FSP News - Dec '05

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 and congress 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.