Morning in the Free State by Phil Denisch

NOTE: The opinions and commentary expressed in this essay are those of the author and are an exercise of free speech. They do not necessarily represent the views of Free State Project Inc., its Directors, its Officers, or its Participants.

Morning in the Free State

by Philip Denisch

I open my eyes and see the sun peek over the tops of the trees, flooding my bedroom with a warm yellow glow. The robin on the balcony sings its song giving the feeling of happiness and hope to the new day. I yawn and stretch, lounging in the soft hemp-woven sheets (purchased recently at reasonable cost from Sean and Shelly's Chic Sheet Shop). My perspective is one of contentment and anticipation. Contentment in that I am where I want to be, doing what I want to do and without feeling the guilt of unknown crimes lurking in every corner. Anticipation in that the day ahead is mine to make of it what I will and succeed or fail on my own merit on the tasks I chose. I say to myself, "Self, it's great waking up in the Free State."

I spin out of bed and go to make breakfast. I get an orange, (from Suzie's Citrus Stall, she grows them herself in a green house). Then some eggs (I trade Fred next door -- his eggs for my tomatoes) to make an omelet for myself. My choice of cheeses is as varied as it is delicious. Each cheese maker's goal here in the Free State is to out-cheese the other cheese-makers. They don’t spend their time like those across the river, genuflecting before a thousand government bureaucrats whose tenure consists of finding, or creating, violations of a legion of innumerable, conflicting regulations.

The eggs were cooking nicely, a slice of toast on the side with some apricot jelly (from Jerry and Jane's Jelly Jamboree -- now on Fifth St, they used to be on Elm Ave, but that's another story). Back to the 'fridge for some milk -- I think how much cheaper milk is here in the Free State. For some reason, I think it even tastes better. I think music in the morning is a good idea, so I put in Puccini's, "Turandot", you know, to get the day started on the right foot. I look out over the trees to where they stop at the river, standing like a barricade against the other world, the other universe, just across the river. I shudder when I think of those who stay there.

I clean the dishes and get dressed, feeling all dapper and comfortable in my clothes (thanks to the wonderful work at Tim's Textile Tailoring Tattersall). The clothes that I choose to wear are not always thought of as…usual. I know it won't matter to just about everybody I would meet that day, and that makes me comfortable. It's as if the content of my character actually was what they were going by (or my lack thereof). Even if they didn’t like my content, they let me have it anyway. I know there are those who chuckle or smirk when they see me, but knowing they won’t bother me if I don’t bother them is a great feeling.

As I get ready to leave for work, I realize I am not thinking about whether or not I'll be safe on my trip to town. The local paper purposely uses a whole page for their "police blotter", which is almost always blank. When there are entries, it really is something different. I guess the old adage about an armed society being a polite society, is true. Here in the Free State, many people are armed. I was a bit worried about that at first, but after being here a while, I feel better about it, even glad for it. When I first heard about some of the people who went around armed, I was at least glad there weren't any laws here in the Free State about not being able to buy a bullet-proof vest. Imagine, on the other side of the river, the number of different ways they are prohibited from protecting themselves, that really made me afraid. One person I was concerned about was Old Missus Moses, ("Grandma Moses" to some, and "Moses' grandma" to others). That was before I heard her story. She'd been robbed 3 times on the other side of the river and finally decided to buy a gun for protection. She got a gun, took some training and hasn’t been robbed since. I even hear she embarrasses a few of the firearms experts at the annual target competition. When I think how those across the river are huddling in their hovels, unable to protect themselves, in fear of any little would-be terrorist, I pity them. When I think of them also in fear of the militarized police who may, or may not, get the address right on a non-reviewed, barely evidenced, no-knock raid, I think how they got what they asked for. Maybe "land of the free" once, but now shackled by their own fear. I can still remember the feeling of relief and pride, when I realized how much safer I was after moving. Thinking about how most of the able-bodied men and women around me are armed and capable of defending their land, (and I admit, someone had to explain to me the true, original meaning of militia), made me feel safer here than if I were almost anywhere else.

