken some
cultural protocol by addressing you all in one letter. If I have,
please accept my apology and let me know so I won't do it again.
For anything I have written in the past or now that offends any
of you in any way, I also apologize.
First, Dr. Howard, I thank you for
your coverage of the events relating to DOM and Rotuma. However,
the DOM is not "a country that exists only on the Internet". The
fact is, that the Dominion of Melchizedek was officially recognized
by a UN member state on June 3, 1993 long before DOM had any presence
on the Internet, and we have always referred to DOM as "an ecclesiastical
sovereignty" not "a country." You have made two links to two separate
web sites operated by Jay Adkisson that repeat his propaganda word
for word. What is the purpose in doing this? At the request of
Adkisson a debate has begun between us and can be read at: http://www.insidetheweb.com/messageboard/mbs.cgi?acct=mb344076&TL=
Again, if I have offended any of
you I apologize, it is just that my experience face to face differs
completely from most of the treatment and words that those claiming
to Rotuman have expressed on the Internet. It seems unfair that
you and others claiming to be Rotuman treat me as you do when you
have never met me before. I haven't seen a negative response from
any of the Rotumans that I have met in person, whether they be
on Rotuma where there is no Internet, or in Fiji where most of
those I met do have access to the Internet, and those quoted from
Rotuman by the press.
Those Rotumans that I have gotten
to know have impressed me as well educated and highly intelligent
people. The people of Rotuma on the island itself seem to me to
be the closest people in the world to God.
I, above all people should not
believe whatever I have read in the press, but what I have read
indicates that Fiji has stepped up their efforts to come through
with their promises to Rotuma based on the pressure resulting
from my trip to Rotuma. One journalist referred to this as cyber-politicing.
If it is true, I don't want any credit for it, however, I only
brought this up in response to an attack on my actions posted
on this board by a person claiming to be Rotuman. How should
I know whether or not the person writing is either Rotuman, or
non-Rotuman writing under the name of a Rotuman, and for that
matter, you don't even know if I am really Tzemach "Ben" David
Netzer Korem writing this letter or an imposter.
Yes, charity begins at home, but
what do you know of my works in American? The work of the Dominion
of Melchizedek is for the entire earth, and I consider myself Melchizedekian
above and beyond, "American".
Certainly if I were not asked to
visit Rotuma by a Rotuman friend, we wouldn't be having these exchanges
of feelings and ideas. I only go where I am welcome, and where
rejected, I will not return. Your reactionary rejection of me is
probably based on negative things (mostly untrue) that you have
read about me, not from any personal experience. If you are Rotuman,
I hope that I provoke you to do more for your homeland and its
own sovereignty.
Yes, I was one of the scribes that
wrote the draft constitution for Rotuma while on Rotuma, but I
was not alone and the Rotuman aspects were incorporated by Rotumans
and at least one of the Rotuman chiefs. It is also written in the
Rotuman language and therefore a genuine Rotuman document.
How have I caused any problems for
Rotuma? Or Rotumans?
DOM should have been an inspiration
for those in the world that are struggling such as those two boys
in Colorado, because DOM shows imaginative ways to "create a new
reality" for those who can't live with the one in which they find
themselves. A teacher called me from San Francisco and told me
that he uses the DOM as an example in anger management because
of the DOM 's spiritual wars on California, France and Serbia,
since we do not resort to violence to fight our enemies. All three
wars were won by DOM, California, because the Secretary of State
recognized the laws of DOM after the war was declared, France ceased
nuclear testing two tests ahead of schedule and our war on Serbia
was declared months before military action began which drove Serbia
from Kosova.
Further, I hope that I am an inspiration
to ex-cons and those currently in trouble with the law, that think
that there is no legal way to succeed in the world once convicted
whether or not the convict was guilty or innocent like myself.
