New Hampshire, at Least the Best
State Defeats Nine Others in a Moving, Less-Is-More Internet Ballot
by Jonathan Finer • Washington Post Staff Writer • 10/02/03
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In New York, members of the Web-based Free State Project, which picked New
Hampshire for all the things it doesn't do. (Kathy Willens -- AP) |
MANCHESTER, N.H., Oct. 1 -- With no income tax or property tax, no motorcycle
helmet laws or seat belt requirements, and a constitutionally enshrined right
to revolution for its citizens, New Hampshire has long been held up as a model
by those who think that governments are best that govern least.
That notion received a strong endorsement today when the state was declared the
winner of a ballot held by the Free State Project, an Internet-based club
advocating limited government. Thousands of members have pledged to relocate to
whichever state won an election conducted last month and use their clout to
work for less government, more individual freedom, and a national model for
libertarianism.
Among 10 finalists, New Hampshire edged Wyoming to win.
"We are happy with the results and happy for our members," said Elizabeth
McKinstry, vice president of the organization. "Now we have a lot of work ahead
of us."
That work includes persuading 15,000 more like-minded people to sign on. The
approximately 5,000 members already registered have agreed to move to the state
only when total membership reaches 20,000. If enough new members are not
recruited by 2006, the commitments made -- which are not binding -- are
nullified.
McKinstry, 33, who works as a graphic designer in Ann Arbor, Mich., said about
75 percent of members are younger than 50, and almost half are paid $60,000 or
more a year. "It's a young, prosperous group, and now that it's decided, it
should be easier to convince people to come along."
But not all the members are waiting around for that to happen. Jackie Casey,
33, began planning a move to New Hampshire from Portland, Ore., last month,
arriving today at a Merrimack house filled with shipping boxes. She said if New
Hampshire lost, she would move to whatever state was selected, after a few
years. "I'm glad I don't have to pack again for at least a little while."
The idea for a mass emigration emerged from an article posted in 2001 on the
online journal Libertarian Enterprise, by Jason Sorens, a political science
graduate student at Yale. After an enthusiastic response from Internet readers,
the Free State Project was formed that summer.
To be considered, states needed a population of fewer than 1.5 million
residents, a promising job market, a "liberty friendly culture," and a low
reliance on federal aid. Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont,
Maine, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota and Alaska made the cut.
Most states were largely indifferent toward the project, but New Hampshire
Libertarian Party members actively recruited the Free State group, organizing a
visit for 200 members in July. Their pitch stressed that politics in the state
are accessible, because of its population of about 1.2 million, a 400-plus-seat
legislature, and campaigns for state offices that can be run for less than
$1,000. The trip included a meeting with Gov. Craig Benson (R), who told the
group to "come on up."
John Babiarz, head of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire, said he expected
the Free State Project's members to push for decreased taxation and curbing of
laws related to prostitution and drug use. "We're very much looking forward to
their infusing the state with activism," he said.
But not everyone in the state is excited about the prospect of the group
arriving en masse in the coming years.
During her shift at the tourist Welcome Center in Manchester, New Hampshire's
largest city, Barbara Constable was not feeling particularly welcoming. She
called the prospect of the arrival of 20,000 libertarians "frightening. This is
a small, small state," she said. "I am not sure we're ready for that."
More media articles about the FSP
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The chosen state
by Albert McKeon • Telegraph Staff •
mckeona@telegraph-nh.com • 10/02/03
Photo by The Concord Monitor
Ken Blevens gives a welcome hug to Michelle Dumas during a celebratory dinner
for the Free State Project at the Barley House in Concord last night after the
group announced choosing New Hampshire as its home state.
|
Won't you be their neighbor?
After considerable deliberation, a group of libertarians has chosen New
Hampshire as a home base to forward its ideal of bare-bones government.
Now the 5,454 members of the Free State Project must encourage 15,000 other
liberty-minded Americans to join the movement and, if they're not here already,
move to the Granite State.
Free State leaders announced Wednesday that New Hampshire had bested nine other
states in a polling of the group's membership. The former home of the solitary
Old Man of the Mountain topped second-place Wyoming by 10 percentage points on
the ballot's ranking scale.
With one hurdle cleared, the group now needs to quadruple its membership and
ultimately assimilate in a state known for its bitter winters and frosty
Yankees.
"Some people have been waiting to see what was going to happen once we reached
this milestone," said Free State member and Nashua resident Rich Tomasso. "This
isn't a pipe dream. We're serious about it, and the project will now go full
steam ahead. We'll see where it goes from here."