The weather is pleasant, I decide to walk to work. I must confess though, that my curiosity about the newly completed road is a factor in my decision. The new road goes right past my place and up to the edge of town. It is an odd sensation, being welcomed to walk along the road. I'm reminded of the "No pedestrians allowed" signs along most of the larger roads on the other side of the river. The soft spongy walkway feels nice under my shoes (imported from Italy, duty-free, thanks to Dan's Dog-cover Depot -- still on Elm). The builders did a good job protecting us "walkers" from the "powered traffic". They devised a unique net-like fence, that I could see through but kept most of the smells, sounds and all of the possible projectile objects, off the pedestrian walkway. The price was reasonable, a call from the roadway service phone to Ron's partially retarded son, who worked as the toll collector, would include another trip on my monthly bill (from the Ranging Ron Roadway Company). The walkway is quite agreeable, and I am pleasantly distracted from time to time by educational nature signs along the way. It seems Ron's niece is somewhat of a nature fanatic and she's posted signs along the walkway pointing out interesting bits of nature. She has, it seems, a particular fascination with small birds. The nesting and eating habits of the Goldfinch being of special interest. This is where I should say, "How sweet."

Nearing town, I couldn't help but notice a particularly amazing example of the nesting habits of a creature named Homo Sapiens Sapiens. This certain nest belonged to a certain, Jason Rockleigh Langhorn Wildabrandt, the third (as if you didn’t know). The building of which employed a large portion of the town for quite a while (as well as the services of the Capacious Construction Corporation) The home looks magnificent, all spires and towers with gardens and ponds all around. He had a great house-warming party when it was finished and invited everyone in the neighborhood. Since I arrived after it was built I never did get to see the inside. I've been told he hasn't let anyone inside since.

Another interesting site along the way, a feeding habit of sorts, the feeding of knowledge to the next generation. My eyes behold all the glory that is The Non-Home Home-School. OK, it's just a regular building. The glory part is in the attitude, of the students and the parents. The people involved sure are proud of what they're doing. The espirit de corps in that place seems more genuine and more sincere than any I'd ever seen on the other side of the river. It is a co-op of sorts, where you pay to share teaching resources with others. There are a few combined classes with experts and they take field trips and the like, but the main purpose is to share equipment. I guess they can buy a much better microscope if everyone pitches in. I wondered whether or I not I would have been better served in that kind of atmosphere. Although here in the Free State, if there's anything we have it's the freedom to choose. Just on the other side of town stands the crisp clean lines of the Aristotlian School of Reason. I've never been there, but I understand it has a, how shall I say it…"stricter" learning environment. I guess it all depends on the type of child. I'm just glad that all of the children aren't squished into the same mold and told to think the same way. I sure don't want musicians taught the same way as engineers. If your child wants to participate in sports, you can do that too, and again the choices are plenty. There's Paul's Pugilistic Palace, Harry's House of Horse-racing (next to Jerry's Jousting Joint), Bob's Baseball Boarding School, and although there is some objection to it, Connie's College of Cockfighting, (right next to Charlie's Chicken Chantry--"Best legs this side of Helen's").

As I get close to the town center, I can hear the voice of "Old Bill". In a town of unique people, this guy was a giant. He's never hurt anyone, and most people try to enjoy his rather peculiar brand of proselytizing. It seems he thinks aliens, you know, the green, bug-eyed type, started life on this planet long ago and are now watching how we grow and act. He does a great job on small engine repairs and rebuilding so his "unique outlook on life" is overlooked by most. Today he is standing just under the freshly polished statue of Ludwig Von Mises, ranting and raving about how we'd better be on our guard, etc. (against the invasion that's sure to come). I glance up at the statue gleaming brilliantly in the morning sun, and remember my childhood on the other side of the river and how most of the statues there involve heroes of some war. A smile slowly spreads across my face as I realize most of the statues I see around the Free State are of heroes of peace. Heroes of thought, heroes of building, heroes of creating. I surely won't debate here which type of hero has done more for the world, but to say that the burnish on Ludwig's statue put there by those who understand, far exceeds the tarnished, ordure-covered carvings of some politician's general.

I'm almost to the office by now and, after glancing at the artwork adorning Helen's Hall of Harlots, I stop in to say "Hi!" to Manny the Muckraker, proprietor of a local newspaper. It's a fun place with everyone smiling (except the political reporter). The things they print are true. The biggest difference between this paper in the Free State and those across the river, are the labels. If something is a true opinion -- they label it as such. If something has been found to be an objective fact, then it is labeled as such. Rumors are called rumors, gossip is stamped gossip (my favorite is Gus's Gossip Gully). Manny even goes so far as to identify the political leanings of the reports (most of us chuckle at the articles by Carl the Communistic Curmudgeon). We have a number of other newspapers, a few religious, a few business journals and even a secret Marxist pamphleteer. There's a bet around town on who the Marxist is, and whether they're serious or not. I pay my 2 Porcs for the latest copy of Manny's rag and chuckle again at the picture of Gail Wynand in the "Employee of the Month" picture frame.

