FSP News 2005
FSP News articles from 2005.FSP News - Dec '05
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FSP News - December 2005
January Recruitment Challenge - the Tennessee FSP Local Group has stepped up with an innovative new idea to increase Participant sign-ups and raise funds for FSP promotion. The Local Group will donate $10 to the FSP for every new member that signs up in January - thank you Tennessee Porcupines! Updates and additions to the Challenge will be posted on the FSP website.
Free Staters are all over the world. Staff Sergeant and
Porcupine, Art Curtis sends holiday greetings to his family at home and Free
Staters worldwide. Art has served in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq, all the
while continuing his FSP recruiting efforts (note his hat in the picture).
Before being deployed, Art was the Oklahoma Local Group Leader. Art talks about
his wife; "My wife Lena is from Russia and grew up under tyrannical government.
That has alot to do with shaping her particular desire for a free society. We
both believe that Americans are forfeiting the principles that made America
great. Reminds me of a little story. When she was going to be sworn in as an
American citizen a few years ago, the ceremony being conducted in a federal
building, so we had to go through metal detectors and have our bags searched. I
had left my wallet out in the car all the way on the other side of the parking
lot. The security people wouldn't let anyone in the building without
government-issued ID. When everybody finally produced their documents, got
inside and then into the waiting area, I could tell she was upset about
something, but wasn't sure what, so I asked. I remember what she said: 'Just
what kind of country am I becoming a citizen of? Americans cannot come and go
as they please without papers? You know, even in soviet Russia there were not
as many "security" checkpoints as here. Land of the free? How can denying
freedom make us all safer?'" See you in NH, Art and Lena.
One of the top producers of new Participants and Friends
for the FSP is Free Talk Live, the nationally syndicated radio
program. 930 WKCT in Bowling Green, KY was added to the syndication line-up on
December 1st, and FTL continues its remarkable growth with the addition of the
26th largest 
U.S. market, Sacramento,
CA. Beginning January 7th, the Porcupine hosts will be addressing another 1.7
million potential listeners with the addition of the Sacramento station. The
unique FTL AMP program, where loyal listeners contribute $3 or more per month
to help promote the show, has just eclipsed $1,000 per month. Tune in or webstream the show
Monday through Saturday, 8-10pm ET.
'Twas the time before Christmas when all through the land,
Not a wallet weren't pillaged nor card yet unscanned;
The people were stuck, between imp and the sea,
How to spend on their list and on liberty?The founders are gone now all snug in their graves,
While the house andcongress are acting like knaves;
And those in the free state, and we in the rest,
Have long ago settled where freedom is best.When how to help best (not only to chatter),
I want to give cash to mine and the latter;
Away to the internet, we'll find a way,
A fine site called iGive, let's see what they say.Pick out the Porc from the long list of causes,
And we'll give those statists more fits and more pauses.
When you buy for yours, or even yourself,
Some portion of spending will make you an elf.So don't hesitate now or wait for St. Nick,
"Liberty in Our Lifetime" the phrase that you pick;
Help out today and the rest of your life,
With freedom and justice we'll be plenty rife.
[The iGive program lets you pick a cause, hint, hint: The Free State Project, and a percentage of your purchases from hundreds of online merchants will be donated to the FSP. I figure, if you're going to buy it anyway, why not let the FSP get a cut? For more information go to iGive.]
- Phil Denisch, Merchandise Coordinator
Have you visited the FSP's Message Board, or Forum? It's an interactive discussion board filled with ideas and opinions about the Free State Project, and it's a good place to ask questions or simply browse.
The Newswire has links to FSP related
media coverage over the past month. The NH Social Security card burn (see
below) and NH election coverage stories are
linked. Check the website during the month for updates.
FSP website just added links to FSP-Friendly podcasts. Free Talk Live, the Coalition of NH Taxpayers and Gardner Goldsmith's Liberty Conspiracy are the currently featured podcasts.
The FSP was included as a Sweet Site of the Day on November 22nd.
New Hampshire Apartments and Roommates finding services are now listed in the NH Info section of the website.
Free State neighbor and Porcupine Hardy Machia was just elected Chair of the Vermont Libertarian Party. Hardy is a former Vermont gubernatorial candidate and hopes to help guide the Party in making new strides for liberty. The Vermont Libertarian Party endorsed the FSP in 2003.