Not all members consider themselves libertarians; some register as Republicans
and a few as Democrats. They espouse a variety of causes - gun rights and
decriminalization of marijuana, for instance - but they all dream of an
unobtrusive government that privatizes all but the most essential services.
The group has not only expanded its ranks over the past year, but has held an
internal debate over its future home state. Members posted treatises on the
group Web site and met at bookstore cafes debating the merits of the 10 states.
Local members have long favored this state, partly because they wouldn't have
to uproot their lives but mainly because of the state's fiscal and social
conservatism. These members apparently made a strong case to their compatriots
across the country: You can live free or die in New Hampshire.
"We're not going to stop promoting the project," Tomasso said. "There's a
target now. We know where we're going, so we can focus."
Some Free State members who already reside here gathered Wednesday night at a
Concord restaurant to celebrate New Hampshire's victory.
Now with the party over, they will start helping newcomers negotiate the
housing market and other particulars, Tomasso said. The group hopes to reach
the 20,000-member mark within three years, and members would in theory start
moving here then. Some, though, have already expressed a desire to come sooner,
Tomasso said.
If the group does fulfill its mission, can and will New Hampshire accept
thousands of newcomers who also happen to have libertarian stripes?
First, those moving here will need a place to live. The housing market may work
in their favor right now, according to a local real estate agent.
James Goddard, owner of Coldwell Banker Ashton-Kilgore Inc., sees the market
slowing. Despite a sour economy the past few years, people had continued
investing in property as they sought profitable returns, Goddard said. But
those investors are now pulling out of real estate, he said.
If Free State members need homes, Goddard said "that would be wonderful."
"We need something to bridge the gap for Realtors," he said. "There are a lot
of multi-family homes coming onto the market now."
Once housed, where would Free State members work?
Though Free Staters might be perceived in some circles as loners intent on a
simple existence, the organization's leaders consider their members a "largely
young, well-educated, upwardly mobile group." Fifty percent of members have at
least a bachelor's degree, and 44 percent earn $60,000 or more annually, with
many members employed in the high-tech industry, the group said.
Jobs have increased only slightly over the past two years, said Peter Bartlett,
an economist for the state Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau.
"They're certainly moving into New Hampshire when we've suffered significant
losses in manufacturing and high-tech equipment," Bartlett said. "But we're
expecting it to grow. If they can hit the cycle just right, maybe (the state)
can find jobs for new workers."
Free State members interested in the high-tech field would have to live in
southern New Hampshire, Bartlett said. If members favor living in sparsely
populated Coos and Grafton counties - as some have indicated - then the low
population would work in their favor but they would have difficulty finding
work, he said.
"I don't know what will happen if they have to go to Massachusetts for work,"
Bartlett said of a state not known for its libertarian values.
As for their stated goal of transforming politics, Free State members would
have the best success holding seats in the Legislature, said Saint Anselm
College political science professor Dante Scala.
Scala wonders if Free State members will form their own party, join a
Libertarian movement that hasn't met great success in New Hampshire, or side
with Republicans.
"They have to keep a balance assimilating into a larger community," Scala said.
"If they're assimilated, they don't keep the group identity but they don't come
off as outsiders. We have a pronounced sense of 'native' and 'non-native' even
though we see quite a lot of movement in population."
And Free State members have not yet functioned together in one state, Scala
said. A myriad of factors can break groups apart, he said.
"Assuming this all gels ... you don't know how they work with each other," he
said. "They come from across the country. How do you stay on the same page or
same agenda? What if not everyone agrees on (decriminalizing) marijuana?"
Albert McKeon can be reached at 594-5832
What is the Free State Project?
The Free State Project is an initiative aiming to curb government while
promoting personal liberties. It has 5,454 members, and wants to attract about
15,000 more like-minded people from across America in the next two years before
assimilating into New Hampshire government and culture. Members chose the
Granite State over nine other states because of its fiscal and social
conservatism.
More media articles about the FSP
These media articles are maintained on a non-commercial basis by
The Free State Project,
a non-profit organization, for historical, educational, scholarship,
and research purposes. (For information regarding "Fair Use", see
US Code Title 17,
Chapter 1, Section 107).
Free State Project will come to N.H.
by Shir Haberman •
shaberman@seacoastonline.com • 10/02/03
PORTSMOUTH - The vote is in and the porcupines are coming!
There is no indication yet how many will come or when they will arrive, but
members of the Free State Project - who name themselves after the prickly
rodent - voted last month and New Hampshire was the choice of 55 percent of
them as the place to settle where they could make the most impact politically.