Not only do I have the stigmatism of being a double convict, but
I am denounced by the press for that background, and it is a daily
battle to overcome and lead the Dominion of Melchizedek when my
stigmatism rubs off on DOM. On the other hand, these weaknesses
are also my strength, because I have been through extraordinary
suffering wherein I have learned patience and matured. As the old
song goes in the old western TV show, Gunsmoke, "Branded, marked
with the cowardly shame, what do you do when you're branded, but
you know you are a(n innocent) man?"
DOM does support sovereign movements,
not only the well known ones of Kosova and East Timor, but the
American Indians (I even have a little American Indian blood running
through my veins, from the Iroquois), Kingdom(s) of Hawai'i, Enenkio,
Maori, etc..
May God bless all of you with eternal
peace and joy,
Davida (Isn't that the Rotuman spelling
of David?)
From Sefo Avaiki in Nanaimo (21 March 2000)
Ouch! Burnt my hand when I grabbed
your 'halo'. Why do you keep apologizing? Don't patronize me with
your sanctimonious, hypocritical and sarcastic apologies. Save
them for your disciples and the gullible.
I compare you to a cancerous tumour
that won't go away. A pest of some sort. For us Rotumans to make
deals with you would be like Mr. Clinton making one with Saddam
Hussein. God forbid should such a deal occur. I pray we don't fall
prey to your 'state within a state' proposition.
What egotistical maniac would dare
compare one's 'dominion' to the Vatican? Again, using Ghandi, Dr.
King, and Mandela as similarities is a revelation of how twisted
and egotistical you have become. These three are men of goodwill
who were courageous and wise in their efforts to terminate the
ill and unfair treatment of their people. They were men who unfortunately
were born into a world of abuse and persecution because of their
skin colour. You, on the other hand, have the audacity, arrogance
and nerve to use them as examples to your pathetic past. Get Real!
You're a fiction of your own imagination.
Ever since the intrusion of development
and modernization by the 'learned man', indigenous peoples the
world over have continued to lose out on their inheritance....land.
We in Rotuma are one of a very few that maintain full authority
over our inheritance. Surely you have raised some issues, but don't
pat yourself on the back, for the wheels of repair and restructure
were already in motion long before your falsified visitor's visa
to Fiji was given the stamp of approval. Slow as it may seem, the
Fijian Government has yet to take our land away.
To foster a continuous harmonious
and peaceful relationship with the Government and the people of
Fiji, we Rotumans need to be prepared for lengthy dialogue and
negotiations regarding affordable and realistic improvements in
Rotuma. We need to be willing to mend bridges, persistently pursue
avenues whereby solutions for improvement can be achieved. But,
in our discussions, we must never forget that land does not grow.
As it stands, Rotuma will only be destroyed by us Rotumans. We
don't need the assistance of a convicted felon. He's busy in his
dominion.
Reminder: 'charity begins at home'.....so
keep on, keeping on in America.
Sefo Avaiki.
From David Korem (22 March 2000)
Dear Sefo Avaiki in Nanaimo
My apologizing is sincere.
I don't intend on patronizing you
with any sanctimonious, hypocritical or sarcastic apologies. Actually
my apologies were more directed at those others addressed, yet
applied to you as well. If you really believe that I am a cancerous
tumour that won't go away, a pest of some sort, why keep the debate
going with messages that compel me to answer. It seems you have
recovered from your uncontrolled laughter and have taken more time
and thought regarding DOM.
Strange that you would compare Rotumans
to Mr. Clinton and myself to Saddam Hussein. Is it that you believe
you are as smart as Clinton, but that I am as stupid as Hussein?
Or that I would take military actions and use biological weapons?
Perhaps you are as smart as Clinton, but the comparison to Hussein
puts you in the category that you tried to put me in of being out
of touch with reality. Any Hussein comparison is certainly worse
than my difficult comparisons.
"Comparisons are odious," Mary Baker
Eddy, wrote. I hope you change your prayers. Why not pray that
if God knows anyway that I can help Rotumans, that he will lead
me in that direction, if you believe my efforts are misdirected?
