Introduction
New Vision for Free State, Tipping Point for Libertarianism
For Immediate Release
January 4, 2008
NEW VISION FOR FREE STATE PROJECT, TIPPING POINT FOR LIBERTARIANISM
Nashua, NH - The first day of presentations for the 2008 Liberty Forum covered several broad themes and brought together members, speakers and activists from across the country and across the world, with attendees coming from as far away as Hawaii and Australia.
At the opening ceremonies, FSP President Irena Goddard related her own family's story of escaping Communism and the parallels of her later journey as part of the Free State Project. She then announced "FSP 3.0" which will let members decide their own threshold for making the move, be it the election of a certain statist politician, the imposition of "universal health care", or the number of participants. "The goal is to refocus on the members themselves, who are really what drives the Project and its success." said Goddard.
This initiative was modeled on the successful "First 1000" project to commit 1000 members to move to New Hampshire by the end of 2008. So far, 508 members reside in New Hampshire. The new membership thresholds will be rolled out in January.
The opening ceremonies also featured Sharon Harris, of the Advocates for Self-Government, showing how Libertarianism is a "sticky" idea that is approaching its tipping point of mass adoption. She explained how liberty is a simple, profound, credible idea, the foundation for any widespread movement. The only facet it traditionally lacks, if only in tone, is the emotional impact and appeal. She pointed out that "people care about your ideas when you care about them."
Harris reminded the audience that all great progress in history has been the story of liberating humanity, be it ending feudalism or prohibition or the separating church and state. She said, "Libertarianism is the new anti-slavery movement. Be it warrantless searches, huge tax burdens, or undeclared wars, the people are yearning to be free. The future of western civilization depends upon you, let's move liberty forward."
The Liberty Forum continues until Sunday at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua. Full details are at http://www.freestateproject.org/libertyforum
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Introductory Videos
- Finding Life and Liberty in the Free State Project, Part 1 and Part 2
- From rent FREE** on Current TV, How far would you go for a political dream?
- FSP Youtubed videos collected in the FSP News Center
- The Ridley Report
Introduction to the First 1000
Freedom — now!
The original FSP mission to gather 20,000 commitments neglected a key segment of the FSP community--everyone who wanted to move earlier! The original kFSP organizers were surprised to find that some liberty activists were ready to move as soon as New Hampshire was voted the target state. Others needed only a few others to join them. The FSP thus launched a mini version of the mission, the First 1000 (F1K): 1,000 people would agree to move within three years. The new project succeeded, with 1033 signatures.
While the FSP continues to recruit 20,000 liberty-minded people to move to New Hampshire, it is important that early pioneers start the work for liberty in the state as soon as possible. With a commitment to move here by 2008, the First 1000 will help pave the way for the other 19,000 to follow, providing a beacon of freedom for the entire country.
Already making an impact
Much has already been accomplished in New Hampshire with more than 200 early movers and 300 native Granite-staters already here. Imagine what 1000 will do!
Already, early movers have run for office and won! Others have been appointed to offices on school, budget, and planning boards. The New Hampshire Liberty Alliance, founded by FSP participants, produces an annual report card on state legislators and closely screens all newly proposed legislation. Free Staters also chair New Hampshire’s Republican Liberty Caucus and Democratic Freedom Caucus.
Are you going to
talk about
a free society...
or are you going to
live it?
Join us in New Hampshire.
Be a pioneer for freedom.
What would you do to regain the liberty this country once guaranteed?
"A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government."
–-Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address (1801)
A special thanks to talk show host Ian Bernard, sponsor of the First 1000 program. You can hear Ian’s show, Free Talk Live, on radio stations around the United States and at www.FreeTalkLive.com via podcast.
Introduction to the FSP Web Site
The Free State Project is a virtual movement, and its web site is the hub. Since its modest beginnings the site has amassed a great deal of material, not all of which can be displayed on the home page. The site is therefore divided into a dozen "centers", and we suggest that all new visitors look at each one at least briefly. Not coincidentally, each Center corresponds with a function in the FSP organization chart--they reflect how the Project is organized. Some of the Centers correspond to specific user types: e.g. journalists, first-time visitors, FSP participants, and volunteers.
What would your gun rights be like in a free state?
Liberty in Our Lifetime
Free Stater exercising his open carry rights Also see this video about Free Staters helping each other build a gun range How would your life change in a free state?What do we mean by liberty? We believe that being free and independent is not only a great way to live, but the best way to live. We believe that a government’s maximum role should be to help individuals defend themselves from force and fraud so as to ensure liberty rather than grant it or take it from citizens. In other words, the Free State Project believes in the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. What is important to YOU? 
