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Carla Gericke

Carla Gericke is running for NH Senate 2018!

by Carla Gericke 01/06/2018

written by Carla Gericke

Today, January 6, 2018, at the Merrimack Valley Porcupine meetup at Murphy’s Taproom in Manchester, I announced I will be running for NH Senate in District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10, 11).

I’m running because District 20 deserves a senator who fights for the rights of the individual… YOU! I know I can make a difference in how policy is shaped in New Hampshire.

As a libertarian-leaning Republican, I look forward to championing the rights of the individual and of promoting free market solutions. I’m excited to get out and speak to my constituents and neighbors to find out what matters most to them. I’m confident that after twenty years under one man’s control, my District is ready for change. It’s time for a fresh voice with fresh ideas to represent District 20 in Concord.

Read the announcement in the Union Leader.

Learn more about my positions.

Learn more about me.

I look forward to working with you in the coming months!

01/06/2018 0 comments

Perseverance: An Essay for Artsy Fartsy

by Carla Gericke 11/17/2017

written by Carla Gericke

I was ten when someone spat in my face to protest what they believed I stood for. It happened at a grocery store in Stockholm. The cashier asked me where I was from. “South Africa,” I said proudly, visiting for the first time from boarding school for the Christmas holiday.

Pa worked at the South African Embassy, which was an important post because Stockholm was where the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela’s party, was exiled. In 1982, Mandela had already spent 18 years as a political prisoner on Robben Island, South Africa’s Guantanamo.

“Africa?” the cashier asked, placing my purchases in the bag. “But you are white.”

“Yes, but in South Africa, we have many different races, white people, black people, Indian people, and coloreds too.” ‘Coloreds,’ a non-offensive term back home, meaning people of mixed race who spoke predominantly Afrikaans, the language of the ‘oppressors,’ apparently did not translate well overseas. “You know, white and black ‘problems’,” I added helpfully, handing her my Krona. “Apartheid,” I all but whispered as I took my change.

That’s when she lobbed the loogie.

I was raised as a citizen of the world. My parents can best be described as artsy intellectuals with a thirst for travel, good food and wine. A house filled with opera and classical music. Hobbies like miniature Victorian furniture making and porcelain painting (Ma), and Ikebana and candle-making (Pa). Together, sometimes assisted by my sister and I, they would polish river rocks in the garage until they gleamed, drinking canned beer and chain smoking.

Ma is an artist; a writer who won awards for Afrikaans radio dramas and published crossword puzzle books, a painter and pianist before a stroke at the age of forty-two left her partially paralyzed. Pa worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs, his final posting as Consul General in Brazil; now, at the age of 72, he asks whether you want “Paper or Plastic” at a Publix in South Carolina.

Historically-speaking, many Afrikaaners worked for the South African Nationalist government back then, a ‘safe job’ after independence was declared in 1960. As revenge for decades of colonization, Brits did not need apply.

During the Second Boer War, my great-grandmother, Moekie, was forced into a British concentration camp. By 1902, more than 25,000 Boer women and children–a quarter of the Afrikaaner population–had died of disease and neglect, the majority, children under the age of sixteen. Ma told me all Moekie would say of those days was, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

Moekie’s farm was called Volhaarding–”Perseverance”–which should be our family motto (or at least my middle name).

The perseverance of my forefathers to leave Europe in the 16th century, fleeing religious persecution. Imagine a life so awful, you are willing to board a ship and sail across oceans for an unknown future in a hostile land.

The perseverance of Moekie to survive the camps.

The perseverance of her daughter, my maternal grandmother, to live to ninety-four, through wars, independence, apartheid, to see the world change from steamships and telegraphs to moon rockets and instantaneous internet. To see Mandela walk free.

The perseverance of my mother to learn to walk and speak again.

The perseverance of my parents to encourage a better future for their children in the “land of the free, the home of the brave.”

