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A Spot of Hope in a Totalitarian Landscape

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Yesterday, I had a productive meeting at the Independence Inn with Michael Rectenwald, who is running for president on the LP ticket. Thanks to Dennis Pratt for putting it together.

I first discovered Michael years ago during his brouhaha with NYU for being the “un-PC professor”. This was round the time I was leaving NYC for the Free State of NH, graduating from City College with an MFA, where I too had had to suffer through the academic macroaggressions of circular commie “logic”, and his story resonated deeply with me.

My goal yesterday was to make sure Michael got an overview of what we are accomplishing in the Free State: our history, the reality, the vision–our bright, bright future!

Being a libertarian outside of NH can be demoralizing, so I wanted to make sure that as he proceeds on the campaign trail, he has a story of hope–the undeniable success of the Free State movement–to share with Libertarians and the liberty-curious.

Michael understands he’s not going to win the presidency, rather, he wants to help best spread the message of liberty.

This story MUST now include what we have, and will accomplish, in the Free State.

Based on our conversation, both Michael and his campaign manager, Lori Price, expressed a “take-my-business-card” desire to move! 🙂

Look, we are now in the Next Gen Phase of building THE base of the world’s best and brightest libertarians (except Milei, granted).

New Hampshire IS the beacon of liberty.

NH is the place where taxes are actually being cut, and liberty is actually still expanding. This is thanks, in great part, to Free Staters willing to stand up and say, Enough is enough.

We are the future.

We are the beacon of liberty to show the world that individual liberty, property rights and personal responsibility lead to economic prosperity, progress, and human flourishing.

We are the LIVE FREE OR DIE state, where you can choose to come LIVE FREE AND THRIVE!

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ElectionsManch TalkVideo

What’s Up with the NH Primary Next Week? (Manch Talk 01/17/24)

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

The Free State of New Hampshire, despite national Democrats attempts to marginalize, is still in business for the First in the Nation Primary next week. With Vivek dropping out and Nikki destroying an entire forest in paid-for junk mailers, and of course, Trump and DeSantis, no one seems to know what is about to happen. Join Tammy and Carla for their takes on what’s coming up on Tuesday!

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BlogIn the Media

Review of LIBERTARIAN AUTOBIOGRAPHIES

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Rather than scholarly works, the book contains eighty personal essays written by libertarians of varying degrees of prominence worldwide, from the legendary to those deserving wider recognition. The purpose was to convey their mindset before embracing libertarianism and how it has impacted their personal and professional lives. Block and Cavallo assert libertarianism is the ‘last best hope for humankind with regard to economics, liberty, justice, prosperity, peace, and thus even survival’… Block and Cavallo have edited a magnificent collection of autobiographies that convey what it means to be a libertarian regardless of where you live, and everyone should read it.

Tony Senatore

Read the full “Review of Libertarian Autobiographies: Moving Toward Freedom in Today’s World”…

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What’s Up with My “X-File”?

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

I try and roll with the punches… so I haven’t complained much about getting banned from X after PorcFest…

But now that I’m trying to finalize a project before the end of the year, and have come to discover THEY’VE LITERALLY ERASED MY ENTIRE PRESENCE FROM TWITTER, I’m fucking pissed.

For a while, even though I couldn’t post anymore, you were still able to find my content, and you could still search my 20,000+ posts.

TWENTY THOUSAND IDEAS OVER 10+ YEARS THAT I PUT OUT IN THE UNIVERSE, ERASED.

ONE HUNDRED sequenced “My Life in Balance” post-its, sorted and ready to be compiled into a book, ERASED.

The history of erasing history is a “tyranny tell” that those of us who study history understand the historical significance of. By which I mean, as a self-respecting dissident: FUCK THIS SHIT.

Yes, I know I shouldn’t place trust in Big Tech and Big Bro. Together, they’re the worst bullies on the playground. But when you get pushed out of the playground entirely, things start to take a different bent.

This year, as you can see, my Halloween costume was Street Fighter CHUN-LI, the strongest woman in the world. This wasn’t an accidental choice. This was me manifesting the notion, if I can’t spread my ideas online, I will take them to the streets.

To the enemies of liberty: Be careful what you wish for.

What is the status of my X “case”–shall we call it my “X-File”?

* Every appeal has been dismissed without a reason being cited, and after my last complaint, they erased me down the memory-hole.

* X is still charging me for my Blue Check and Elon Musk subscription. Big mistake: I am literally a paying customer being denied service. This gives me strong standing and is going to be part of my First Amendment case to get reinstated.

* I am also going to approach FIRE and the Institute of Justice to see whether these organizations will help me. (If you’re reading this and have other suggestions, please DM me, thanks!)

* Many of you know I have been trying to get Elon’s attention about the Free State Project for years now. Guess the cosmos is telling me to sue his ass?