It is hard to compare the 'dominion' to any other political entity
on earth, but since the Vatican is the most famous ecclesiastical
sovereignty in the world, what other one should we use as a comparison,
The Sovereign Military Order of the Knights of Malta? That would
not work as a comparison in the constitution, because the SMODM
has not even the 66 acres territory that Vatican enjoys.
Regarding my trip to Rotuma, using
Ghandi, Dr. King, and Mandela (and Moses?) as similarities was
first brought up on a Fijian message board by someone I've never
heard of before. I will be the first to admit that I do not compare
to those stars of the first or second magnitude. However, any comparison
that I have made is based on the fact that these men served time
as political prisons, not that I was more or less deserving in
the punishment that I have received, nor that my works have in
any way reached such lofty levels of attainment.
I am a realist. It is not a figment
of my imagination that the US Marshall in Sacramento upon being
history's first US Marshall to be presidentially appointed 5 times
to the Marshall's post was reported by the Sacramento Bee to have
stated that the case against me "was politically motivated." It
was just brought to my attention that Mother Teresa is now beginning
to be attacked by the press as a crook that she had $50,000,000
in a NY bank and did a poor job of taking care of the poor. Can
you imagine that? To me she was a real saint and the best modern
example to follow, regardless of the spurious attacks on her.
I agree with you about protecting
land rights, and that is why I included in the proposed constitution
for Rotuma that the landowners are sovereign owners of their land.
It may be the first constitution in history to include such. To
be a state within a state, DOM would need very little land on Rotuma,
a 99 years lease on a small island such as Solkope, for example,
which is an uninhabited island.
Thanks for encouraging me to "keep
on, keeping on in America." I'm glad you have engaged me in this
debate, and am hoping to meet you someday in the future,
David
From Vanessa Charters (25 March 2000)
Dear Mr Korem:
Oh dear, Mr Korem! How lucky that
you welcome the debate, yet how interesting that it remains rather
one-sided. I note a number of people rejecting your proposals.
And yet the only person coming to their defense would seem to be
your good self. Oh, and Tara. Aside from you two, I wonder who
else is in favour of your ideas?
I have two points which I would
like to make, having read the other correspondence and the document
which (I cannot believe) you are calling a constitution. You may
recall that I had previously recommended you look into some basics
of government - a recommendation which you immediately dismissed.
Therefore I have no regret in calling your proposal ludicrous and
pathetic. You created a document which says nothing. It wouldn't
even pass as a constitution for a members-only leisure club. Consider
the "People's Constitutional Charter" which was introduced during
the Rabuka government. That was a fine, thought-provoking document
which embodies (or tries to embody) the spirit of a nation. Another
fine document is the USA constitution. It maps out a guideline
which has created one of the most powerful nations of all time.
I see no similarity between these two texts and your piece. I see
nothing which speaks to our Rotuman values or our systems of belief.
Unless I am missing something, all
your document intends is to create a structure (being Upper & Lower
houses) without referring to what this structure is supposed to
achieve or, more importantly, how this structure is supposed to
be an improvement on what currently exists. What reference is there
to a civil service which will execute the directives of these two
Houses? Where will Rotumans get the money to afford these positions?
How can this structure will cost less than the taxes currently
paid by Rotumans to our Fiji government? Isn't one of the outcomes
of your proposal that we will have more taxes, less resouces, and
severed ties with Fiji? How will we export produce? Educate our
children? Create ties with the outside world? You propose, not
to give us more effective government, but to create more layers
of government for us - a nation of under 15,000 people, of whom
under 2,000 actually live on the island - while at the same time
stripping us of the rights we now have in Fiji.
So my first point is this. If you
and your supporters (both of them) really want to invite serious
debate on this topic, then please do not continue to insult the
intelligence of the Rotuman people. At least take the time to create
a serious constitution, one that will be worthy of discussion,
and would at least pass muster in a first-year university course.