I say "G'Day" and head back out to the sidewalk, (kept immaculately clean by Stu's Sidewalk Sweeping Service - never was on Elm). I walk the couple of blocks to the large red door with a sign that reads: "Enter at your Own Risk!" (lovingly crafted at Susie's Sign Service). There really wasn't anything especially dangerous inside, but it was a reminder, and a joke, at the expense of those on the other side of the river -- at least the boss had a sense of humor. I sit down in my chair, turn on the computer, and start to look at the project before me. On the outside of the file it reads: "Free State Project: A History".

Also see: Afternoon in the Free State

Migrate for Freedom!

NOTE: The opinions and commentary expressed in this essay are those of the author and are an exercise of free speech. They do not necessarily represent the views of Free State Project Inc., its Directors, its Officers, or its Participants.

Migrate for Freedom!

by Kat Dillon • 6/2/04

What would cause a group of ordinary citizens to uproot family, leave jobs and friends to move to New Hampshire? It would have to be something important. Yet 5,800 individuals so far have pledged to do so, and several have already moved. One member takes the project so seriously that he is walking from Kentucky to New Hampshire for the cause of freedom. I myself am leaving a quite comfortable situation in Texas and moving myself and my daughter to New Hampshire at the end of June.

Why are all these people taking this drastic step? We are part of the Free State Project (http://www.freestateproject.org), a group of people concerned about the ever growing intrusion by government on the private lives of citizens. The Free State Project is a plan in which 20,000 or more liberty-oriented people will move to New Hampshire, where they may work within the political system to reduce the size and scope of government. The success of the Free State Project would likely entail reductions in burdensome taxation and regulation, reforms in state and local law, an end to federal mandates, and a restoration of constitutional federalism, demonstrating the benefits of liberty to the rest of the nation and the world.

Moving for the cause of freedom is nothing new. Jason Sorens, founder and Chairman of the Board for the Free State Project points out, "The whole American experience is based on migrating for freedom. That's what most of the immigrants who came to our shores were doing. They wanted a better life, and that's exactly what we're doing." From that movement sprang the greatest nation this planet has ever seen. Nowhere else was it recognized that individual rights are inherent and inalienable, not a whim of those in power to bless us with or take away. Nowhere else has the protection of those rights led to such a prosperous nation.

The problem is that daily, we see our brothers sacrificing their inherent rights for the illusion of safety. Our citizens have forgotten their power. They have forgotten that their rights are not given them by the government, so they accept it blindly when the government takes away those rights. The founding fathers were aware of this problem. Benjamin Franklin once said, "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

When we give up our 4th Amendment rights for legislation like the Patriot Act, we open ourselves up to something far more terrifying than a few terrorists. We open ourselves up to the full force of the U.S. being used against its own citizens. If you believe the Patriot Act will only be used against terrorists, you've buried your head in the sand. As H.L. Mencken wrote, "The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed - and hence clamorous to be led to safety - by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary." Sound familiar? Are you tiring yet of the elevated security alerts, vague warnings of imminent terrorist attacks? As John Stossel reminds us, "Patrick Henry did not say, 'Give me absolute safety or give me death.'"

When was the last time you read the Constitution or the Bill of Rights? At the very least, read through the Bill of Rights. You'll be hard pressed to find any that the U.S. government is not now violating. You might be surprised to learn what some of your rights are.

As dire as the violation of our rights is, the fed's trampling of our economic freedoms are almost harder to bear. Let me give you a small example. A friend wanted to start a restaurant here in Dallas. He was all ready to go, wanted to provide his excellent service to the people of Dallas, provide a few jobs. It took nearly a year after his being ready to satisfy government regulations and open his business. After moving the business, remodeling to suit regulations, getting all the necessary permits, etc., he was finally ALLOWED to sell food. This small example is multiplied a million times over in every business across the nation. Is the illusion of safety worth having our hands tied? Does the government actually protect you? Wouldn't it be better to take responsibility for your own life and safety? It is the impossible weight of government regulation and taxation that is driving our economy down, not greedy capitalists, as we are told.