My sister’s perseverance to emigrate before me, recruited out of college because of a shortage in US occupational therapists.

My own perseverance to seek the best future life could guarantee: Two suitcases, a law degree, and a brand new husband in tow, in 1996 I emigrated to America. Not for the reason most asked when I arrived, which still shocks today, “Did you leave because the blacks came to power?” (Most often, the word used was not “blacks.” I’d never encountered such blatant racism in South Africa.) “No,” I would explain, “I won the green card lottery.”

No one had heard of such a thing. People seemed surprised, or amused, “We give away green cards in a lottery?” No one cared that a white, female lawyer and her white, software engineer husband fell into the visa category: “Diversity.”

In the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco where we settled, we soon discovered we were “diverse” all right… the “token straight couple,” as our gay neighbors called us during “Thuper Gay Thuper Bowl” Sunday, where we only watched commercials. No one knew the rules of the game.

I learned in America, “diversity” did not mean a white women, born in Africa, who becomes an American citizen, as I did in 2000, may call herself “African-American.”

“You can’t say that. It’s racist,” I was told. “Why?” I asked. “Because I’m white?” I did not say aloud, Isn’t THAT racist?

Such is today’s American “exceptionalism,” exported years ago as “Coca-Cola crapitalism” with commercials of happy couples sipping sweet cane sugar, later, laced with the bitter taste of aspartame, later still, without a need to sugarcoat the empire anymore, with bombs dropping from drones in the sky.

The country of the Founding Fathers, the one based on liberty and individualism, existed only in the collective imagination of a nation; it was a lie.

George Washington, revered for leading a violent revolution against the British empire, much like the Boers once did, said: “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.” But Washington would not recognize the America of today: the bitterness, racial division, our loss of free speech, free expression, free thought.

Regardless, I know this: I will persevere at making New Hampshire the freest place on Earth. I vow to do it peacefully, and with spirit.

11/17/2017 0 comments

Blog Reviews

Review: The Culture High (2014)

by Carla Gericke 06/01/2017

written by Carla Gericke

“The Culture High” (2014) is one of the best documentaries I’ve seen on the marijuana debate, connecting many of the disparate dots. I’m left with a sense of frustration–WHY is legalization taking so long? (Hint: special interests of the poli-crony-elite persuasion.) And a sense of hope–many in the film believe we will see global legalization (in some form) in our lifetimes. I’m also hopeful on a smaller scale because of today’s decriminalization of small amounts of MJ in NH (3/4oz, or a “Bradley,” in honor of the senator who reduced the amount from the standard 1oz). In the movie, they cover David Nutt’s firing for doing the science behind drugs and coming up with the following chart. Yes, you read that right. Alcohol is by far the most harmful drug. Yet, here in NH, the government peddles booze by the highway. The same government that is considering introducing KENO gambling to pay for full-day kindergarten. In case you don’t know it yet, the state thinks “bad things” can be “good” for you, as long as “they” run it on your behalf (and take the tax money). Don’t be fooled, folks. We MUST resist any form of MJ legalization that does not include a homegrown provision. The film also discuss how FACTS don’t matter to politicians. They simply want “evidence” to support the policies that are already in place. This is why it is so difficult to shift people in power’s perspectives–it’s hard admitting you were wrong. But it is the right thing to do. Which means…I will no longer tolerate ignorance by any NH politician, reporter, or state employee on this issue. If you utter the words “Gateway Drug,” expect to be ridiculed. If you support putting peaceful people in jail for MJ, expect to be ridiculed. YOU NO LONGER HAVE ANY EXCUSE FOR YOUR IGNORANCE. (If you don’t know where to start, watch “The Culture High,” it’s full of people like you, former cops, policymakers and politicians who have the DECENCY to admit they were duped and are now doing the right thing.) I was deeply saddened by yesterday’s news about Ross Ulbricht’s appeal being turned down, but ultimately, thanks to the Internet, the battle to free minds and to #FreeRoss continues to tilt in our favor. As Lyn said to me yesterday: We won’t stop the fight. I add: Never give up. Peaceful resistance will prevail. There are more of us, than them! Viva la EVOLution!