Progress2004 New Hampshire continues its progress on the issue of gun rights. In January, 2004, the New Hampshire Senate passed a bill that would lift the requirement for a state license to carry a concealed firearm! 2006 Free-Stater David Ridley believes strongly in the importance of the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, and the stronger and more clearly-worded New Hampshire Constitution. Dave was troubled by news reports that, in the wake of hurricane Katrina, various government agencies confiscated guns from law-abiding people -- at precisely the time when they needed most to defend themselves from looters. Dave contacted several 2nd-Amendment groups in New Hampshire, and he engaged the legislature. Inspired by his lead, the New Hampshire Senate proposed SB 348: "prohibiting the taking of arms and ammunition in a declared state of emergency." Separately, a bill was introduced (SB 318-FN) allowing "a person who is in any place where he or she has a right to be to use deadly force to protect oneself." As you can imagine, both these bills generated much public debate. Free-Staters joined the New Hampshire natives in writing Letters to the Editor, testifying before the House and Senate, and contacting our Representatives and Senators.
In the end, both these bills passed the House and Senate. |
In a free state...
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We don’t want to wait decades for most is most American citizens 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 your life than increasing it, the Free State Project offers the potential for real liberty within our lifetimes. The project aims at the achievable goal of liberty in a single state where all can live free.
Introduction to the Free State Project
A New Strategy for Freedom
Our Mission...
New Hampshire, The Free StateUpon reaching 5,000 commitments, the Free State Project conducted a vote to select the destination state from a field of ten candidates. On October 1, 2003 we announced that our participants had chosen New Hampshire as the future Free State. New Hampshire’s small population factored heavily in the selection process. Our research showed that 20,000 activists can heavily influence states, like New Hampshire, with populations of less than 1.5 million and our early movers report that even a few hundred can make a significant difference. With its existing distaste for big government and a welcoming attitude for the Free State Project’s goals, New Hampshire is an attractive destination. Migrating FSP participants will find a state consistently rated the safest and most livable in the United States. New Hampshire’s State Motto: "Live Free or Die". Get involved...Join the Free State Project and work on a New Strategy for Freedom. To participate in this growing movement, please read the Participation Guidelines, sign your Statement of Intent, and mail it to the address shown. Signing the Statement of Intent signals your commitment to move to the chosen Free State, New Hampshire. The move will take place within 5 years of obtaining 20,000 members. The Free State Project does not require dues for membership. It does not dictate where participants are to live in New Hampshire. It does not operate businesses or sell real estate. You can also sign up directly on our website. Help spread the word. The Free State Project operates solely on the generosity of its community members. We advertise in national publications and online venues such as Reason Magazine, Cannabis Culture, Liberty and the LP News. We will also run limited newspaper, radio and television spots in selected areas. If you are interested in helping the Free State Project publicize its missions, please visit our Volunteer Center, or call us toll-free at 888.532.4606. The Free State Project is NOT a political action organization. It is not tied to any political party. It does not run candidates for election, and it does not financially support or endorse candidates. It neither opposes nor endorses legislation. www.freestateproject.org 888.532.4604 toll-free info@freestateproject.org |
Further Introductory Reading
Issue-Specific Introductory Material
Candidates and Organizations that Promote the FSPSome people have discovered the Free State Project because of one of these individuals or groups:
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The Free State Project is an agreement among 20,000 pro-liberty activists to move to New Hampshire, where they will exert the fullest practical effort toward the creation of a society in which the maximum role of government is the protection of life, liberty, and property. The success of the Project would likely entail reductions in taxation and regulation, reforms at all levels of government, to expand individual rights and free markets, and a restoration of constitutional federalism, demonstrating the benefits of liberty to the rest of the nation and the world.
Choose New Hampshire, where freedom happens first
If you are a pro-liberty reformeryou are probably…frustrated. Whatever your issue and whatever your state, chances are that you have not been successful in the face of encroaching statism. The Free State Project invites you to focus your reform efforts on New Hampshire.
Whether you are planning a legislative effort, grassroots campaign, formal conference, or public demonstration, you will find an enthusiastic legion of libertarian activists ready to help. By choosing New Hampshire, you will maximize your odds of success. With its small population and live-free-or-die culture, New Hampshire is the ideal place to pioneer reform. New Hampshire offers a variety of benefits, including
- Ranked consistently #1 as the most livable state
- Plenty of recreational resources, including mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, and beaches, with year-round tourism being the state’s leading industry
- With 400 members, the largest state legislature in the US, providing the highest ratio of representation and easy access to politics
- An existing culture of liberty that will enable you to fight for freedom while already enjoying more, e.g. low regulation and no state sales or income tax!
New Hampshire was the first colony to declare independence from Great Britain, and was one of the original states of the Union. The seal has the optimistic rising sun in the background with a ship in the shipbuilding yard at Portsmouth, supposedly the Raleigh. The Raleigh was first launched in 1776 and was one of the earliest ships of the U.S. Navy.
For more information on the many advantages that New Hampshire has to offer, visit the FSP's New Hampshire Information Center.