"Our members' philosophy is that being free and independent is a great way to
live, and that government's maximal role should be to defend individuals from
force and fraud," the group's Web site at www.freestateproject.org notes.
In answer to the question of what the Free Staters plan to do once established
in New Hampshire the answer is, "a great deal," according to the organization's
Internet site.
"They could repeal state taxes and wasteful state government programs," the Web
site states. "They could end collaboration between state and federal law
enforcement officials in enforcing unconstitutional laws. They could roll back
gun control and drug prohibition. They could end asset forfeiture and abuses of
eminent domain. They could privatize utilities and end inefficient regulations
and monopolies. Then they could use their political leverage to negotiate
appropriate political autonomy for our state."
One of the overriding considerations in choosing New Hampshire was a welcoming
statement Gov. Craig Benson gave at a picnic hosted by the New Hampshire
Libertarian Party in June aimed at enticing the porcupines to come to the
state. In a statement issued Wednesday, Benson reiterated that welcome.
"Since colonial times, people have come to New Hampshire seeking individual
liberty and limited government. In my previous meeting with leaders of the Free
State Project, they said they were small-business owners and entrepreneurs who
believe in low taxes and limited government," Benson said after the vote was
announced Wednesday morning. "I am excited they are for the rule of law,
against prejudice and eager to be engaged in the political process. As with all
new citizens, I expect they will be positive contributors to New Hampshire, and
I welcome them."
FSP Vice President Elizabeth McKinstry said the reasons why the 5,300 people
who have already committed to move to whatever state the organization members
voted to settle in, voted overwhelmingly for New Hampshire are obvious.
"The state boasts the lowest state and local tax burden in the continental
U.S., the leanest state government in the country in terms of spending and
employment, a citizen legislature, a healthy job market and, perhaps most
important, local support for our movement," McKinstry said.
And according to a FSP survey, those who will be coming to New Hampshire will
be assets to the state. An estimated 50 percent of the porcupines have college
degrees, with 18 percent having done post-graduate work.
The vast majority, 75 percent, are under the age of 50, and 38 percent are
between the ages of 18 and 34. Forty-four percent are currently earning $60,000
or more, the survey indicated.
"The clear picture that emerges is one of a largely young, well-educated,
upwardly mobile group," said the organization's Membership Director Tim Condon
of Florida.
The goal is to have 20,000 Free Staters recruited by 2006, and then to give
them five years to relocate to New Hampshire, the organization's Web site
stated. However, there are already 150 Free Staters living here and many have
committed to moving to New Hampshire before the membership goal is reached.
Not everyone, however, is happy about a large number of Libertarian-minded
people coming to the state. New Hampshire Democratic Party Chairman Kathy
Sullivan earlier this month called Free State Project "sort of very fringe
group that can best be described as anarchists."
Sullivan questioned Benson's decision to welcome the group to the state.
"Is Craig Benson for legalized prostitution?," Sullivan asked. "He's for
legalizing drugs? Is he for eliminating public schools? "He doesn't understand
what these people stand for."
However, what impact even 20,000 Free Staters would make in this state of
approximately 1.3 million people is questionable. Libertarian John Babiarz got
13,028 votes for governor last November, nowhere near the 5 percent of the
popular vote needed to put his party on the ballot for the upcoming state and
national elections.
Several years ago there were three Libertarians in the New Hampshire
Legislature. Now there are none.
More media articles about the FSP
These media articles are maintained on a non-commercial basis by
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a non-profit organization, for historical, educational, scholarship,
and research purposes. (For information regarding "Fair Use", see
US Code Title 17,
Chapter 1, Section 107).
Ready to vote with their feet
Editorial • 10/01/03
THIS CENTURY'S first potential large-scale political experiment takes its
next baby-step today. The 5,400-some folks in the Free State Project will find
out which of 10 low-population U.S. states their majority picked to conquer by
persuasion. If the Free Staters can swell their ranks to more than 20,000 by
2006, all have pledged to move in (but not live together) across the favored
state by 2011.
The goal for this small-government-loving cadre is classically American: to get
their voices heard by tipping the political scales in their favor. Active and
activist members across the chosen state would support like-minded candidates
for the legislature. Their candidates wouldn't win, though, without the backing
of many of the natives. Their expected tactics would be less like an invasion
and more like a revival meeting.
This yearning for a place of one's own is eternal. Pilgrims tried to set up
their own utopia in the 17th century, as did Mormons in the 19th. Just 30 years
ago, Vermont attracted scores of back-to-the-soil types.
The message, too, is classic. Free Staters base their creed - to promote "a
society in which the maximum role of civil government is the protection of
life, liberty and property" - on the theory and phrasing of 17th century
constitutionalist John Locke.