Rotumans are not oppressed by the
Fiji government. We are not tortured, subject to a 'glass ceiling'
or otherwise prejudiced against. We are represented in all levels
of Fiji society. Fiji has given us as good a chance at excelling
and developing as they give to their own people. And the Rotumans
in parliament, in government or in senior positions set a good
and godly example for the rest of us to emulate (with a few exceptions,
of course). My second point is : We're doing okay - why the heck
should we listen to you? What, exactly, are you offering? If you
can explain to me this, in a logical manner, then I would be happy
to engage in serious discussion on this matter. In other words,
I challenge you to convince me to take you seriously. Apologies
don't cut it. Give me truths.
- Yours most sincerely
- (Mrs) Vanessa Charters
Hong Kong
From David Korem (27 March 2000)
Dear (Mrs) Vanessa Charters :
The reason that I believe you are
in the dark as to how many approve of the proposed Rotuma Constitution
draft is that you are so far removed from those actually living
on Rotuma. When were you last on Rotuma? When did you last speak
to a Rotuman presently living on Rotuma?
It seems that your objection is
the first to be constructive. However, either you have read a different
constitution or have made comments thinking that others will not
read it and trust what you have said to be true. The proposed constitution
is not that much different in structure than that of the USA, although
it is uniquely engineered to the Rotuma traditional hierarchy.
If you feel that you can add something
to the constitution to make it more thought provoking, then why
not post those statements here and/or on the rotuma.org message
board? The current draft provides a more than sufficient structure
for those living on Rotuma to govern autonomously or independently
without Fijian foreign rule. The fact that the Rotumans are not
physically oppressed should not be a reason for Rotumans on Rotuma
to be under the control of a foreign power. Is Fiji better off
now that they are independent from Great Britain, or should they
go back to being a colony?
A constitution does not need to
be a book covering the history, beliefs and culture of a people,
those are included in the invisible constitution of the people
living on Rotuma Island. I have been delaying the idea of adding
to the proposed constitution that the Republic is 100% a Christian
Nation, but will offer this suggestion as well, since it is true
and will not turn the constitution into a book and may cover the
most important part of being a Rotuman living on Rotuma.
Through the Upper House a president
(Chief Executive Civil Servant) can be elected, laws and rules
legislated. Money can be printed, and Rotuma can do all of those
things which are God given and international rights already belonging
inherently to Rotuma, but must be put in writing to be effective
and recognized by foreign nations.
Why need there be a specific reference
to a civil service which will execute the directives of these two
Houses when the executive branch should handle that? How much do
you think it will cost Rotumans living on Rotuma to afford these
positions? Why should Rotumans living off island pay taxes to Rotuma?
Why not form a tax free non-profit Rotuma Island foundation for
Rotumans living abroad to donate to, get a tax break and send the
money to Rotuma for development?
Your question about taxes indicates
you haven't read the constitution, at least more than perhaps just
to skim through it. And this, since one of the outcomes of the
proposed constitution is that Rotumans will have a constitutional
tax ceiling of 10% and that it can only be realized through taxation
by inflation. Also, as an autonomous or independent nation, Rotuma
's resources will expand, and severing ties with Fiji is not necessary
Rotuma can export produce as it
does now, but with more control. Education can continue on as it
is and be improved? For example, DOM has agreed to, and may have
already provided wiring to the Rotuma High School so that the classes
will have electricity to run the computers.
Creating ties with the outside world
is easy once Rotuma is an independent or autonomous nation based
on its own constitution. Taiwan will most likely be courting Rotuma
with millions of dollars for infrastructure in exchange for recognition.
How would there be more layers of
government for Rotuma if Fiji is removed from the governance, when
that would actually be less?
What rights do you have in Fiji
that you wouldn't enjoy in Rotuma under the proposed constitution.
Have you studied constitutions in
a first-year university course? I have studied under the world's
greatest authority on constitutions, the late, honorable Albert
Blaustein, albeit not in a university setting. My response to your
suggestion that I take marketing and government 101 was not to
imply that I have no knowledge of these subjects but that I'm not
interested in following the ways of the world in either regarding
DOM. However, Rotuma is a different issue, since its marketing
and governance are not up to me, but I do hope that our contributions
will always be positive and progressive.
