Talking Points

Free State Project – Talking Points

by Amanda Phillips • 6/7/04

I thought that some of you might find this helpful... these are the talking points that I give to media folks before we do an interview. Most interviews don't cover everything, but this helps give the host some ideas on what they might be most interested in talking about. (I'm constantly updating & revising these, so make sure you do the same if you rip these off & use them for yourself). Also, feel free to e-mail me any time if you'd like the latest version of the talking points.


  1. Overview of the FSP

    • Plan to move 20,000 freedom activists to a small state where we can make a difference
    • when we reach 20,000 committed participants, then we start to move
    • demographics (mostly young, upwardly mobile, professional, educated)
    • are we associated with any political parties?
    • are we moving to specific areas within NH?
    • why the porcupine as the mascot?

  2. (small-l) libertarianism

    • believe in personal & economic freedom
    • what kinds of personal freedoms? Why?
    • what kinds of economic freedoms? Why?
    • what would an ideal libertarian society look like?
    • won't there be chaos?

  3. History of the FSP

    • how did it get started?
    • Jason's idea as a Yale grad student
    • the research -- other migratory movements
    • we created the Statement of Intent & the Participation Guidelines... only after we reach 20,000 commitments do we start to move
    • we researched 10 small population states and decided on NH as the best choice
    • high profile friends & endorsements (Governor Benson, Walter Williams, LP presidential candidates)

  4. Why NH?

    • extensive research on the states, membership voted on NH
    • NH has many political, cultural, economic advantages
    • small population + 400-seat legislature
    • a libertarian culture ("Live Free or Die")
    • near a major economic center
    • strong projected job growth
    • Governor signed on as a Friend
    • legislators make $100/year
    • constitution is only one in the world that protects the citizens' right to revolution

  5. Status of the FSP today

    • 5,800 participants
    • about 300 in NH today
    • expect many more to move this summer
    • Randall Wolfe's Walk to NH
    • Free Staters appointed to Governor's Task Force for Government Efficiency
    • 2 Free Staters in the NH State House
    • HOW TO JOIN!