The postmodern twist is the composition of the faithful, and how they heard the
call. People leading the movement live in Connecticut, Michigan and Nevada; the
best-represented states among the signatories are California and Florida. The
message came to most of them via the Web musings of then-grad student Jason P.
Sorens in 2000, and was debated and refined via chat rooms and e-mail - and at
e-speed.
Of course, there are a boatload of ifs. Would the cerebral, chatty East Coast
contingent really pack up and head to Wyoming, should it win - or could
taciturn, open-sky Westerners face hunkering down in New Hampshire?
Free Staters - many of them Libertarians -want to slash government and repeal
laws that punish nonthreatening behavior, but the specifics are fuzzy. The
nonprofit project will not set up a political platform; the plan is to leave it
to the immigrants. But if 20,000 "rugged individualists" do move in somewhere,
would they really be able to agree on everything? Plus, the states on the
chosen list may be "liberty-friendly," but it's not clear how persuadable the
locals would be.
Still, it's heartening that those so dissatisfied with this country's politics
believe they can work within the system to change it. Perhaps more will be
inspired to participate in their country's business by watching these practical
idealists try to seed a state.
More media articles about the FSP
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Chapter 1, Section 107).
Free State may head to Granite State
by Albert McKeon • Telegraph Staff •
mckeona@telegraph-nh.com • 10/01/03
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness - reasons enough to move to New
Hampshire.
Some 20,000 people may do just that should the Granite State top the Free State
Project ballot.
The almost 5,500 people who currently belong to this unique movement will learn
today if they should uproot for New Hampshire, Wyoming or one of eight other
states that somewhat adhere to the Free State way of thinking.
Then the group hopes to quadruple its numbers within two years, move to the
chosen state within about five years and start altering its political
landscape. Free State members favor states with small governments and societal
mindsets that back individual liberty, and many think that makes New Hampshire
an odds-on favorite.
"The New Hampshire Guard won't be called in to keep us away from the borders,"
said Free State member and Keene resident Pat LaPree.
That's almost a certainty. Gov. Craig Benson authorizes National Guard
deployments, and he has already supported the movement.
The other choices on the Free State ballot - which members turned in last month
- were Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Vermont and Wyoming.
The people underneath the group's umbrella espouse a variety of causes,
including gun rights, school choice and decriminalization of marijuana. But the
umbrella itself has a distinctly libertarian design: less government.
New Hampshire has never embraced the Libertarian Party, but its government
seemingly endorses some libertarian principles - possibly because those
principles are Republican in nature.
Free State members appreciate the lack of a sales or income tax, and the state
motto "Live Free or Die."
"New Hampshire is more on the libertarian side of the Republican Party," said
Free State member and Lebanon resident Mike Lorrey. "The Libertarian Party is a
failure on the national level; they want strict orthodoxy. We flocked to this
because we want to succeed."
Free State members would certainly have a foundation to work with should they
choose New Hampshire. But would the 1.26 million residents who already live
here accept the Free State Project?
The answer may lie in how the group carries out its mission.
Many Free State members expect to run for state and local government offices,
and claim they will work with their neighbors and not against them. If New
Hampshire is chosen, they intend to slowly ingrain themselves into the
political scene.
"We will take a more pragmatic approach that works within the political
system," Lorrey said. "We won't suffer from the high-horse syndrome: 'my way or
the highway.'"
Rich Tomasso, a Free State member and Nashua resident, points to how New
Hampshire's population increases by about 20,000 a year. An additional 20,000
Free State members over the next seven years will hardly make a dent, he said.
"People understand they have to be a bridge with the community," Tomasso said.
"Carpetbaggers tend not to do so well. We will make connections and establish
in communities and have local charity involvement. Community is a very big
aspect of what the Free State is about."
Some in New Hampshire political circles, such as state Democratic Party
Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan, consider the Free State Project nothing more than a
fringe group. Nationally, the group has caused consternation as members oppose
laws against gambling, marijuana possession and prostitution.
The project, though, will not spend its energies "ranting and raving on
issues," Tomasso said. Any movement has its share of radicals and moderates,
and the Free State Project won't have 20,000 members supporting the same idea,
he said.
"Some people had a less than positive experience with a zoning board or
police," Tomasso said. "Others have started a business in a less-than-friendly
state for businesses, others want personal freedom. We're all over the map.
Some come from a spiritual point of view, and there are a few anarchists who
want to live free."
Added Lorrey: "Some people think it's an invasion ... it's a bit laughable.
It's like expecting anarchists to organize."
