free state project
Day 119 of My Living Xperiment' Women in the Free State's brunch… https://t.co/YdgEYL9nUt
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) April 27, 2025
Day 116 of My Living Xperiment: Liberty Forum Day 1 wrap-up, and also, I am a dumbass. https://t.co/CNCV8FkuSg
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) April 25, 2025
Day 113 of My Living Xperiment: Ugh, another one of these?!?! Lol https://t.co/TG2D54a5wS
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) April 23, 2025
Day 113 of My Living Xperiment: Ugh, another one of these?!?! Lol https://t.co/TG2D54a5wS
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) April 23, 2025
Day 111: What's coming up in the @FreeStateNH this week? https://t.co/MwS4rDfNvS
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) April 21, 2025
I love that, FINALLY, I am able to (somewhat) get things out of my head in the ways I want! This is a first stab, and will likely undergo some tweaking as I evolve my thoughts (and the AI learns to post whole words properly, but it IS getting better). Onwards!
FORCE–TO–FREEDOM SPECTRUM
A gradient scale of control, from domination to consent
TERM | Definition | Power Dynamic | Examples |
---|---|---|---|
Violence | Physical harm or the threat of it to control or punish behavior. | Overt dominance via pain/fear | Assault, murder, war, torture |
Force | Physical action compelling compliance, not always injurious. | Imposition without choice | Handcuffing, restraining, detainment |
Coercion | Threat of harm or negative consequences to compel behavior. | “Do this or else…” | Blackmail, threats, extortion |
Mandate | Top-down directive with threat of punishment for disobedience. | Legal force masked as authority | Mask/vaccine mandates, military draft |
Law | Codified rules enforced by threats of penalty (fines, jail, etc.). | Socialized coercion | Taxation, drug prohibition, zoning codes |
Manipulation | Psychological tactics to influence behavior without informed consent. | Deceptive control | Gaslighting, propaganda, marketing spin |
Propaganda | Biased or misleading info spread to promote a political cause or view. | Mass manipulation | State media, war justifications, moral panic |
Persuasion | Attempt to influence using reason, emotion, or appeals—still offers choice. | Gray zone—can be ethical or exploitative | Sales pitches, speeches, PR campaigns |
Suggestion | Light influence; planting an idea or offering a path without pressure. | Minimal control; more agency retained | Therapy, coaching, open dialogue |
Education | Sharing facts or ideas to expand understanding. | Empowerment through knowledge | Real history, science, independent thinking |
Consent | Voluntary, informed agreement free from pressure or manipulation. | Sovereign choice | Signing a contract knowingly, sexual consent |
Collaboration | Mutual decision-making based on shared goals and values. | Power-with, not power-over | Partnerships, co-ops, community building |
Peace | The absence of coercion, conflict, or domination; respect for others’ autonomy. | Balance, self-ownership, live and let live | Voluntaryism, anarchy, harmony |
🧩 Why This Matters
Most people live their lives being pushed around somewhere in the middle, never recognizing how far from true consent they’ve drifted. When someone says, “You agreed,” but your job, reputation, access to your kids, or your bodily autonomy was on the line? That’s not consent. That’s a mandate. That’s coercion in a suit and tie.
This chart lets you say:
“Let’s name what that really was.”
🛠️ Teaching Tool Uses
- Mind Control Decoder: Help people identify where their choices have been influenced.
- Classroom Aid: Great for liberty-curious folks, homeschoolers, or personal development workshops.
- Activism Tool: Pair it with real-world examples (e.g., Covid mandates vs. informed medical choice).
- Personal Healing: Survivors of abuse or authoritarianism often confuse coercion for love or safety—this helps reframe.
🌡️ Expanded Force–to–Freedom Spectrum (with 10 New Nuance Points)
From domination ➜ to mind control ➜ to sovereign choice
🔴 ZONE 1: Domination (Overt Power-Over)
- Violence – Infliction of pain, injury, or death to impose control.
- Brute Force – Physical control without necessarily inflicting harm (e.g., body-slamming, dragging).
- Threats – Intimidation with promised harm if demands aren’t met (emotional, physical, financial).