FSP Volunteer Updates & Positions Available
Thanks again to all who have been working to keep the FSP moving forward. While you are enjoying the holidays this month, think if perhaps you might be the perfect person to fill one of the following roles - we'll help you get started:
FSP EVENTS COORDINATOR – Keep tabs on all the events happening around the country where the FSP might gain recruits and arrange for FSP representation. Our current Events Coordinator, Sandy Pierre, has moved to the Free State and is focusing on in-state activism, but she will be able to help her successor get up to speed. See the FSP Job Description page for more info.
CAFEPRESS MANAGER and FSP MERCHANDISE DESIGNER – Do you have an idea for a cool T-shirt design? How about a Porcupine belt buckle? We've got some cool stuff, but we need much more cool stuff; like tees, tanks, hats, caps, jackets, flags, jewelry, posters, calendars, postcards, stickers, and more! How about FSP matchbooks, lighters and pipes? The possibilities are endless with you in the design seat. Try out your designs on CafePress and if they are a hit we'll make 'em in-house. Truly the world (of FSP merchandise) will be your oyster :)
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR PROJECT MANAGERS – Yep, I already need help! If you like working with people and projects, I could really use some help in following up with our increasing number of enthusiastic volunteers, finding the best roles to fit their visions and talents, and helping them nurture their projects to fruition. Bonus: you get to work with a really swell guy and show him what he's been doing wrong all this time. (Note that several people can fill this position)
These are just some of the many volunteer opportunities available with the Free State Project. You can view other openings on the Organizational Chart. Please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Nik Ludwig, for more information, and thank you for helping achieve Liberty in Our Lifetime! - Nik
In New Hampshire
The Freedom Friends Tuath has been formed in New Hampshire. What is a Tuath, you ask? A Tuath is a means of a society functioning without a Government. The word comes from the Irish experience of over 1000 years of a Stateless Society. The new Freedom Friends Tuath is based upon the Zero Aggression Principle - no human being has the right, under any circumstances, to initiate force against another human being, nor to threaten or delegate its initiation.
"Somebody's got to say no to government", said Russell Kanning
at the Social Security card burn and protest held outside the Social Security
Administration offices in Concord, NH on November 12th. Lady Liberty, sporting
a 'black eye', made an appearance at the protest! Get the full story, including
a video and radio interview at
NH Underground.
Porcupine blogger, Friday Jones, gives us some personal insights into life in New Hampshire in 4342 miles for freedom. Thanks Friday!
The New Hampshire Liberty Alliance continues to gain in influence and momentum. Here are some of the events and projects in the works:
- Two candidates are running for Membership Director - NHLA members should vote at the website
- Legislative training sessions - learn all about the legislative process in Concord. Learn to testify on legislation and observe the NH Legislature in action
- Town meeting workshop - learn about how town meetings are run and how to be an effective participant in the process
- Town elections session - whether running or supporting others, this session will provide the know-how. And dinner after!
- The Civic Action department seeks to bring voluntary, non-governmental assistance to local Granite Staters. Dave Mincin is looking for energetic fun-loving people to help him bring liberty solutions to our neighborhoods.
- Research and Legislative bill analysis is performed year 'round and allows the NHLA to focus support or opposition to bills. It also provides the research necessary to develop the annual Legislative Report Card
- The production of a new presentation specifically for children, all about the legislative process in New Hampshire
Download New Hampshire wallpaper for your desktop from the Visit New Hampshire website. Travel guides, online maps, basic town information and much more available here - see site map.
"To get the Live Free or Die advantage, Free Staters trickle into Granite State" - The Salem Observer recently ran a nice article called Freedom Movement. It featured some of our Porcupine movers!
The Liberty Scholarship Fund is a nonprofit organization founded to act as a direct channel for charitable donations to assist families in New Hampshire who choose to pursue non-public education. An Endowment Fund was also created and is regularly funded to create a growing asset to benefit the LSF. The LSF awarded three $1,000 scholarships in 2005 and is currently conducting a fundraising raffle!
Eminent domain fight sparks airport rally in Manchester. About 30 Porcupines and NH liberty-lovers gathered to protest the use of eminent domain and to show support for the property owners. The Concord Monitor covered the story.