James Maynard may or may not represent the typical Free State member. Maynard,
a Keene resident, likes the group's "out-of-the-box thinking," and sees the
group complementing and not overturning the New Hampshire way of life if New
Hampshire is the chosen state.
Maynard has specific ideas that he thinks would reduce the size and scope of
state government, while still providing efficient services to residents. Seeing
a state-run charity in Keene recently lay off workers based on employees'
residency instead of their performance solidifies his view that the government
needs to leave some ventures to private firms, he said.
At the same time, he opposes the criminalization of marijuana possession.
"For a long time in this country, the voices of consistent liberty are drowned
out by those who cite liberty only when it is convenient," Maynard said. "For
the first time, this group will make sure that the voices of consistent liberty
will be heard."
Albert McKeon can be reached at 594-5832.
More media articles about the FSP
These media articles are maintained on a non-commercial basis by
The Free State Project,
a non-profit organization, for historical, educational, scholarship,
and research purposes. (For information regarding "Fair Use", see
US Code Title 17,
Chapter 1, Section 107).
Democrats lash out at Benson, Free State Project
by Kate McCann • Associated Press Writer • 10/01/03
CONCORD, N.H -- State Democrats lashed out against Gov. Craig Benson and
the Free State Project, which said Wednesday it wants to bring 20,000
libertarians to New Hampshire to influence public policy.
Benson said Wednesday he was excited New Hampshire was chosen out of 10 states
for the project, which wants to minimize government's role and strengthen
individual liberties.
Many project members say they will come to New Hampshire to roll back laws on
what they call "victimless crimes".
"Why is Governor Craig Benson supporting a group that wants to legalize
prostitution, legalize drugs and eliminate public schools?" said Democratic
Party Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan. "Craig Benson should explain to the voters why
he is supporting such a radical, antifamily agenda."
Sullivan said Republican Benson does not realize that project members will vote
for libertarians, not him.
"Craig Benson is a loose cannon, and this is what results when a loose cannon
doesn't have the common sense to think before he speaks," Sullivan said. "It's
another Craig Benson folly we're going to have to live with."
The governor's office had strong objections to Sullivan's words.
"Governor Benson is against legalized prostitution. He is against legalized
drug use. And he's for the public schools," said spokesman Wendell Packard.
"The governor is like most people from New Hampshire. They welcome individuals
who believe in self-determination, low taxes and limited government.
In a news release, the state Democratic Party also said the Free State Project
wants to eliminate fire departments, environmental protections and stop the
state from accepting federal health care for seniors.
Free State Project founder Jason Sorens, 26, called those statements a
distortion.
"None of it is on target. I'm not sure where they got those things," said
Sorens. "We support strong environmental protections to protect people from
pollution. To say we support eliminating public schools is incorrect."
Sorens said the free-staters are a pro-business group, which wants community
schools funded through tuition and community contribution. The free-staters, he
said, believe government should enforce contracts and punish violent criminals.
"I would also add the Free State Project doesn't have a particular platform,"
Sorens said. "We have a political philosophy. Our members have diverse choices
on many issues."
Rich Tomasso, a project member from Nashua, said many members believe that
prostitution, gambling and drug use should be legal because they are victimless
crimes.
But even though some members believe that, it is inaccurate to say the
project's platform calls for legalization, Tomasso said.
"As long as you are not hurting other people or damaging someone else's
property, the government should leave you alone," the freelance writer said.
Democrats cited an English newspaper, The Guardian, and the project's Web site
as their sources for the news release.
The newspaper did not quote Sorens directly as saying the project supports
eliminating fire departments and public schools or legalizing drugs,
prostitution and gambling.
The Guardian wrote that "a Free State would translate as a green light for
casinos, brothels, cocaine farms and gun supermarkets. Leaders would do away
with seatbelt laws, limits on gay marriage and most taxes."
Regarding fire departments, an essay on the project's Web site says police and
fire departments should be restricted to helping people instead of being "code
enforcers."
"Because they are ill or injured or have a fire and need help should not also
get them subsequently arrested for what they may have in their home," wrote
Joseph Swyers.
However, the Web site cautions that views expressed in essays don't necessarily
represent those of the project.
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New Hampshire wins 'free state' vote
Thousands of libertarians to move to state, work for more liberty
10/01/03
A group of 4,500 libertarians who all agreed to move to one state to work
toward restoring certain personal liberties and limited government has voted to
choose the state of New Hampshire as a new home.
The Free State Project, which
has been collecting commitments from members to move to the winning state for
two years, announced the results of its balloting this morning. Ten states were
under consideration, with New Hampshire prevailing over Montana, Wyoming,
Delaware, Vermont, Maine, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota and Alaska.