06/01/2017 0 comments

Blog

Enemies of Liberty Call for Forced Sterilization of Free Staters

by Carla Gericke 05/26/2017

written by Carla Gericke

Let’s see if I have this week’s local news straight… It is not OK for F&G to shoot a bear that is invading homes (I’m glad they’re not); but it IS OK for police and state troopers to shoot an alleged car thief in his mom’s car four times; it IS OK for the AGs office to take a week to even release the names of the parties involved and to clear all 3 officers of any wrongdoing (has the AGs office *ever* found a shooting unjustified? I mean, even when the cops shoot someone in the back while he is fleeing a scene, and kill him, it’s A-OK); it is also OK for progressives to call for the forced sterilization of free staters, an idea so great, Sherry F*cker Frost “loves” it! #nhpolitics

05/26/2017 0 comments

Blog Elections

Thank you!

by Carla Gericke 11/09/2016

written by Carla Gericke

My heartfelt and sincere thanks to the 8,675 voters of Goffstown and Manchester (Wards 3, 4, 10 and 11) for their support yesterday.

Running against a now 10 term incumbent was always going to be an uphill slog. I didn’t win, but I ran a clean campaign and stuck to my principles. I am proud of my 40% showing, and will continue to spread the message of individual liberty to Granite Staters.

To my donors and volunteers, thank you! I couldn’t have done it without you. From signwaves to lit drops to providing moral support, having you by my side made it all worthwhile.

The future for liberty in New Hampshire looks bright. Many liberty friends and colleagues did win. The Libertarian Party received 4% of the vote, allowing it to automatically qualify for ballot access next time.

For the first time in too long, we have a Republican governor at the helm. I encourage the party to embrace its platform and institute policies that support "free people, free markets and free enterprise".

Congratulations to all who won in the name of liberty! A special shout out to state representative John Burt, who provided guidance and good cheer to me throughout my campaign. Keep up the tremendous work you do!

In conclusion, I leave you with T.S. Eliot (Little Gidding):

"For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."

11/09/2016 0 comments

Blog Elections

Put a “good woman” in the state Senate

by Carla Gericke 11/07/2016

written by Carla Gericke

A letter to the editor from a supporter in yesterday’s Sunday Union Leader.

"There are local races where your vote that still matter. Carla Gericke is running for state Senate in District 20 (Manchester 3, 4, 10, 11 and Goffstown). She is a fresh, rational, analytical voice who supports limited, constitutional government, unlike her nine term, 78-year-old opponent who votes to grow government to the detriment of taxpayers and to the benefit of special interests…

… Edmund Burke said: ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ Other candidates pay lip service to ‘fighting for your rights,’ but none of them have the track record Carla possesses. Carla is a good woman. Put Carla Gericke in the Senate."

11/07/2016 0 comments

Blog Election 2016

Goffstown, I need your support!

by Carla Gericke 11/07/2016

written by Carla Gericke

I had the honor of sitting down with State Representative John A Burt last week to discuss my positions. You can watch the show HERE. Here’s a breakdown, so feel free to skip to the parts you most care about:

2:26 – Why I am running
3:19 – Is Lou a "nice guy"?
5:13 – Government monopolies are bad
6:22 – A case for marijuana legalization
8:27 – Tax cuts and the beauty of the free market
12:59 – Commuter rail boondoggle
20:00 – School choice works
23:20 – Get out and vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8th
25:00 – My campaign ad
28:50 – John talks about who he is going to vote for

Please come out and vote on Tuesday, November 8th.

11/07/2016 0 comments

Blog Election 2016

My wife needs your vote

by Carla Gericke 11/06/2016

written by Carla Gericke

The Union Leader ran my hubby’s endorsement today.