- Detention – Confinement or deprivation of movement (jail, quarantine, lockdown).
🟠 ZONE 2: Legal & Institutionalized Control
- Force (Legal) – Application of power backed by institutional authority (e.g., police enforcing a law).
- Mandate – Top-down command with penalty (no jab, no job).
- Sanction – Economic or social penalty imposed for noncompliance (e.g., trade bans, funding cuts).
- Decree – Unilateral executive order with legal force but no deliberative process.
- Law – Codified behavioral rules enforced by the state, often backed by the threat of violence.
- Regulation – Bureaucratic rules shaping behavior with civil penalties or business repercussions.
🟡 ZONE 3: Psychological & Cultural Coercion
- Ostracism – Social exclusion as a pressure tactic (“Just unfriend them or I will…”).
- Shaming – Using guilt, moral outrage, or humiliation to push compliance (“You’re selfish if you don’t…”).
- Propaganda – Systematic shaping of perception via selective or manipulative information.
- Manipulation – Indirect influence without informed consent; often emotional or strategic.
- Gaslighting – Distorting reality to make someone doubt their perception, memory, or judgment.
- Social Conditioning – Long-term programming of beliefs via media, school, norms, etc.
- Compliance Culture – Internalized obedience (“Good citizens follow the rules, no questions asked”).
🟢 ZONE 4: Influence Without Coercion
- Persuasion – Attempt to influence through reason, emotion, or appeal; choice still exists.
- Nudging – Subtle design tweaks to steer behavior (e.g., defaults, framing).
- Suggestion – Offering ideas or options without pressure.
- Influence – Impact on decisions through relationship, trust, or authority (e.g., mentors, elders).
🔵 ZONE 5: Sovereign Interaction (True Consent & Peace)
- Education – Empowering people with knowledge and context to make informed decisions.
- Informed Consent – Voluntary agreement with full awareness of risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Mutual Agreement – Two or more parties freely choosing terms based on aligned interest.
- Collaboration – Shared effort, goals, and input toward a co-created result.
- Autonomy – Self-direction without external interference.
- Consent – Affirmative, voluntary participation in word, spirit, and energy.
- Peace – Absence of domination; presence of respect, sovereignty, and choice.
🧩 Teaching Metaphor
Imagine these zones as color-coded layers of the human experience:
- Red = the whip
- Orange = the rulebook
- Yellow = the trickster
- Green = the guide
- Blue = the sovereign
The more “red” a relationship, institution, or interaction is… the more you are being controlled. The more “blue” it is… the more you are free.
Yes! Here’s a Control Translator Cheat Sheet—designed to help people quickly decode the language of power and influence used on them in everyday life.
This can serve as a practical, printable guide or flashcard-style resource for workshops, one-on-ones, or personal self-defense against coercion.
🧠 Control Translator Cheat Sheet
“What they said” vs. “What they really meant”
🔴 Red Zone: Dominance (Force & Threats)
What they say | What’s really happening |
---|---|
“Comply or else.” | Threat/Coercion: You’re being forced under duress. |
“It’s the law.” | Legal Force: Backed by threats (fines, jail, etc.). |
“You don’t have a choice.” | Domination: Consent is being bypassed entirely. |
“This is for your own good.” | Paternalism: Justifying force without input. |
🟠 Orange Zone: Pressure with Rules or Punishment
What they say | What’s really happening |
---|---|
“It’s a mandate.” | Non-negotiable command under threat. |
“You’ll lose access if you don’t comply.” | Conditional coercion: A threat wrapped in policy. |
“You signed the terms of service.” | Coerced consent: You didn’t really have a choice. |
“We’re just following regulations.” | Diffusion of responsibility: Bureaucratic coercion. |
🟡 Yellow Zone: Psychological & Social Pressure
What they say | What’s really happening |
---|---|
“Everyone agrees with this.” | Propaganda: Manufacturing consensus. |
“Only a selfish person would disagree.” | Shaming as compliance strategy. |
“You’re imagining things.” | Gaslighting: Undermining your perception. |
“If you loved me, you’d do it.” | Emotional blackmail. |
“You can’t sit with us.” | Ostracism as behavioral correction. |
“It’s for the greater good.” | Utilitarian manipulation: Sacrificing you for the group. |
🟢 Green Zone: Soft Influence or Ethical Dialogue
What they say | What’s really happening |
---|---|
“Have you considered this alternative?” | Suggestion: Gentle influence, still your choice. |
“Most people prefer this option.” | Nudge: Behavioral framing, but not mandatory. |
“I’d love to hear your thoughts.” | Dialogue: Respect for your perspective. |
“Here’s the data—make your own call.” | Education or informed persuasion. |
🔵 Blue Zone: Consent & Collaboration
What they say | What’s really happening |
---|---|
“Do you want to participate?” | Consent: True, voluntary engagement. |
“Let’s decide this together.” | Collaboration: Power with, not power over. |
“You can change your mind anytime.” | Ongoing consent honored. |
“I trust your judgment.” | Autonomy respected. |
🛠️ HOW TO USE THIS:
- Pause. When you feel discomfort or pressure, ask yourself: “Where on the spectrum is this?”
