Action in Pursuit of Liberty

Action in Pursuit of Liberty

Sometimes we see programs started that seem down right silly. Here's one that seems very silly, at first glance. But, not only would it be a lot of fun to try, it could also work quite well.

This is from a strongly Libertarian group, incorporated as a nonprofit corporation, with an address located in Clark County, Nevada. The five directors are all from different states.

The Libertarian part doesn't bother us. We've said for years that we favor a two party system in the United States. Where I differ from some others on the political scene is that I want the two political parties to be the Republican Party and either the Libertarian Party of the Constitutional Party. We've had about enough of the communists and socialists in the Democratic Party.

Anyway, now comes a group of political activists who are putting their money (and time) where their mouth is and planning to do something of substance.

They call themselves the Free State Project.(1) Below is a little about their plan: The Free State Project is a plan in which 20,000 or more liberty-oriented people will move to a single state of the U.S. to secure there a free society. We will accomplish this by first reforming state law, opting out of federal mandates, and finally negotiating directly with the federal government for appropriate political autonomy. We will be a community of freedom-loving individuals and families, and create a shining example of liberty for the rest of the nation and the world.

We don't want to wait decades for most citizens in the U.S. to realize that the nanny state is an insult to their dignity. For those of us who already understand the debilitating effects of a government bent on reducing liberty rather than increasing it, the Free State Project aims at liberty in a single state.

What do we mean by liberty? We believe that being free and independent is a great way to live, and that government's only role should be to help individuals defend themselves from force and fraud. To quote author L. Neil Smith, we believe that "no one has the right, under any circumstances, to initiate force against another human being, or to advocate or delegate its initiation."

What can be done in a single state? A great deal. We will repeal state taxes and wasteful state government programs. We will end the collaboration between state and federal law enforcement officials in enforcing unconstitutional laws. We will repeal laws outlawing drugs and guns. We will end asset forfeiture and abuses of eminent domain. We will privatize utilities and end inefficient regulations and monopolies. Then we will negotiate directly with the federal government for more autonomy.

The state where we will move will be decided once membership has reached 5,000. We are doing extensive research on all the candidate states. The vote will be conducted according to the method of Cumulative Count, which more closely approximates the ideal of individual choice than simple majority rule. Can 20,000 political activists take over a state and correct the socialist ills so entrenched today? Sure, if it's a small state and the current residents are already somewhat Liberty oriented. That number of people could move in and completely control every political party in the state. So, Democrats and RINOs beware. This is doable.

It appears they have been doing a lot of homework on the matter, too. They have their eye on thirteen states. So far, though, it looks as if New Hampshire fits their needs best.

Liberty takes vigilance and effort to secure and protect. Most Americans have forgotten that and it shows in the blatantly unconstitutional laws, rules and regulations we have allowed public officials to impose on us this past century. So, we wish the Free State Project success. This is the type of experiment that should be happening everywhere. Perhaps if the Free State Project is a success, this type of program will expand to other states.

We can dream, anyway.

More media articles about the FSP

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