Forget Visiting Iceland, I Want to Live There

        You probably have all heard about Iceland using facebook to write their constitution. Apparently I'm the last to know (thanks, Time, for bringing me up to date). Other that the fact that elves weren't mentioned at all in the working draft, the constitution spoke freedom. The human rights section says basically what the US constitution says, but in a clearer language. The working draft even laid out the need to preserve Iceland's natural resources. It is a great read. The only thing I would suggest is to read carefully. The website is written in Icelandic, and Google translator is not the best. It basically translates each word literally, making the document confusing in places. Even though a lot of English words derive from Icelandic, the Icelandic language itself is pure viking. Seriously, If you ever wonder what vikings sounded like, visit Iceland. The direct translation of Nauðungarvinnu skal engum gert að leysa af hendi, is should be no forced labor required to perform. I am learning Icelandic,  I know that the language is full of Yoda like sentences.  The working document can be found here.  


If you don't want to wade through the translation, here is the slacker chic version of the Human rights section.


1. Human Dignity
        The right to life. Also that the "complexity of human life must be respected."
2. Equal Rights Rule
       Explicitly states what discrimination everyone has the right to be free from. There is no tricky language here.  The human experience has the right to be free from.  "sex, age, genotype, geographic location, economic, sexual orientation, disability, race, color, opinion, politics, relationship, religion, language, origin, birth, or status in other extent."  Men and women have equal rights.
3.  Protection of Rights
        The translation of this amendment is a little tricky. I'm pretty sure it means that the rights listed on this constitution can only be changed, or not applied to any person, if the right is in violation of public interest. 
4. Human Dignity
        The right to be free from assault at home or in public. Explicitly states the right to be free of sexual assault. 
5.  Privacy
        This is another confusing translation. Basically, no one has the right to search an others belongings, or read documents addressed to another person or owned by another person, or any other private matter without a court order.
6. Rights of Children
        This could possibly be my favorite. I have always hated how children are always told they don't have any rights.  Well, according to the working draft if  Iceland's new constitution, they do. Children have the right to be children.  And, they have the right to have opinions as well as express those opinions. 
7.  Freedom of Expression
        Basically the US first amendment.
8. Freedom of Information
        The right to gather and reveal information.
9. Press Freedom (or Freedom of the Press.)
        Protects journalists, sources and informants. 
10. Freedom of Cultural and Educational
        The freedom to science, education, and the arts.
11. Religious freedoms
        "All have the right to religious and philosophical convictions. This includes the right to change religion or belief, or [to be] non-religious." I want this for America.
12. Religion
Establishes  Evan Gaelic Lutheran Church as the official state church. Again, this is the working document I am commenting on. 
13.  Association
        Any one may start or join an association without applying for permission to do so.
14. Freedom
        Not sure at all what this means. Anyone care to guess? "Association may be dissolved by an executive. Police may be of general meetings."
15. Citizenship
        Lays down the rules for citizenship.
16. Movement
        No one can be denied the ability to leave the country of Iceland. With the exception of a court order.
17. Deprivation of Liberty
        "No one shall be deprived of his liberty except as authorized by law."
18. Prohibition of Retroactive Punishment
        Basically, you can't be punished for something you did before the law was put into effect, after the law is already in effect.
19. Prohibition of Inhumane Treatment
        No death penalty and no forced labor.
20. Ban on Military Service
        There is no military.
21. Fair Procedures
        Everyone is entitled to a fair and speedy trial.
22. Health Services
        People are entitled to the best physical and mental health possible and are "legally guaranteed right of access to reasonable, appropriate, and adequate health care.
23. Education
        Everyone is guaranteed free primary education.
24. Employment
        Regulated working conditions.
25. Social Rights
        Covers social security and social assistance.
26. Ownership
        Ownership is a protected, personal manner, unless it goes against the public interest.
27. Cultural Property
        Valuable cultural assets cannot be destroyed, sold, or mortgaged.
28. Natural Resources
        Natural resources cannot be owned, sold (they obviously don't have PG&E), or mortgaged.
29. Iceland Nature
        Nature should be respected and protected.
30. Disclosure and Consultation
        "The authorities are obligated to inform the public about the state of the environment and the effect on it." I just thought the quote summed it up better than I could.
31. Animal Protection
        This is defiantly my favorite. This amendment protects animals against mistreatment and extinction.

Research

Where are all the books on the Iceland elves? I even went on the University of Iceland catalogue to see what books they have on file there, so that I can look them up when I visit. There isn't very much. I'll keep digging, but it looks like most of my book will be based on my own experiances and interviews. I did find one book, though Hildur, Queen of the Elves: And Other Icelandic Legends. It's basically a collection of stories. I'm ordering it from amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Hildur-Queen-Elves-Icelandic-International/dp/1566566339/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1307598202&sr=8-1

First steps

I've decided that I really am going to act on this little idea that has been turning in my head. It's now grown into a mini obsession. I am going to write a book about the Icelander's view of huldufólk, or "hidden people." This broad description includes elves, family spirits, and angels. Over half of the population believes in their existance. Being raised in America, where no one agrees on anything, this highly intrigues me. I side with the Icelanders. I believe elves exist. And I am going to find them. 


I've been wanting to do this for a while, but didn't know how to get the money. (Iceland is so expensive), Then a few nights ago, I met these two guys at a bar who told me about kickstarter.com. This website is the greatest thing I've ever seen. People post their creative projects and get backed by users, who in turn get rewards based on the amount they contribute. I am currently working on getting my project fully figured out and will post it on the website in the very near future. I'm so excited. 


Here's a link to an article in the New York Times that is related to my project. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/13/international/europe/13elves.html?_r=1