- Translate. Use the cheat sheet to decode whether it’s real choice—or dressed-up coercion.
- Respond. Reclaim your power by naming what’s happening: “This feels more like a threat than a conversation.”

Day 107 of My Living Xperiment: @FreeStateNH Monthly Volunteer Party! https://t.co/HfShi2MKQb
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) April 17, 2025
Day 104 of My Living Xperiment: What's cooking in the @FreeStateNH this week? Follow me to discover how to "live free and thrive"! https://t.co/dDwfEjxc1w
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) April 14, 2025
Monday, April 14
- Discord, 10pm-11 – Japanese Club – Join our weekly Discord call to practice Japanese…and swap anime recommendations. すべての日本語話者を歓迎します! 元気な会話を楽しんでください。 Hosted by Yaro. (Discord)
Tuesday, April 15
- Manchester, 4pm-8 – Taproom Tuesday at Murphy’s – Come meet fellow liberty lovers at our weekly event! $4 beer and $3 well drinks all night! Hosted by Bill & Gail Domenico. (Murphy’s Taproom, 494 Elm St, Manchester)
- Ossipee, 6pm-8 – Carroll County Freedom Meetup – Open discussion and networking for people interested in foundational principles of New Hampshire and American Independence and ways to peacefully continue those traditions. Hosted by Ted Krautmann. (Hobbs Tavern, 2415 White Mountain Hwy, West Ossipee)
- Durham, 6pm-7:30 – Liberty on Tax Day Meetup – Please join us in the back room of Clarks for a night of conversation with liberty focused individuals in the free state of New Hampshire. Light appetizers will be served along with soft beverages. Space is limited, make sure to sign up today! Hosted by Chainstone Labs. (Clark’s American Bistro, 48 Main St, Durham)
Wednesday, April 16
- YouTube 7pm-8 – FSP Porcupine Report – Free State Project Executive Director Eric Brakey sits down every week to interview the movers and shakers of New Hampshire. Join us on YouTube! Hosted by Eric Brakey.