Why would Rotumans living outside
of Rotuma be effected negatively by an autonomous or independent
Rotuma?
I'm not asking you to listen to
me, and you seem quite removed from the question living in Hong
Kong, since this is a question more for Rotumans on Rotuma. Why
should I have anything to say about the subject? The Dominion of
Melchizedek has resolved to support Rotuma regardless of the outcome
for us. If DOM ends up with no "state within a state" status on
Rotuma and/or gains nothing financially, we are proud and happy
if we can do anything to assist Rotuma in its quest for progress
and complete self-sufficiency.
So far what have we gotten out of
this? More negative and unasked for news, attacks on this board,
and I have been banned indefinitely from Fiji and Fiji even sought
counsel as to whether or not they could charge me with sedition.
What has Rotuma gotten so far? It has come out in the news that
Rotuma is one of the most beautiful islands in the world, the initial
support DOM has given to Rotuma so far, and Fiji's apparently taken
their promises to Rotuma more seriously. Plus, the burning issue
of autonomy or independence has once again come to the forefront.
What DOM is offering is plain and
simple, to assist Rotuma in any and all ways that we can lend our
helping hands. As long as Rotumans living on Rotuma welcome us,
we will continue with our support.
With life, truth and love,
David
From Henry Lorenzo, Attorney at Law (8 May 2000)
The Dominion of Melchizedek is the
black sheep of the micronation community. On the surface, it's
one of the most mature of the bunch. Based ONLY on the INTERNET
and not on uninhabited Pacific island. Claiming a chunk of Antarctica
and the city of Jerusalem, Melchizedek has corporations, banks
and a university. Its ecclesiastical ruler, David Korem (born Mark
Pedley), says it is "something like Malta, or the Vatican."
Citizen Stan Lipton, a TV producer
in Florida, says he's looking forward to retiring to Melchizedek
'the Pacific island part, not the Antarctic section' when it's
built up.
Unfortunately, a set of Melchizedekian
officials were arrested in the Philippines last year for selling
passports to job-hunting immigrants for $3,500 each. And Melchizedekian
banks have been on the hit lists of several governments, including
Britain's and the United States'.
"We've issued several alerts to
the banking industry about their involvement in unauthorized banking
activity," says Janis Smith, spokeswoman for the U.S. Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, the banking-regulation arm of
the Treasury Department.
Korem is nonplussed about his nation-non-grata
status with the U.S. government. "Where have we said our institutions
are secure? We like to give everyone a chance, you know."
Korem himself was convicted of mail
and interstate fraud in 1983 for selling real estate he didn't
own, and was sentenced to another eight years in 1986 for a currency
scam involving Mexican pesos. He started the most recent incarnation
of Melchizedek when he was paroled in 1990.
From David Korem in response to posting by Henry Lorenzo (27 May
2000)
T0: Henry Lorenzo, Attorney at Law
Perhaps the jurisdiction wherein
you practice law, there are no laws regarding plagiarism, since
you clearly copied almost word for word from the ABCNEWS.com story
without giving credit.
The Dominion of Melchizedek is the
black sheep of the micronation community.
Perhaps "black shepherd" would
be more logical.
On the surface, it's one of the
most mature of the bunch. Based ONLY on the INTERNET and not on
uninhabited Pacific island.
This is contrary to what
ABCNEWS wrote, and DOM was recognized as an ecclesiastical sovereignty
by a UN nation two years before DOM had any presence on the Internet.
Such a statement, for you to write that DOM is based only on the
Internet reveals gross ignorance of the facts, or intentional propaganda.
Claiming a chunk of Antarctica and
the city of Jerusalem, Melchizedek has corporations, banks and
a university. Its ecclesiastical ruler, David Korem (born Mark
Pedley), says it is "something like Malta, or the Vatican."
This statement that you
copied word for word from ABCNEWS.com betrays your prior statement
that you manipuated from ABC news story.