Leaders of the Free State Project now hope to recruit another 15,500 people to
migrate to New Hampshire, hoping to "reinforce and enhance the 'sphere of
individual liberty' in the Live Free or Die state," said a statement by the
group. It is the participants' goal to "preserve one bastion of freedom in the
age of intrusive government."
As
WorldNetDaily reported, Jan Helfield, a Falls Creek, Va.-based attorney and
Libertarian Party activist, is one of the group's leaders.
"The Free State Project proposes to identify the easiest state in the union to
free, and then relocate 20,000 people to implement the liberation," he wrote
last year. "The people interested in moving will sign up with FSP and vote on
the state selected to be freed."
The 20,000 newly relocated activists "would permit Libertarians to register
large numbers of new voters to vote Libertarian, a factor that could easily
make the difference and lead to a Libertarian victory," Helfield said.
"We could end state redistribution of wealth, repealing state taxes and
wasteful government programs. We could privatize education and utilities. We
could repeal laws regulating guns, drugs and other victimless crimes. We could
abolish asset forfeiture, abuses of eminent domain, inefficient regulations and
state monopolies."
The group's statement said organizers expect the first wave of movers to
migrate to New Hampshire by year's end.
The runner-up state was Wyoming.
"New Hampshire is clearly the consensus choice of Free Staters," commented FSP
president and Yale political science professor Jason Sorens on the group's
website. "New Hampshire won a plurality of first-preference votes from every
region of the country except the West."
"It's not difficult to see the reasons for New Hampshire's victory," said FSP
Vice President Elizabeth McKinstry, who is originally from New England. "The
state boasts the lowest state and local tax burden in the continental U.S., the
leanest state government in the country in terms of government spending and
employment, a citizen legislature, a healthy job market, and perhaps most
important, local support for our movement."
According to the group, New Hampshire Gov. Craig Benson pledged to support the
aims of the FSP, and several members of the legislature have signed up as
members.
The group says if current recruitment trends continue, organizers expect to
reach 20,000 commitments by 2006, after which point members would have five
years in which to move to New Hampshire.
Noted Tim Condon, FSP director of member services, "The member survey shows
that 53 percent of members plan to move within three years, not waiting for the
20,000-member benchmark. Early movers should help recruitment by building a
record of success."
Not all in New Hampshire were thrilled with the prospect of thousands of
libertarians moving in.
"I like to be left alone by the government. But I need my trash picked up. I
need police protection," Dennis Pizzimenti, a lawyer in Concord, told the
Associated Press.
The news service reported Kathy Sullivan, state Democratic Party chairwoman,
said project members "can best be described as anarchists."
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and research purposes. (For information regarding "Fair Use", see
US Code Title 17,
Chapter 1, Section 107).
Free-staters eye New Hampshire, Wyoming
by Kate McCann • 09/06/03
CONCORD, N.H. -- About 20,000 liberty-minded people soon may be putting New
Hampshire's "Live Free or Die" motto to a serious challenge.
Members of the Free State Project, inspired two years ago by a Yale graduate
student, will announce their chosen state on Oct. 1, and New Hampshire could
well be it. The group is also considering Wyoming and several other states.
If it's New Hampshire, 20,000 of them say they will move here within five years
to work for smaller government, fewer laws and individual liberty.
Project members are college students and retirees and small business owners.
Not all are Libertarians, though their principles are similar. They describe
themselves as nonviolent, freedom-loving people. And they call their project
the biggest experiment in democracy since the Revolutionary War.
Graduate student Jason Sorens came up with the idea in an essay written in July
2001. He posted it online, and was immediately flooded with e-mails from people
ready to put it into action. With the Web site (www.freestateproject.org) as a
forum, the movement began.
A year ago, members narrowed the choices to 10 states based on their small
populations, libertarian tendencies, strong economies and other criteria.
New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont are on the list, as are South and North
Dakota, Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. But New Hampshire and
Wyoming are generally seen as the leaders.
New Hampshire is tops for its lack of dependence on federal dollars, projected
job growth, low crime rate and small government. It also gets high marks for
its lack of a general sales or income tax, the relatively weak powers of its
governor and, of course, the "Live Free or Die" motto coined by Revolutionary
War hero John Stark.
There's also the New Hampshire Constitution, which both guarantees the right to
revolt and does not prohibit secession. Project members say secession is not
their goal, but the provision could be a useful bargaining chip.
Strikes against New Hampshire include its lack of support for Libertarian
presidential candidates and its relatively expensive political campaigns.
