already in New Hampshire
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 FSP 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.
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... |
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.