Thursday, April 17
- Manchester 6pm-8 – FSP Volunteer Party – This month we’re stuffing Welcome Bags for new movers and 250 bags for next week’s Liberty Forum. Grub included! Hosted by Jack Garber. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
- Rochester 6pm-9 – Rochester Liberty Outreach Meetup – Are you tired of big government? Just want to live free? You’ll be in good company at our weekly liberty meetups every Thursday night. The goal of these meetups is to provide a place for those interested in the philosophy of liberty to learn more and get involved in our vibrant community of families, entrepreneurs, and activists. It’s all about good ideas, good people, and good eats. So come on down! Hosted by Seamus Casey. (Revolution Taproom & Grill, 61 N Main St, Rochester)
- Claremont, 6pm-9 – Lower Valley Meetup – Third Thursday is coming up and this month we’re back at the Tyson’s House in Claremont behind Claremont Ford. Come one, come all. Bring the family, invite a friend! Bring some food to share. I look forward to seeing everyone! Hosted by Shanna Gary. (38 Lane Ridge Rd, Claremont)
Friday, April 18
- Manchster, 12pm-6 – Tutoring for Teens – Robert Daniel is offering tutoring for adolescents (12 to 18) in history, research skills, and critical reasoning. 1:1 or small groups (up to 4) the rate is the same: 10 Goldbacks per hour for an exemplary teacher. Deprogramming from the public school curriculum and reviving your teen’s excitement for learning are included at no extra charge! Please book in advance by contacting Robert. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
- Manchester, 5:30pm-7:30 – Plant/Sprout Swap – Calling all gardeners both avid and beginner. Bring any plants you have too many of, whether it be fruit, vegetable, herb, or flower to be traded/given/sold. Let’s share knowledge in gardening and help each other have a bountiful harvest. Hosted by Luke Rustin. (92 Riverview Park Rd, Manchester)
Saturday, April 19
- Gilford, 12pm–1:30 – Lakes Region Porcupines – Come and meet up with your fellow Porcupines in the Lakes Region for Liberty, Laughter, and Local Fun every month on the third Saturday! Hosted by Rick Notkin (El Tequila Restaurant, 1458 Lakeshore Rd Suite 5, Gilford)
- Manchester, 2pm-5 – Manchester Marketplace/Spring Cleaning & Greening – This month we’ll be hosting a group yard sale for Spring Cleaning and Greening! Bring your own yard sale items and a small table if you have it to gently get rid of unwanted goodies. Or simply donate your items to the group table to be donated to the Quill. We will also be having Wii Game Day in the kids room during the market with over 2 dozen games. Tasty taco bar available too. Look for your fav porc vendors as well as some new ones, so please join us for our monthly community market and farm share pick-up! Hosted by Emily Smith. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
- Lancaster, 4pm-7 – North Country Potluck – Come join the North Country Porcupines for our monthly potluck! Bring a dish and spend some time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Hosted by Staci Webb. (Harmony Mountain Eco-Farm, 35 Hodge Rd, Lancaster)
Sunday, April 20
- Rollinsford, 12pm-2 – SHELL New Mover Potluck – DROP IN FOR THE MONTHLY SHELL SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE! Potluck brunch at noon, bring your favorite plate to share. Kids games all day! Coffee & chat! Hosted by Jack Garber. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford, Unit B10)
- Manchester, 12pm-2 – Park Clean Up – Unaccompanied adults and responsible teens are encouraged to pitch in to clean up the park and hide eggs! Trash bags & gloves will be provided. Hosted by Mrs. Kin. (Stevens Park, Manchester)
- Manchester, 2pm-2:30 – Easter Egg Hunt – Celebrate spring and new life by bringing our newest humans out to collect sweets hidden in plastic eggs. Bring your own basket. Hosted by Mrs. Kin. (Stevens Park, Manchester)
- Manchester, 5pm-7:30 – Manchester Crypto Meetup – We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew, 88 Market St, Manchester)
- Keene, 5pm-6 – Social Sunday – Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH’s longest-running activist social! If Guerrilla Grill is closed, come to our backup location at Curry Indian Restaurant: 149 Emerald St. Hosted by Chris Wade. (Guerrilla Grill,
Porcupine Real Estate Sponsors Charity Hockey Match between Libertarians and Republicans
In what is becoming an annual “Only in the Free State” event, the Libertarians and Republicans once again met on the ice for a competitive charity match, benefitting Jody Underwood’s new initiative, EdOpt. For the past two years, the Republicans prevailed, but yesterday, the Libertarians came out on top in a high scoring, exciting, 7-5 match. Well done, chaps!


Check out this quick X Live I did with Jody and more pics below!



Daily Clout Sits Down with Carla Gericke to Chat About NH’s Unique Concentration Strategy for Libertarians
Honored to join Melissa Blasek for this incredible discussion. Melissa starts with “details about a recent legislative battle to kill a bad bill- for the second time! She explains how it was easier to kill this time because of the doubling and tripling of efforts from all grassroots groups working together. She is joined by Carla Gericke of the Free State Project to discuss the concentration of libertarian power in New Hampshire to keep New Hampshire the true Live Free or Die state.”