Foreign-born American Ready to Become President of (Mini-) America
Dutch American businessman Eric de Groot has accomplished what up to now has been constitutionally impossible. He is set to become the President of America – at least in miniature!
Many foreign-born citizens, such as California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who might seek the nation’s highest office, have been prevented by Article 2, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution which reads “No person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President . . .”
President-elect de Groot discovered a loophole of sorts – at least, for Mini-America -- while on a November 2007 trade mission with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce to Europe. The Atlanta businessmen were in Holland seeking to expand business relations between Holland and America as well as identify foreign investment opportunities. They soon walked into a big surprise on a small scale.
De Groot had set a special meeting for the delegates to meet his contact Mr. Peter Verdaasdonk, who is the Managing Director of Madurodam, a theme park and unique miniaturization of Holland. It opened in 1952 and has welcomed more than 50 million visitors. Madurodam is one of about 40 miniature cities around the world. These parks – located in the U.K., Japan, Belgium, Italy and elsewhere -- are known for their detailed scaled replicas of buildings, landmarks and landscapes selected from geographical areas and placed in an esthetically pleasing park-like setting. Why not one in the U.S.? the businessmen asked.
“Big ideas can be found in small places,” said Charles Whatley, Director of Commerce and Entrepreneurship for the Atlanta Development Authority, upon returning from Madurodam. Trade mission delegates agreed, enthused by the visit as well as the economic success of this park half a century in the making.
For de Groot, who had grown up visiting Madurodam, and who since the late 90’s had been working on capturing the excitement of America in a miniature park in Metro Atlanta, this was the confirmation he needed to move forward. Today with a team of planners and supporters across the USA he is actively pursuing the development of Mini-America.
“As a Dutch American and immigrant, I want to create a place where my fellow citizens can reflect on the pride, potential and opportunities that exist in our great nation,” de Groot said. “I want to give them the opportunity to walk from coast to coast and see the beauty of our nation – its strong spirit and what we have accomplished.”
Having a President of (Mini-) America of Dutch descent is nothing new, considering that Presidents Martin Van Buren, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt all had ancestors from The Netherlands.
The Mini-America Park -- now trademarked as “The MAP” -- focuses on education, energy and entertainment. Details of this Mini-America Park are under development and will be unveiled by President-elect de Groot in his “State of The Mini Union.”
“Mini-America arrives at a time when there is a need for economic development, jobs and tourism,” de Groot said. “Yet it is more than just a theme park destination. We will be using 21st-century interactive technologies to inform and educate young and old in how we can live up to the promises of our forefathers. To accomplish this, we will be inviting all citizens to participate in re-building America.”
Mini-America Development has been founded by de Groot to construct Mini-America as well as to provide innovative solutions to today’s economic, social and political crises. “Drawing on the sponsorship of corporations and foundations, Mini-America will be fueled by the vision and generosity of people, young and old,” de Groot said. “Our slogan -- in a small, fun and visionary way – is ‘Mini-America: We Dream Together!’ ”
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