Citizen Stan Lipton, a TV producer
in Florida, says he's looking forward to retiring to Melchizedek
'the Pacific island part, not the Antarctic section' when it's
built up.
Unfortunately, a set of Melchizedekian
officials were arrested in the Philippines last year for selling
passports to job-hunting immigrants for $3,500 each. And Melchizedekian
banks have been on the hit lists of several governments, including
Britain's and the United States'.
Melchizedek was completely
vindicated in the Philippines arrest of a few that overstayed their
visas. In fact the Philippines has recently accepted a DOM Ambassador-at-large
bearing his DOM diplomatic passort.
No such hit list exists. The USA
has only sent out notices of several DOM licensed banks that
the USA suspected of having an address in the US without registering
with the Fed.
"We've issued several alerts to
the banking industry about their involvement in unauthorized banking
activity," says Janis Smith, spokeswoman for the U.S. Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, the banking-regulation arm of
the Treasury Department.
"Their involvement" is
not referring to the government of Melchizedek, rather banks incorporated
under laws of DOM.
Korem is nonplussed about his nation-non-grata
status with the U.S. government. "Where have we said our institutions
are secure? We like to give everyone a chance, you know."
Korem himself was convicted of mail
and interstate fraud in 1983 for selling real estate he didn't
own, and was sentenced to another eight years in 1986 for a currency
scam involving Mexican pesos. He started the most recent incarnation
of Melchizedek when he was paroled in 1990.
I have never sold real
estate that I didn't own. My father and I as a partnership under
the name, Pacific Park Properties, legally acquired approximately
19,000 acres of real estate in two counties in Northern California.
This fact was brought out by the prosector at my trial. The second
trial was not for a currency scam, but a real banking business
involving conversion of Mexican pesos, where our bank paid out
$8,800,000 real US Dollars (confirmed by the FBI at my trial) to
desperate Mexicans and the false charge against me was for Racketeering
in that case.
I believed in my innocence so
much that I refused to accept bargains offered to me that would
have given me very little time, but faced 100's of years if convicted
on trial. Both of my cases were appealed to the US Supreme Court
to no avail. That is justice in America. Sometimes the innocent
lose and more often the guilty go free. If it were a capital
punishment case, but now, through the necessity of persistence
I would have proven my innocence. I was not proven guilty, but
only by theories of government employees impressed on the minds
of easily manipulated jurors was I "found guilty".
Back to a more import reason for
this message board, does anyone care to speculate on how the current
crisis in Fiji is effecting Rotuma?
Sincerely,
- Tzemach "Ben" David Netzer Korem,
- President of the House of Elders
of the
- Government of the Dominion of
Melchizedek
From Ian Collingwood in Fiji (27 June 2000)
I have met David Korem and found
him to be a very interesting and entirely likeable character. I
am not sure what his final intentions are for Rotuma, but it seems
to me that DOM is willing to put some $ into this community. It
is my understanding that this would suppport the formation of SME
projects to be owned and operated by Rotumans. Also that they plan
to assist with the provision of infrastructure and equipment for
the hospital and school and will provide funding for youth and
community activities.
I am not a Rotuman and would not
profess to offer any comment on the matter of linkages between
the DOM and Rotuma. I would suggest that I am open minded enough
to think DOM has some very interesting (if not challenging) perspectives.
Given that DOM has been able to
build and grow a virtual nation suggests this is an organisation
driven by a "Brains Trust" somewhere. It would be easy enough to
dismiss all of this as a 'flash in the pan' but in my mind it resembles
a possible shape of things to come.
Like it or not, the internet has
broken the geographic bounds that previously defined our formal
assembly. These are certainly interesting times.
From Sefo Inoke (30 June 2000)
It is funny how business people
time their entry just at the right moment. A bit of desperation
means a window of opportunity!
Is the sudden resurfacing of DOM
an attempt to take advantage of the present difficulties faced
at home as result of the coup? An opportune time for a coup of
your own, eh.....what say DOM?