The NH Liberty Calendar lists the upcoming events of 30 liberty-minded New Hampshire organizations.
FSP News back issues are available. Got FSP news? - content submissions are due by the 10th of each month.
Are you ready to join the FSP and move to New Hampshire to help achieve Liberty in Our Lifetime? Click here.
Participants: 6,889
Participants in NH: 387
as of December 15, 2005
FSP News - Nov '05
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FSP News - November 2005
Welcome Free Staters - "When an organized group decides to
come here for their belief in less government and lower taxes, that sounds good
to us." Another warm welcome in a recent Editorial in New Hampshire's
Hooksett Banner. 
The Board of Directors released a statement on the 1st of
November detailing the hiring of a public relations firm and providing further
details of the FSP changes reported last month.
The November 2005 print edition of the LP News reports in Free State Project Political Activity about the coverage of the FSP in a September 23rd article in the Concord Monitor.
Free Staters Among Us - "The Free Staters are coming. Wait, make that: The Free Staters are here." The Bow Times carried the article on November 9th. The story features four recently moved Porcupines!
US Census Bureau Report (PDF) released October 27th - New Hampshire #2 in % of Households with Internet Access and #3 in % Households with a Computer. "The report provides information about the characteristics of households and people who have and have not adopted use of computers and the internet."
PorcFest 2006 will be held at Roger's Campground again in Lancaster, NH, June 23rd - July 1st. The official FSP Program will take place during the first weekend, June 23rd - 25th, with a week of more informal get-togethers to follow. More info about the annual festival will continue to be announced. Mark your calendars!
Turning New Hampshire into a 21st Century Powerhouse by Alan R. Weiss - "This paper identifies what other leading centers for growth have achieved, grazes on how they achieved it, and challenges the Free State to live up to its motto and propel itself to the vanguard of this new century by adopting successful models pioneered by others." Published at The Libertarian Enterprise - now celebrating 10 years of bringing us libertarian thought.
Brian Wright wraps up his 12-part New Pilgrim Chronicles. - One man's story of the trials and rewards of moving to the Free State. "Time to wrap it up for you, my fellow Free Staters and running-dog liberty-lusting lackeys." Start at week 1 if you missed this series.
Jason Sorens, PH.D. FSP founder, spoke to
students and faculty at SUNY Fredonia October 18th. Read the
text of this talk at Free Market News Network (FMNN). Twelve other
articles by Jason were published this year at FMNN, where he is the Free State Strategist.
The Free State came in #2 in the new Work Environment Index (WEI). "The index rates working environments in terms of average pay, employment opportunities, employee benefits, percentage of low-income workers, fair treatment between genders and ability for employees to unionize. It is the first index to evaluate worker climate as opposed to business climate on a state-by-state basis, and was developed by researchers at Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts."
FSP Volunteer Updates & Positions Available
THANK YOU VERY MUCH to everyone who has volunteered to help with recruiting,
organizing, researching and evangelizing! We have eighteen new
volunteer helpers since last month!
Several Porcupines have stepped up to improve and strengthen our College
Groups, including Lauren Munoz, Rich Weiser and Richard Goldman. We still need
many more college groups and leaders so if you are currently enrolled, or work
at a college or university, let's talk!
The FSP is in the midst of making major improvements to our website and we have
several IT volunteers helping out, but we need more help. If you can help in
the following areas, please let us know.
MYSQL/PHP PROGRAMMERS – We need programmers familiar with using these
tools in building websites. In particular experience with Drupal or other
similar content management systems is a plus.
FSP IT DIRECTOR – Do you have both technical and managerial skills? Do
you have the ability and commitment to complete complex projects? We are
looking for a talented individual to direct and manage the FSP's IT
infrastructure and to act as project leader for our new improved website.
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT - We are looking for someone experienced with fundraising to lead and direct the FSP fundraising activities.
FSP NEWS REPORTER - A reporter to cover
Porcupine activism and liberty news in New Hampshire - "what's going on in New
Hampshire?" Keep your eyes and ears open and provide leads and links for
the FSP News.
These are just some of the many volunteer
opportunities available with the Free State Project. You can view other
openings on the Organizational
Chart. Please contact volunteer coordinators Nik Ludwig or Tim
Bauman for more information, and thank you for helping us achieve Liberty
in Our Lifetime!