The U.S. left the gold standard in 1933. This allowed the government to print money on a whim. When money is printed without being backed by gold or silver, it loses its value. That is what creates inflation. Notice how prices have been rising in the past few months, everything across the board costs more? That is the price we all pay when the printing presses are rolling.

How did schools become a government operation? Any time you ask government to solve a problem that the free market can solve itself, you will find the problem solved inefficiently and often with corruption. An individual will be cautious with his own money and investments. Government, which takes its wealth by force, is like a rich son who, not having to work for his money, squanders it thoughtlessly.

The Free State Project proposes to take education out of the hands of government, precisely because it is too important to be left to that rich philandering son, the state. Already we have in place private means to fund schools in New Hampshire. The Liberty Scholarship Fund has been set up as a first step to providing privately funded alternatives to the public schools.

With all these problems facing our once magnificent nation, what can be done? Voting has not been effective. The individuals who see through the media smoke screen are scattered. Legislation is heavily against allowing third parties to run for office. Fighting for our freedom is not an attractive option, even though the abuses we endure are far greater than those that spurred the American Revolution. So our proposal is to gather those scattered individuals who understand the benefits of freedom. If we can create a haven for freedom in just one state, it will serve as a shining example to the rest of the nation, and the world. If you value your individual rights and your pocketbook, it would be wise to check us out.

Back to Essays

Defend free speech rights!

NOTE: The opinions and commentary expressed in this essay are those of the author and are an exercise of free speech. They do not necessarily represent the views of Free State Project Inc., its Directors, its Officers, or its Participants.

Liberty Action of the Week
May 6, 2003

Defend free speech rights!

by Mary Lou Seymour

[From www.rationalreview.com/archive/mls/mls050603.html]

On Sunday, April 27, Timothy Condon, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and Director of Member Services for the rapidly growing Free State Project (a plan in which 20,000 or more liberty-oriented people will move to a single state of the U.S., where they may work within the political system to reduce the size and scope of government), was peacefully handing out flyers extolling the benefits of the FSP for gun owners outside the National Rifle Association national convention in Orlando Florida. Tim, an NRA member himself, and a registered participant at the convention, had been handing out the flyers in the same location for 3 days without incident.

On Sunday morning, with no notice, he was approached by security personnel and Orange County sheriff's deputies and told to "cease and desist" or he'd be arrested for "trespassing." Tim, an attorney, pointed out that he was on a public walkway, not in the convention hall, and refused, citing the First Amendment. "I believe there is a First Amendment problem with prohibiting people from passing out political literature on public property where there is no problem caused by it." Condon said.

Condon was then arrested and transported to the Orange County Jail, where he spent 12 hours before being released on bond. "I was held for 12 hours at the Orange County jail, treated well by the sheriff's office personnel (who were probably treating me with kid-gloves because they knew I was a lawyer, and that this was a constitutional/civil rights challenge), before being bonded out on $500 bond by my wife Michele, who was working on it from Tampa, 100 miles away." (Note that although Condon was "treated well," he was not offered the chance to be released OR (on his own recognizance), despite the fact that he is an attorney and certainly not a flight risk). Tim has been charged with "Trespass after warning," a first degree misdemeanor worth one year in jail if convicted. The arraignment is scheduled for 6/12/03.

Haven't heard that story yet? You're not alone. Even if you live in Florida you wouldn't have seen the story in your local paper. The mainstream media is ignoring the story.

If you have heard the story, chances are it's because you're a politically aware individual who reads Sierra Times ("Pro-Gun Group Prompts Arrest Of One Of It's Own At National Convention"), or North American Samizdat ("Another Free Speech Bust") or, a member of the Free State Project, which is "up in arms" at this treatment of their Director and at this indication that the Constitution is routinely ignored throughout the US. Despite the fact that Condon and the Free State Project immediately sent a press release to the local Florida media … there has been NO coverage.

For this week's action, let's write letters to the editor to the "news" papers in Florida, decrying this treatment of peaceful Constitutionally protected activity and urging them to interview Tim and to show up at his arraignment and cover it as a news event. (Note: Condon and his attorney will, of course, petition to have all charges dismissed; and are contemplating civil litigation on civil rights violations; see the FSP website for "breaking news" on this.)

Let's make sure they know that there are those of us in the country who DO care, and care deeply, when anyone's First Amendment rights are violated, and let them know that we think the press has a special obligation to cover free speech issues, since their own existence depends on the First Amendment.