Even our airline tycoon is into
the act! Mr. Collingwood, you say that you do not want to offer
any comment but the fact that you feel fit to put a comment on
the website is comment in itself. What is the motive behind a comment
which is, in my view, supportive of DOM? Even when you admit that
you don't know what the final motives are? I hope you are not suggesting
that the Rotumans go to bed in cyberspace with DOM without Korem
telling us his real motives, or worse still, without knowing his
real motives, just because he is offering some money. Has the coup
made you lose your usual sound judgment? Like it or not, you have
considerable influence on and respect from the Rotuman people.
Any comment by you, whether favourable or not, will have an impact
on our people. Why don't we let the Rotumans decide for themselves.
And on that point, may I suggest
that this decision is not entirely for the chiefs and the people
in Rotuma. Rotumans all over the world have a stake on the island
and therefore legally and morally have a say on any decision that
is going to affect sovereignty of our home. I hope our chiefs don't
lose sight of that.
Remember, our land has "eyes and
teeth" as the saying goes.
From Ian Collingwood (2 July 2000)
I am not qualified to offer comment
on the nature of linkages between Rotuma and any other nation or
community.In this respect I agree entirely with Mr.Inoke that such
decisions are best left to the people of / from Rotuma.
My original posting was not meant
to come across as a pro or anti anything statement in respect to
Rotuma but rather an expression of my interest in how the internet
is bringing people together.
Sent in by Sefeti Walker (14 July 2000)
- Article from the Daily Telegraph
- 14/07/00
- By Cindy Wockner
King Con
USING a country which existed only
in cyberspace, and two fictitious businesses, a Sydney con man
duped investors out of more than $10 million to fund his extravagant
lifestyle.
George Andrew Balos convinced more
than 300 investors to part with amounts up to $300,000 by using
two non-existent investment firms, based in the imaginary Dominion
of Melchizedek.
Balos, 52, spent the money on a
high life of luxury cars, houses and hotels, supersonic air travel
and corporate suites at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football
Stadium.
Balos was eventually caught by investigators
from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and NSW
Police and today faces a sentence hearing in the NSW District Court.
Although he had no formal qualifications,
and worked at his family bookbinding business, Balos had all the
hallmarks of a legitimate and successful investment adviser.
His companies had official-sounding
international addresses, he entertained in lavish style and lived
at Sydney's Hilton Hotel.
He offered the 300 people who decided
to invest with his two companies fabulous interest returns of four
to 12 per cent per quarter. But instead of interest, the investors
have been left with little hope of seeing their savings again.
Balos paid some "interest" to investors Ð but
only so they would encourage other friends and acquaintances to
put more money into his scheme.
Most of the cash went on exclusive
cars Ð two Rolls-Royces, a Bentley and a Mercedes costing
a total of $250,000 Ð living and gambling at Melbourne's Crown
Casino where he bought $3 million worth of chips and lost $1 million,
and a failed attempt to buy a $3.6 million luxury home in Bellevue
Hill, where he lost his $360,000 deposit.
Even the country where Balos claimed
his business was registered Ð the Dominion of Melchizedek Ð was
nothing more than a site on the Internet, invented by another con
man from the United States.
The Dominion of Melchizedek exists
only in cyber-space Ð a virtual country supposedly made up
of Pacific Islands and some of Antarctica Ð used by fraud
artists around the world and well-known to law enforcers.
It has its own website with an elaborate
seal including a Christian cross and the Star of David and its
own government.
Balos used two investment vehicles,
Commodities International and British Marine Bank, to lure would-be
investors.
But the companies did not exist.
In fact, the name British Marine Bank was chosen by one of his
staff using numerology.
Balos worked in the bookbinding
business when he began his scam in 1995, telling a successful businessman
investing in currencies, government bonds, futures and commodities.
Together with two agents, to whom
he promised commissions, Balos succeeded in getting up to 300 investors
from NSW and Queensland to invest their money.
On the basis of a 90-day continuous
call loan Balos promised the delighted investors interest was too
good to be true but invested several times.
Of the $10 million he received from
investors, Balos paid $3,382,977 into investors' accounts as "interest" payments.