FSP merchandise is a terrific idea for Holiday gift-giving! Not only do you spread the word, but it financially supports the FSP as well. Please check the website for the selections and specials over the next few weeks. This limited edition (100) official Buck Knife collectible pictured above features a gold plated FSP porcupine cutout in the blade. They are also laser engraved with the FSP logo on the handle and on the walnut presentation box. The handle is charcoal NH Birch with nickel-silver guard and butt cap. Leather sheath included.
Free Talk Live, the fast-growing radio talk show and top-rated podcast is hosted by Porcupines Manwich and Ian and has added another radio station to its affiliate line-up, "KUSA" (KBBO) 980 AM in Yakima, WA. Free Talk Live has also joined forces with Talk Shows USA to help promote the show. Listen live 6 days a week, from 8-10pm ET on an affiliate radio station, via webstream, or to show archives on the website.
The newest FSP Community Liaisons are: Earth-sheltered homes in New Hampshire - Brian Sullivan is the Liaison. This new group aims to learn about locating land, building earth-sheltered, solar, zero-energy homes in NH, and promote the FSP in the sustainable housing community. Also new is Alternative Health Care - Dr. Alva Irish is a Homeopath and will be the Liaison for this community. There are open Liaison positions listed at the Community Liaison link above. If you have ideas to reach out to a group or community that you know and are a part of, please contact Dr. Chris Harrison, Liaison Coordinator.
Jim Walters is our Liaison for the States Rights community. Meet another Porcupine volunteer in an interview with Jim in Liaisons Corner.
On The Road - PorcFest '05 - a video short, recorded on-location at the PorcFest in Lancaster, NH. Jason Talley, Crasher-in-Chief at BureauCrash talks about the travels of the MARV, or Mobile Authority Resistance Vehicle and the FSP. Poker Face provides the music.
In New Hampshire
The FSP website feature, Newswire, carries
stories featuring activism in New Hampshire. This month the
right to bear arms, Jim Maynard's new book,
The Light of Alexandria (also see
Union Leader article) and a Letter
to the Editor by Seth Cohn. Further activism in NH, such as 
the
RFID protest, the Social Security card-burn protest (radio
coverage) and candidates for local office, were covered by the NH
Underground and its Forum.
An online news publication, the Keene Free Press was just launched - read all about it!
Porcupines joined in at the annual Pumpkin Festival in Keene, NH. Keene holds the Guinness World Record for "Most Jack-O'-Lanterns in One Place At One Time." How many? ... 28,952!
"The forecast said New Hampshire's economy is expected to lead the regional recovery in coming years as the state's high-tech sector enjoys a recovery." From the Portsmouth Herald article, N.H. leads region in economic vigor.
Jean Alexander writes about her new Life in New Hampshire. "It's late fall - cold at night but pleasant most days. Winter is coming and with it, I will have known New Hampshire for a year. Almost newlyweds no longer, I continue to be thrilled to be here and contentedly set down more roots with every passing week."
FSP News recent issues are available. Content submissions are due by the 10th of each month.
The NH Liberty Calendar lists the upcoming events of 30 liberty-minded organizations.
Are you ready to join the FSP and move to New Hampshire to help achieve
Liberty in Our Lifetime? Click here.
Participants: 6,840
Participants in NH: 384
as of November 15, 2005
FSP News - Oct '05
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FSP News - Sept '05
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FSP News - August '05
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the Most Improved, and at the end of
July, it was NH again in the top spot in the 
FSP News - July '05
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Free Talk Live
FSP News - June '05
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FSP News - May '05
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The FSP is now sponsoring Pro-Freedom Talk Radio airing 6 days a week. It's
called "Free Talk Live". They are on in 5 markets right now including Kansas
City and even parts of New Hampshire. The talk show's hosts are all Free State
Project Participants and they promote the FSP at least once an hour. If it's
not on in your area, you can listen to the show via their Archives, Podcasting,
or Live Streaming at 
Amanda Phillips wrote a 
On May
9, Mike Fisher, an FSP participant, violated NH's licensing laws at the State
Board of Barbering, Cosmetology, and Esthetics in Concord in an planned act of
civil dis-obedience. There's been a lot of