The campaign to choose a state is being waged mainly on the Internet. But an
"Escape to New Hampshire" picnic in June attracted more than 200 people from 22
states and Canada, including Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Nolan.
And James Maynard of Keene, one of 150 project members who already live in New
Hampshire, has been recruiting in Massachusetts.
"With the attitude of everyone in Massachusetts, that freedom is just to their
north, that would be a great source," said Maynard, 30.
Voting began last month as membership reached 5,000.
Results of the balloting, which ends Sept. 22, are a closely guarded secret. A
contractor is doing the counting, and board members say even they have no idea
what the early returns show.
Though the premise of the project is that 20,000 committed individuals could be
a genuine force in a small state, members bristle at the suggestion they want
to "take over" a state.
"New Hampshire gets 20,000 new residents annually. So 20,000 people is not like
locusts," said Vice President Elizabeth McKinstry, who lives in Michigan. "And
in no state that's on our list will 20,000 people be enough to come in to 'take
over.'"
Even if it were, members say that is not what the project is about.
Henry McElroy, a freshman state representative from Nashua, says the biggest
change would be getting people involved in government.
"You should be reading, you should be studying, you should be doing a better
job of understanding your place in society," said McElroy, a Republican. "And
that is not to be a couch potato that maybe votes every four years."
However, some members say they will work to eliminate laws against "victimless
behaviors" such as marijuana use for medical purposes, prostitution and
gambling.
That's partly why New Hampshire State Democratic Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan
considers the project "sort of a very fringe group that can best be described
as anarchists."
Sullivan was appalled when Republican Gov. Craig Benson told free-staters this
summer, "Come on up, we'd love to have you."
"Is Craig Benson for legalized prostitution? He's for legalizing drugs? Is he
for eliminating public schools?" she asked.
"He doesn't understand what these people stand for," she said.
Benson spokesman Chris Reid said it's Sullivan who doesn't understand.
He said Benson met with project representatives and welcomed them after being
assured that in addition to favoring smaller government and less taxes, they
were for the rule of law and against bigotry.
"Based on that, he told them they were welcome in New Hampshire," Reid said.
Sullivan doubts the free-staters would find a receptive audience in New
Hampshire. But University of New Hampshire professor Mark Wrighton believes the
state might indeed be fertile ground.
"The words 'Live Free or Die' pretty much explains a lot of what goes on in New
Hampshire," Wrighton said.
More media articles about the FSP
These media articles are maintained on a non-commercial basis by
The Free State Project,
a non-profit organization, for historical, educational, scholarship,
and research purposes. (For information regarding "Fair Use", see
US Code Title 17,
Chapter 1, Section 107).
| Date:
| 07/28/03
|
| Item:
| TV segment about FSP
|
| Author:
| Eric Scheiner
|
| Media:
| WNDS TV-50
|
TV segment about FSP
07/28/03
Unofficial transcript of WNDS TV-50 on-air news segment about FSP, with
FSP member James
Maynard. WNDS is New Hampshire's second largest TV station. This segment
aired 7/28/03 at 7pm and 10pm.
Female anchor: An organization called the Free State project is looking
to move 20,000 libertarians into New Hampshire
Male anchor: The group wants to change the structure of government and
News-Now's Eric Scheiner shows us how.
(cut to James Maynard)
James Maynard (FSP member): We're trying to gather 20,000 liberty minded
people to move to one state in the union together. To work within local and
state government to bring about a more financially responsible and socially
tolerant government.
(cut to http://www.freestateproject.org/state.htm as the reporter talks it
scrolls down from the Low Campaign Expenditures portion)
Eric Scheiner (Reporter): The idea is simple, yet revolutionary. And
for libertarian members of the Free State Project New Hampshire is one of 10
possible destinations. A destination where political goals have already been
established. Lowering property taxes being the first among many.
(scrolls as far down as Low Crime Rates, then cuts back to James)
James: We want to lower the Business Enterprise Tax, we want to lower
the business property tax.
(cut to Colony Mill marketplace sign, then Ye Goodie Shoppe sign, Time
Leon's "Family" Restaurant, Creative Encounters, Prime Roast coffee company
while reporter talks)
Eric: Project members believe the influx of 20,000 libertarians would
boost the economy. By buying and renting homes, and starting businesses, all
while establishing themselves in communities and promoting the free enterprise
principles of the Libertarian Party.
(cut back to James)
James: We're going to be going door-to-door, we're going to be working
on warrant articles, on the school budgets...