The Orlando FL "news"papers and contact info are listed below. (I suggest FAXing and/or snail mailing your letters as well as emailing. Phone calls may also be appropriate.) You may also want to use the Media Guide tool to locate other news media in the state of Florida to write or call.

Those who are NRA members (and those who aren't) may also want to write the NRA and let them know what we think about this outrageous treatment of one of their members. Remember, not ONE NRA official approached Tim and asked him to leave, or, if he was on "rented property" asked him to move ; they simply sent the cops. Not ONE NRA official has contacted Tim since the incident, to explain their rationale for having him arrested. "What is even more bizarre to me is that the National Rifle Association would have one of its own members arrested for passing out literature that supports the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms." Condon commented.

And please, feel free to forward this column or link to any pro-gun rights, freedom of speech or liberty oriented email lists or forums you may participate in.

Let's do our darndest to get this story into the news … where it will serve as a "heads up" to freedom fighters around the country, and a reminder that activists are subject to arrest any time you "protest" or hand out flyers. Be sure to make that eventuality part of your preparation, as well as being sure you have enough flyers printed ("The First Amendment and You")!

On a side note, The Free State Project has their own conference (The Grand Western Conference) planned for May 24 and 25th in Missoula, Montana. According to the conference organizers, members of the NRA or any organization will not be arrested for exercising their First Amendment rights outside the conference hall.

Til next week
For freedom

Mary Lou

Our Local Media Relations

NOTE: The opinions and commentary expressed in this essay are those of the author and are an exercise of free speech. They do not necessarily represent the views of Free State Project Inc., its Directors, its Officers, or its Participants.

Our Local Media Relations: Tips from an Insider

by Dada Orwell

Note: A few months after I wrote the first version of this article in September 2002, local TV reporter Jeff Crilley released a whole book on the subject. It's a much better guide to media relations than I could ever provide. I recommend reading it, especially if you may have something to do with Porcupine PR. The book is "Free Publicity," available at www.jeffcrilley.com. But if free advice is all you can afford, read on!

At some point, if it hasn't already, the FSP will truly dawn on the consciousness of the mainstream press. Since I work for a local TV newsroom and am also an FSP supporter, here are my thoughts on ways we can maximize press coverage – and minimize press hostility – without compromising our principles. Though this advice is tailored toward our relations with local media, some of it should hold true for dealing with the more liberty-challenged national press.

First, an anecdote. In covering the ultimate "federal vs. state" conflict – war in 1991 Yugoslavia – BBC reporter Misha Glenny made an observation that I also found to be true when I swung through there a year later. As you may recall, the "breakaway republic" of Croatia was in conflict with "Federal Yugoslav" forces, which were dominated by Serbian hypernationalists.

Obviously this was a much more extreme situation than we'd ever face, since we're not even a secessionist movement. But there is a universal lesson to be learned from flawed yet charming Croatia. Glenny noted that Croats seemed to instinctively understand it was important to be hospitable and accommodating to the press. But Serbs tended to be openly hostile to reporters, often assuming they were "the enemy" and that there was no hope of winning them over. Glenny says this affected early coverage of events, to the benefit of the Croatians. Initially neutral or unsympathetic to them, reporters couldn't help but be a little won over by Croat families inviting them into their bullet-riddled houses for shots of plum brandy while Croatian authorities gave them decent access to the fighting. Positive press coverage eventually, perhaps decisively, helped Croatia win the war.

The media is like the wind, a force of nature. You can either fight it, like the Serbian nationalists did, or you can harness it. You harness it by being kind to reporters, figuring out what they need and getting it to them. They need:

1. For you to know just a little bit about how they operate in relation to you.

   On a day-to-day basis, newsrooms revolve around what's often called "the desk," or the "assignments editor." This poor soul is, as Jeff Crilley puts it, always in combat mode, barely keeping up with incoming problems and opportunities from moment to moment. She decides when and where to send reporters. She handles incoming mountains of press releases and gives each release about five seconds of attention before deciding whether to throw it out. Your call or news release will likely be routed to this busy person first, and it had better grab their attention fast. Reporters, on the other hand, have slightly more time. More on them later.

   In dealing with broadcasters, you may also need to take into account the needs of the "newscast producer." Producers are the folks who organize the newscast timing/structure and write much of what the anchors say, probably including most of what they say about your event. Make sure whoever covers your event in person gets a copy of the press release, so they can if necessary leave it with the producer. If your writing skills are up to it, make the release so brief, so catchy and so pithy that they could almost read it on the air as is.