To the Editor: My wife of 22 years, Carla Gericke, is running for the state Senate in Manchester and Goffstown. Carla is smart, funny, and, above all, principled. Also, she’s a fabulous cook. She will be an asset in the Senate.

I’m not just saying this because I love her. Our country has lost its way. Once the shining beacon of Liberty, it is now in the clutches of corruption, suffers under socialist programs, and fears its own shadow.

Small wonder that it’s been steadily falling in the rankings of economic freedom, number 17 now, and heading down. We are becoming poorer. 80 percent of us face poverty and unemployment.

Carla knows this trend can be reversed in New Hampshire. She wants to restore the balance in favor of personal responsibility, our local communities, and the freedom to create wealth. She has the courage, principles, and understanding needed to guide New Hampshire to a more prosperous future.

Carla’s been a lawyer, worked at several Fortune 500 firms like Apple and Logitech, and managed non-profit organizations. She knows how to work with other people to get things done, in all kinds of environments. She’ll get things done in the Senate, too.

Our choice is stark. Continue on the downward spiral by electing people with failed policies. Or, have the courage to admit failure, and blaze a new trail to prosperity. Away from this mess we’re in. That’s why I’m voting for Carla Gericke on Nov. 8, and hope you will, too.

LOUIS CALITZ
Manchester

11/06/2016 0 comments

Blog Election 2016

Carla Gericke: The only candidate to bring change to the state Senate

by Carla Gericke 11/04/2016

written by Carla Gericke

Today’s Union Leader features my Op-Ed in which I discuss some of the issues that are important to me.

"As your senator, I will blaze a new trail to prosperity through free market principles with respect for individual and property rights, limited constitutional government, lower taxes, less regulation, and equal justice under the law. I will work to protect our state from growing federal overreach.

I believe in local control of education, lower energy costs, and affordable health care. The way we get this is by allowing more choice through market competition. When free marketeers warned that Obamacare would lead to significant price hikes, we were ignored. But we were right. More regulations and fewer choices are always bad for the economy."

Read more… The bottom line is we have an opportunity for real change in the state Senate. I won’t let you down! I humbly ask for your vote next Tuesday, November 8th.

11/04/2016 0 comments

Blog Election 2016

MPP weighs in on state Senate races

by Carla Gericke 11/03/2016

written by Carla Gericke

"…there are several races where the Republican Senate candidate has taken more favorable positions on marijuana policy than his or her Democratic opponent… Carla Gericke (R-Manchester), strongly supports legalization." ~ Marijuana Policy Project

I support legalization because the war on drugs does more harm than good, and hurts non-violent people for the personal choices they make. I subscribe to the notion that vices are not crimes. Don’t like something? Don’t do it, but don’t force the weight of the state on your neighbors based on your views. In a free society, people can differ about how they lead their lives. I believe the government should stay out of your business as long as you are not harming someone else (or their property). I particularly disapprove of how the war on drugs has been used as an excuse to ramp up police militarization, increase SWAT raids, and normalize violations of our 4th Amendment rights against illegal searches and seizures.

Here’s the start of the article from Matt Simon at the Marijuana Policy Project:

"New Hampshire’s general election is right around the corner, and at this point only one thing is clear: many voters don’t even know who is running for state Senate.

Most of the state’s political oxygen has been sucked up by the presidential race, the race for U.S. Senate, and, to a lesser extent, the race for governor. However, the contests most likely to impact the future of New Hampshire laws and policies may be the 24 state Senate races, and the candidates seeking these offices have received little media coverage this summer and fall.

State Senate races are especially important for supporters of marijuana policy reform, who have watched the upper chamber kill seven House-approved decriminalization bills dating back to 2008. Fortunately for voters who are eager to see New Hampshire bring its marijuana laws out of the Dark Ages, the Marijuana Policy Project has published a voter guide that features detailed information on Senate candidates’ positions.