(cut to reporter sitting in front of a PC on the FSP's homepage)
Eric: Nearly 5,000 people have signed up on the Free State Project
website, agreeing to move to New Hampshire if it is chosen as the project's
state. Final decision on the issue will come on August 15th.
(cut to James)
James: New Hampshire, as much as you can tell from the thousand or so
people who go to the forum seems to be a front runner.
(cut back to shots of storefronts)
Eric: If the Granite State is chosen for the project there's still no
deadline for the influx to begin. Nearly 15,000 more libertarians would need
to agree to move to the Live Free or Die state before the Free State Project
would get underway.
(cut to a closeup of the porcupine logo on the homepage, then the top of
the homepage).
Eric: For WNDS News-Now, I'm Eric Scheiner.
More media articles about the FSP
These media articles are maintained on a non-commercial basis by
The Free State Project,
a non-profit organization, for historical, educational, scholarship,
and research purposes. (For information regarding "Fair Use", see
US Code Title 17,
Chapter 1, Section 107).
Freestaters claim Gov. one of them
[no author given] • 08/14/03
CONCORD – Members of the free state movement have released a
statement that Gov. Craig Benson supports their cause.
The Free State Project was founded by North Carolina resident Jason Sorens, a
member of the Libertarian Party. Its goal is to enlist 20,000 like-minded
people to move to a low-population state in order to advocate for smaller
government. New Hampshire, Montana and Wyoming are among the top contenders for
the state to which the group would move. According to the 2000 census, the
population of New Hampshire is 1.2 million.
According to an Aug. 7 Free State Project press release (datelined Henderson,
Nev. and Austin, Tex.), Gov. Benson met with members from the Free State
Project who were visiting New Hampshire in June to explore the suitability of
the state for settling 20,000 Free Staters.
The meeting was part of the "Escape to New Hampshire" getaway, sponsored by the
Welcome to the Granite State Committee and arranged by John Babiarz, Free State
Project member, chairman of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire and Benson's
appointee to the Efficiency in Government Commission.
According to the Free State Project press release, "Benson welcomed the visit
and noted that he had much in common with Free Staters. After careful
consideration, Governor Benson has decided to sign on as a supporter of the
'Free State Project.' While making no commitment to move with the Free Staters,
he supports their efforts to reform state and local government in order to
create a truly free society."
Sorens said, "As a grassroots organization, we draw support from many quarters.
In addition to the nearly 5,000 members and hundreds of friends, it's wonderful
to have an ally in this state's highest office."
The press release continues, "When asked how he would feel about 20,000
small-government activists moving to New Hampshire, Benson replied, 'Come on
up. We'd love to have you.'"
When contacted for comment, Christopher Reid of the Governor's office responded
by email, "While the Governor has not exactly 'signed on' to the movement, he
definitely enjoyed meeting the representatives, found common ground with them,
and welcomed their interest in New Hampshire."
He confirmed that the group met briefly and informally with Gov. Benson and
said the Governor was pleased that the group has said that it is for the rule
of law, against bigotry, and impressed with New Hampshire. He said Benson spoke
with members of the group about "starting businesses, trying new things and
their philosophy of limited government."
"The Governor told them that he enjoyed their meeting, and that New Hampshire
has always welcomed people who want to work hard and get involved," he said
Reid added, "It is not a surprise that the 'free state movement' is attracted
to the 'live free or die state.' They say that their goal is to find a state
that believes in reductions in burdensome taxation and regulation, and an
increased respect for and protection of people's rights. For centuries people
have moved to New Hampshire for similar reasons. We have never discouraged
them, and we are not going to start now."
The Free State Project describes itself as "a non-profit organization that is
in the process of gathering 20,000 or more liberty-oriented people to move to a
single state in the U.S. in the attempt to establish a truly free society.
Rather than continuing the same failed strategies aimed at bringing the U.S.
Government to the light of liberty, the Free State Project aims at creating
liberty in a single state. The success of the Free State Project would likely
entail reductions in burdensome taxation and regulation, legal reforms, and an
increased respect for and protection of people's rights, demonstrating the
benefits of liberty to the rest of the nation and the world. The project's
membership is currently conducting the vote to choose which state will become
'the Free State.'"
The group maintains a website at
www.freestateproject.org. More information about the project can also be
found at www.FreeStateNH.com. For
more information about the New Hampshire Libertarian Party, on the Internet,
look at www.lpnh.org.
More media articles about the FSP
These media articles are maintained on a non-commercial basis by
The Free State Project,
a non-profit organization, for historical, educational, scholarship,
and research purposes. (For information regarding "Fair Use", see
US Code Title 17,
Chapter 1, Section 107).
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