2. A visual story. Reporters do not crave news conferences and meetings – there's usually nothing interesting to photograph or videotape. They'd much rather see ten of us burning our 1040s in front of the local IRS office on April 15. Or a flea market benefiting the FSP. Use your creativity to come up with something even more interesting than these, if you can!

3. A local story. Houston TV stations, for instance, don't generally care what happens in Dallas, and they likely won't cover a national FSP event, either. The event must occur in Houston's viewing area, preferably in Houston proper.

4. Straight talk. They love straight talk … the simpler and straighter the better. Don't go out of your way to scare them or anything, just tell it like it is. If they ever sense you're fibbing, exaggerating or even playing down something negative, they may go sour. If you ramble they may go to sleep.

   Remember that time a reporter asked John McCain whether campaign donations had ever influenced his votes? And he said yes I have to admit they probably have? That's why reporters love him and why he came so close to winning the presidency.

5. Good timing. One way to help assure coverage is to time your event so it happens at an "easy" time on a slow news day. Weekends and holidays are usually slow because government offices and most businesses are closed. Holidays work best if your event is related to the holiday. In both cases it's hard for reporters to get in touch with anyone, so they are often casting about desperately for something to cover.

6. Time itself. News people are usually short on it and worrying about their deadline. So whatever you do, make it short and simple, and don't waste their Time!

   Ideally, hold your event around 10:30 a.m. Reporters generally get to the office around 10 a.m. and have important deadlines between 5 p.m. and midnight. Ten-thirty events give them the most Time to put together maximum coverage of your event after they've left it around noon. This time frame also enables them to get their lunch on time. One possible exception to the 10:30 a.m. suggestion would be if you're able to schedule something to happen during a TV newscast, live.

   Example: Say it's the year 2006, and a convoy of 15 RV owners gathers in Wichita, Kansas to migrate to Wyoming. They announce they are going to burn their Kansas state income tax forms at 5:05 p.m. (during the early evening newscast). They announce they are going to drive off at 6:05 p.m. during the second evening newscast. They also express a willingness to change the time a bit in order to accommodate the needs of the newscast producer.

7. Relevance to current events. This is an exception to the "weekend" rule. When there is a big event that has the media in a feeding frenzy, they will jump at any story that is even vaguely related to the big event, even if they're busy. And they'll tend to ignore anything unrelated. For instance, suppose you run PR for Porcupines in the Dallas area, and the Cowboys go to the Super Bowl. One idea would be to hold a signing ceremony two or three days before the game where a former Cowboy signs up for the FSP then plays ball with some local kids while wearing a Liberty in our Lifetime shirt.

8. No spam! I'm happy to report this is one pitfall we have now partly escaped. I initially heard talk of us sending out mass e-mails as often as once a month that hit every local media outlet in the country. This would have done more harm than good, and the plan has apparently been modified to the benefit of the recipients. Our news releases now tend to go out only to press outlets in the state where an event is taking place. Not perfect, but it's only one-fiftieth as bad as the initial plan. Good enough for volunteer work!

   However, if you really want to ensure coverage for, say, a Fargo, North Dakota event, don't just rely on e-mail. Contact each major Fargo media outlet via e-mail, plus fax, plus phone.

9. Cultivate relationships with reporters in your area whose work you genuinely like and who are in a position to cover your events themselves. General assignment and political reporters should be better able to do this than, say, police beat reporters. Make a point of paying close attention to their work and leaving them a voice or e-mail from time to time praising them when they do a cool story.

   There are lots of journalists who expose government waste; start your quest with them, if you like.

10. Access and openness. You can't stop them from doing a story! Shutting the media out just makes it easier for them to make you look bad, if that's even what they're after. Allow them as much unrestricted access as you can to our public meetings, etc., and return their calls promptly. As a rule, don't circle the wagons or stonewall when things go bad or we come under criticism. Since we're an organization of flawed humans, some of us are bound to screw up and get us bad press we actually deserve. This is sometimes an opportunity to win public support by being open about our true failings and acting to better ourselves.

    I once worked for a station manager who served on the board of a local charity. The charity discovered that one of its employees had abused a child under its care. The board held a meeting, and a board member suggested keeping the incident quiet. My boss said no, we announce the crime ourselves, give the media nowhere to go. They made the announcement, fired the worker and watched as the wrath of the press fell on the perpetrator rather than them.