My frustration is heartfelt. I am sitting here writing in bed, fuming so hard, Louis can see smoke: “THIS ISN’T FAIR”!!! lol

But then I remind myself, Rome was not dismantled in a day, and I find gratitude in the fact that I have orchestrated a life where I know thousands of people in meatspace too, and that I can make a difference on the ground in New Hampshire because, ultimately, THIS is THE value proposition of the Free State: concentrating freedom fighters in one geographic area… IRL.

Finally, I am reminded, as you know, my secret middle name is PERSEVERANCE: I am unstoppable, and I’m coming for you, Big Bro.

May be an image of 1 person

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BlogIn the Media

FSP Announces New Executive Director

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Free State Project Names Maine Senator Eric Brakey as New Executive Director

[Manchester, November 30, 2023] – The Free State Project, a political migration movement dedicated to attracting liberty-minded individuals and libertarians to New Hampshire, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Maine Senator Eric Brakey (35) as its new Executive Director, effective December 1st.

Senator Brakey, who will finish his third term in the Maine Senate next year and not seek re-election, brings a wealth of experience and a steadfast commitment to the principles of liberty, making him the ideal choice to lead the Free State Project into its next chapter.

“After twenty years, the positive impact of the Free State Project is undeniable. New Hampshire stands today as a granite fortress of freedom as other states succumb to the siren songs of socialism ,” said Senator Eric Brakey. “I am excited to join the Free State Project to help achieve liberty in our lifetimes with a homeland for all who wish to live free.” 

In 2003, supporters of the Free State movement chose New Hampshire as their destination. Today, more than 7,000 live in the state. The Free State Project hosts two annual events to showcase the NH Advantage: Liberty Forum, an intimate, 300-person winter hotel conference, and the Porcupine Freedom Festival (aka “PorcFest”), a summer camping event with about 3,000 attendees.

Over the past two decades, Free Staters have been elected to office, served on school boards and civic committees, run independent media sites, and have started businesses, private clubs, and charities. Free Staters have been instrumental in expanding liberties in many different areas, from jury nullification and craft brewing, to cryptocurrencies and First Amendment activities. In 2023, NBC Boston broadcast an extensive, 11-part docuseries about the Free State Project called Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of New Hampshire.

“New Hampshire was just ranked Number One by the Cato Institute as the freest state in the nation overall,” said Free State Project founder and current board member, Jason Sorens, who worked on the report. “With our low tax burden, natural beauty, and policies like expanded school choice and Constitutional Carry, New Hampshire is becoming difficult to beat in terms of overall quality of living.”  

As the new Executive Director, Senator Brakey will play a pivotal role in promoting these advantages to help attract more liberty-minded individuals and libertarians to the ‘Live Free or Die’ state. 

Eric Brakey began in liberty politics as the Maine State Director for the Ron Paul 2012 Presidential Campaign. Elected shortly thereafter to the Maine Senate, Brakey became the youngest state senator in America at the age of 26. Across three terms, Senator Brakey authored Maine’s Constitutional Carry law, negotiated significant welfare reforms, enacted Right to Try legislation, legalized over-the-counter birth control, and oversaw market-based reforms to the state’s medical cannabis program. In 2018, Senator Brakey served as the Maine Republican nominee for U.S. Senate. Between terms of office, Eric Brakey also worked as a national spokesperson, growth strategist, and policy advisor at Young Americans for Liberty based in Austin, TX.

“Eric is a big ‘get’ for us,” said Carla Gericke, president emeritus and chairwoman of the Free State Project. “Getting a senator from another state to join the Free State Project represents, in very real terms, the value proposition of our mission, which is to concentrate the best and brightest, the smartest, solution-driven thinkers of our time, in one place: the Free State of New Hampshire. I left Silicon Valley and NYC to come build something new. I can’t wait to see what Eric does.” 

In his role as Executive Director, Senator Brakey will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Free State Project, working closely with the Board of Directors, the organization’s staff, and its large, dedicated volunteer community. Brakey’s tenure promises to be a dynamic period of growth and outreach, as the Free State Project continues to attract individuals who share a commitment to individual freedom and limited government.

“Eric’s passion for liberty, coupled with his experience in public service and his time at Young Americans for Liberty, makes him an outstanding choice to lead the Free State Project,” said Gericke. “We are confident that under his guidance, the organization will continue to grow and that he will embolden a new wave of Free Staters to come help build the brightest beacon of liberty in the world, right here in New Hampshire.”


About the Free State Project:

The Free State Project is a 501c3 educational non-profit dedicated to promoting individual liberty, limited government, and free-market principles in New Hampshire. Founded in 2003, the organization encourages liberty-minded individuals and libertarians to move to New Hampshire, where they can live, work, and play while advocating for a freer society. Learn more at fsp.org.

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NH Ranks #1 in Overall Freedom!