Investors received official-looking monthly loan statements.
But, as court documents reveal,
Balos took most of the money and spent it on himself. ASIC's NSW
enforcement director Allen Turton said the investors were aged
between 30 and 70, with most in the upper age bracket who each
invested between $10,000 and $330,000.
Balos has been found guilty of 46
charges of false promise and false pretence between February 1995
and September 1997.
The charges of which he has been
found guilty relate to $2.2 million of investor funds, although
the ASIC investigations revealed he had raised $10,9885,718.
Judge Rod Howie will begin hearing
sentence submissions today.
To all Rotumans,
Please refrain from any future acknowledgment
of David Korem's articles, and the D.O.M. organization's publications
on this site as it may serve as an encouragement for stupidity
on such a hallowed site for us, the indigenous people of Rotuma.
Fereti, le' fa on Furisau
ma Misini
From David Korem (19 July 2000)
Dear Sefo Inoke:
You stated that you do not know what my motives are. I am glad to
inform you that I was raised by my parents to live according
to these rules for motives and acts: that neither animosity nor
mere personal attachment should impel my motives or acts. In
my upbringing, divine Love alone governed our family; and a Melchizedekian
reflects the sweet amenities of Love, in rebuking sin, in true
brotherliness, charitableness, and forgiveness. The citizens,
officials and diplomats of Melchizedek should daily watch and
pray to be delivered from all evil, from prophesying, judging,
condemning, counseling, influencing or being influenced erroneously.
Although I may have fallen short of these lofty teachings from
time to time, these rules for my motives and acts are a part
of my being and I will continue to strive to reach the horeb
heights of perfection as I slowly grow in grace and wisdom as
I work to impart the same desires to my offspring.
Dear Fereti:
I am curious to know how it is that if those you addressed do not "refrain
from any future acknowledgment of David Korem's articles, and the
D.O.M. organization's publications on this site (that their lack
of refrain) may serve as an encouragement for stupidity on such a
hallowed site for us, the indigenous people of Rotuma"? If you decide
not to answer according to your own advice, I accept that.
Dear Sefeti Walker:
Regarding your bringing "King Con" to the attention of the Rotuma
website audience, please take note of my response to the Editor of
the "Con" article:
Dear Editor:
As the president of the *House of Elders of the Dominion of Melchizedek,
I am compelled to respond to your front page article, "King Con".
Thank you for recognizing that Melchizedek
has its own government and a web presence at www.melchizedek.com,
however DOM was not founded by a con artist, is not imaginary,
and does not exist only in cyberspace.
The Dominion of Melchizedek is officially
recognized (by at least one United Nations member state) and is
a bone fide, ecclesiastical sovereignty with valid territorial
claims and rights, including: Jerusalem as Melchizedek's biblical
homeland, the formerly unclaimed 90-150 degrees West Antarctica,
Taongi Atoll, Clipperton, Malpelo Islands in the North Pacific,
Karitane Shoal and now Solkope Island of Rotuma in the South Pacific.
One of the modern day founders of
Melchizedek, the late Professor Albert Blaustein, was the world's
leading expert in writing constitutions for dozens of countries.
Marine Bank was incorporated under
the laws of Melchizedek until 1996 and licensed to engage in a
legal banking business. Its owner, however, betrayed the trust
of the former owner that sold the shares of the bank to him. The
other entity that you mentioned in your article was never incorporated
under the laws of DOM. The incorporation laws of Melchizedek have
been recognized in Nevada, California and other states around the
world.
Although a few con men have abused
legal entities incorporated under the laws of DOM, more numerous
con men have abused legal entities incorporated under the laws
of Australia, or Vanuatu to give only two examples. But I doubt
you can find any jurisdiction in the world that has experienced
fewer con men than DOM has suffered.
Sincerely,
- Tzemach "Ben" David Netzer Korem,
- President of the House of Elders
of the government of the
- Dominion of Melchizedek
Footnote: *The House of Elders is
the legislative branch of government
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