    One caveat: I am talking about public matters here, not private ones. Declining to answer questions of a personal nature or "party secrets" is fine. Just don't get defensive, and don't lie.

11. Be yourself, but pick your words carefully. For instance, if you want to tell the press we're planning to "take over" a state, hey I can't stop you. But you're pushing all the wrong buttons without even being accurate.

    "Taking over" isn't something the FSP is ever going to be capable of. But "nudging" a liberty-friendly state towards more liberty friendliness … that is possible. Passionately supporting and enhancing its existing culture of freedom … surely this is doable. And these phrases don't trigger the justifiably negative response that "takeover" does.

    Again, only you can decide what you're going to say. But, as Twain put it, the difference between the right word and the almost-right word is the difference between the lightning and the lightning bug.

12. Avoid being overhelpful or nosy. Giving the press what they need without losing their respect is a subtle act. If you come off as a backside-kissing groveler eager to please, that's almost worse than being at odds with them. Nervous obsessing over what they're going to put in their story is pretty annoying, too. Just be sociable, get them what they need, and let them do their thing.

13. Ask! "Is there anything we can do to make this story easier for you to cover?" News people will never fault you for asking them that! But keep in mind what helps one type of media, like television, may not necessarily help radio or print reporters.

Now: Items 1-13 above are the carrot. Here's the stick. If, after implementing these suggestions, you find yourself rewarded with a troublingly erroneous or biased piece, there are some steps you can take:

• Let the reporter know your objections. But don't forget: It's not her job to make us look good; it's not her job to do what you want her to. It's only her job to get the facts straight and steer clear of too much bias. That's the territory where you have a fighting chance to make your point.

• If you think it necessary, you can also take your complaint to her boss. The boss of the reporter is the editor-in-chief, the news director or assistant news director. In big markets you may have to settle for a manager. Use the phone or written communication; don't confront them in person unless they suggest it.

• Complaints about bias will get less attention than complaints about factual errors. Document any substantial factual errors and bring them to the attention of the reporter's boss without needlessly annoying them. If you get nowhere with this boss, you can sometimes go to his boss or on up the chain to the owners until you get results.

• As a last resort, of course, you can sue the station or paper for libel. This is not to be taken lightly. You can only win if you can prove that the media outlet reported substantial, damaging falsehoods with reckless disregard as to whether they were true. Usually the plaintiff loses. However, reporters, news directors and media corporate bosses tend to fear libel suits desperately, regardless of whether the suit is successful. They can damage both careers and corporations, and potential defendants will sometimes try to make peace rather than face a suit.

It's our job to see to it that such actions are rarely or never necessary, that the big 13-point carrot we are carrying eliminates the need to use the stick.

But whether "carroting" or "sticking," I wish you all much success in trying out these suggestions!

April 25, 2003

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of the Free State Project, its Officers, or Directors.

The Maples of Manchester

NOTE: The opinions and commentary expressed in this essay are those of the author and are an exercise of free speech. They do not necessarily represent the views of Free State Project Inc., its Directors, its Officers, or its Participants.

The Maples of Manchester

by Philip Denisch

(With feelings of great admiration to the original Rudyard Kipling What Say the Reeds at Runnymead?)

At Manchester, at Manchester,
What say the maples at Manchester?
The hardy wood that never breaks,
That braves the cold, and never quakes,
The patriots, their souls awake,
With tales of Jās at Manchester.

At Manchester, at Manchester,
Oh, hear the trees at Manchester: -
"You mustn't tax, run, oppress,
A Granite Stater's true noblesse,
It ticks 'em off when you transgress
We see the fruit at Manchester!

When through the state the toadies came,
To try and make the fed'ral claim,
They only made our hearts inflame.
They bumbled up to Manchester.
While there, they launched a plan, most foul,
And for our money they do prowl -
So, soon the free began to growl,
Thus called for Jās at Manchester.

At Manchester, at Manchester,
Your rights returned at Manchester!
Mother of Rivers now unbound,
unchained children on barefoot ground,
Mountain and trees and seas surround,
This trip begun with all our cheers,
Forget not, in future years,
The state re-gained at Manchester."

And still when Massholes try their ways,
Be sure to let the beacon blaze,
The freedom-light will cut the haze,
Across the trees at Manchester.
And Merrimack, loather of tyrants and kings,
And sachems and sultans and suchlike things,
Rolls deep and certain as he brings
The porcupine to Manchester!

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