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

This just in from the Mercatus Center: NH keeps the lead at #1 in Overall Freedom!

Thank you to all those that work tirelessly to increase the Free State’s lead. If you are a hard working, liberty minded doer, move to NH, roll up your sleeves and get involved! A lot has been accomplished, but there’s much more to still do!

Delve into the NH data HERE.

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That Time Doug Stanhope Hung Out in the Free State

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

Remember when Facebook was fun? All those little gimmicks to make us network and play together? When it felt like the liberty community was growing (because it was and that scared the living bejesus out of your Overlords)?

Remember “25 Things You Didn’t Know About Me”? Probably the most effective voluntary “Maybe We’ll Blackmail You One Day” operation on the internet? Remember “7 Ways to be Insufferable on Facebook”? Well, I do… See above.

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We Can Do Better Than Amusing Ourselves to Death

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

I read “AMUSING OURSELVES TO DEATH” way back, and might have to take another look at it, but, while everyone has been wondering whether our future dystopia will be Orwell or Huxley (I actually suggested these to Facebook as buttons once 😛), I have come to the conclusion it is actually all KAFKA, all the time!

Our injustice system is the best example of this, with its never-ending bureaucratic loops, circle upon circle of hell. So yeah, okay, maybe Kafka plus Dante.

Instead of getting frustrated about this on a global scale, here in the Free State, I carefully choose where I can make an actual, on the ground (not “Big Mouth on the Internet”) difference, and then exert my efforts to those issues.

Successful Free Staters all do this, whether it is running for office and introducing bills to expand liberty in NH, or starting a Ladies-Only shoot, or a homeschooling co-op, or a cool little Youtube channel… We find what we’re passionate about and lean into it.

I do Right-to-Know work because I believe open and transparent government is the only way for us to hold our officials accountable. I do independence work because I believe the US federal government is immoral, corrupt, bankrupt, and cannot be reformed, although I would like to be proven wrong. I submit op-eds and letters to the editor because we should be talking to our neighbors in ways they can relate to and meet them where they are so we can persuade them there is a better way, and we have it: Freedom!

If YOU moved to NH as part of the Free State Project, how are YOU exerting your “fullest practical effort”?

Have you found the issues you are passionate about and have you been able to connect with people working in that area already?

Perhaps you’re interested in something so niche that YOU need to be the spearhead?

The Free State is always looking for more doers, volunteers, and folks who want to help make a difference. Please reach out!

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BlogConferences

My Weekend in the Free State

by Carla Gericke
written by Carla Gericke

This weekend was one for the books! I went to three Free Stater-led events, and had to bail on several others! If you feel like you’re missing out, know this: Your one stop source for goings-on around the Free State can be found on the FSP CALENDAR. We make an effort to keep the calendar current and up-to-date, so let Chris know if you spot something awry.

Saturday morning kicked off with MVP, the Merrimack Valley Porcupine meetup, which has been running for almost 20 years. This event, which conveniently takes place on the first Saturday of the month from 11:30AM-1PM is an excellent place to come find out what’s happening over the next month. It’s where you can meet candidates and other activists, pitch ideas, and generally ease into life as an activist and Free Stater in the Merrimack area.

I learned there’s a lot cooking (will post more later), including this important CALL-TO-ACTION for tomorrow/Tuesday, Sept 5th:

STOP IRL SOCIALISTS AT CITY HALL! 9/5 Tues at 6PM, before New Movers, come tell real life communists that we don’t want a city department dedicated to homelessness because we know: WHAT YOU SUBSIDIZE YOU GET MORE OF and we don’t want more homeless people! Stay at 7pm to give your 3 minute remarks on why a brand new “Housing Instability” department is nonsense.

Next, I attended West Manchester Day, hosted by We <3 West, where my husband, Louis Calitz serves on the board. This family friendly event, now in its third year, was held at a new, more convenient locations at 300 Prescourt Street, where the soccer fields are located. Parking was easy. Toilets were available. Definitely a good location to scale the events. Hopefully more people will learn of the great work We <3 West is doing to revitalize the west side without demanding our neighbors pay for it.

On Sunday, I went to Durham to speak at the Fifth Annual FSB-DAC event at the Fenton’s Farm. I have spoken at 3 of the 5 events, and it was an honor to do so again. I spoke of the close ties between Free Staters and crypto, and some of the FSP’s history with Bitcoin, where Free Staters in New Hampshire were very early adopters, starting in 2012. The world’s first Bitcoin ATM was developed in Manchester!

Porcupine Real Estate, where I now work as a Realtor, was well represented, and I was delighted to pitch the crowd the following idea: Every libertarian and liberty lover in the world should own a piece of the Free State! And, through tokenization and a DAO, I am going to make that happen!

I also gave an impassioned shout out to Free Ross, which I have consistently done since I started attending this event. I won’t stop until we Free Ross!

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