For Immediate Release

January 6, 2008

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES MEET FREE STATERS

Nashua, NH - The final day of the 2008 Liberty Forum started early and featured a presidential debate, sessions on working with the NH GOP, citizen activism, the constitution, and making the move to New Hampshire. "Moving liberty forward also means meeting face to face with the current and future political leaders of our state and the nation, so we're very happy to have all the candidates at the Forum to share their message with the Free State Project", said Forum organizer Chris Lawless.

The final day of the Forum saw more than 400 attendees, surpassing last year's attendance by a third.

The morning featured a two-hour presidential debate among five Libertarian Party candidates - Daniel Imperato, Michael Jingozian, Alden Link, George Phillies and Wayne Allyn Root. Questions came from the moderators, the audience, and each other and covered a full range of issues. The candidates talked about the conflict in Iraq, taxation, spending, foreign policy, the environment, infrastructure and the promoting the Libertarian message. Candidates talked about why they were the best choice, their own campaign for the nomination, and their plans for the general election should they win the nomination.

The other popular session was a panel made of Free State Project members who have moved to New Hampshire, highlighting the challenges and successes of making the move and getting acclimated to their new home. They fielded questions from the audience of likely movers as well as hearing other advice from natives who offered to help in any way they could.

The keynote speaker for the closing ceremonies was Congressman Ron Paul, who drew a capacity crowd of nearly 500 people and dozens of media outlets in the hotel ballroom. He talked about his campaign and thanked the hundreds of volunteers in New Hampshire and those who've come to the state to help the campaign. His speech garnered lots of applause, particularly his message of a sound monetary policy, bringing the troops home, cutting spending and returning the GOP back to its conservative roots. Dr. Paul told the audience that there is no need to give up liberty in order to provide security for America.

The Liberty Forum ran from January 4th through 6th at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua. The Forum featured speakers on a variety of topics ranging from drug policy to immigration to taxes to the morality of liberty. Full details are at http://www.freestateproject.org/libertyforum

###

For Immediate Release

January 5, 2008

PORCUPINES TALK POLITICAL PARTIES, ACTIVISM, GUNS AND TAXES

Nashua, NH - The second day of the 2008 Liberty Forum started early and covered working with political parties, citizen activism, the law, taxes and being a better advocate for liberty. "All these topics are important for moving liberty forward, which is the overall theme of the forum. You have to know how the system works in order to change it." said Forum organizer Chris Lawless.

The day saw attendance surpassing last year's, with more than 350 attendees registering for the various speakers, lunch sessions and keynote dinner.

The morning sessions included working with the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire and a presentation by Dr. Jim Lark, former chairman of the national LP. Lark's presentation was "avoiding knee-jerk libertarianism" and highlighted that Libertarianism is "being a good neighbor" and that the burden of proof must be on the statists to show that their programs will actually work. Dr. Lark said that "getting people to think is the way to bring them to libertarianism."

Tyler Sterns, the 18-year old NH Liberty Alliance activist of the year, talked about his own experience getting involved in politics and his run for the statehouse. There were two sessions on the law, the IRS and income taxes, by Peymon Mottahedeh of the Freedom Law School, and by Jeff Dickstein, attorney and author of "Judicial Tyranny" who outlined Bill Benson's effort to show the 16th Amendment was never properly ratified.

The afternoon panel on the 2nd amendment and gun owners' rights was by far the most popular panel of the day. Rep. Dan Itse discussed the early history of New Hampshire and the importance of it's government structure. He said "New Hampshire is the crucible of liberty," and explained why. There was also a special session with Wayne Green, founder of "Byte" and "NH To-Do" magazine covering simple solutions to many problems, focusing on natural health and current legal restrictions preventing health and food choice.

A popular session was Jim Babka of Downsize DC, making his second appearance at the Liberty Forum. Attendees were very interested in the organization's "Read the Bills Act" and "One Subject at a Time Act," both of which aim to make congressmen know more about the laws they are passing, the former actually requiring them to swear they read the bill before voting on it. He pointed out how the media willfully ignores important stories about liberty and their new "Operation Everywhere" to put the pro-liberty message in the public eye and keep it there.

Prometheus award-winning author F. Paul Wilson talked about his "Repairman Jack" series and new novel as well as discussing "freedom-based" literature in general and his own experience being a Libertarian back in the 1960s. Ed Hudgins of the Atlas Society talked about the moral imperative of liberty and the need for moral arguments to advance freedom.

A full exhibitors' hall featured many local citizens groups, a job placement agency, political parties and silver merchants.

The keynote dinner speaker, Senator John Sununu, was very popular with the attendees, particularly for his help on stopping New Hampshire's participation in Real ID. Sununu talked about his own legislative work on privacy, reducing regulation and cutting taxes. As well as working in a post-9/11 Washington and standing up against his own party on civil liberties issues. His announcement of being the lead sponsor on a bill to repeal Real ID drew a long round of applause. He said "Freedom is threatened by the constant effort to tax, tax, tax." and that "New Hampshire is the best state to live in because it has the lowest tax burden."

The Liberty Forum continues until Sunday at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua. Full details are at http://www.freestateproject.org/libertyforum

###

For Immediate Release

January 4, 2008

PORCUPINES TALK DRUGS, ACTIVISM, IMMIGRATION AND REAL MONEY

Nashua, NH - The first day of presentations for the 2008 Liberty Forum covered the broad themes of the War on Drugs, citizen activism, school choice, immigration and real money. "All these topics are important for moving liberty forward, which is the overall theme of the forum", said Forum organizer Chris Lawless.

Over the afternoon, attendees had the choice of presentations, covering drugs, activism and immigration. The session on the War on Drugs was led by Peter Christ, former undercover narcotics officer, who highlighted the origins in the government policy and what it has done to policing in America. In short, it has made everything worse.

Those interested in citizen activism at the federal level could hear Bob Schulz of We The People, which currently has a writ in front of the U.S. Supreme Court being heard today to hear a case to validate the right to petition for redress of grievances against the government; the Court will issue its decision on Monday morning. The writ was filed after all prior petitions concerning the income tax, the Iraq war, the Patriot Act and the Federal Reserve were ignored by the federal government.

For more local activism, Don Gorman, former state legislator and political director of the NH Liberty Alliance, gave a stirring appeal for people to move here and how they can become effective activists right away. Carla Howell of the Center for Small Government, discussed the ballot initiative in Massachusetts to eliminate the state income tax and what effect that could have on the rest of the country.

The panel on Education Choice covered homeschooling, private schools and public school choice. Gardner Goldsmith discussed the history of immigration laws and the repeated arguments of the 1800's being used today against foreign workers. He outlined his federalist position to let the states handle immigration rather than the federal government, since it has no constitutional authority to do so.

Rounding out the day was a session on the NH real estate and job market, which is a primary interest to the many would-be movers. Artist Peter Bagge of Reason Magazine related many funny stories of his journalistic endeavors.

A full exhibitors' hall featured many local citizens groups, a job placement agency, political parties, presidential campaigns and even silver merchants.

The keynote dinner featured Bernard von NotHaus, founder of the Liberty Dollar. He spoke about sound money, and how "we cannot gave good government without good money". He pointed out that the last time the global economy collapsed was the fall of Rome, which resulted in 1000 years of no liberty and no money, and how we are headed for a similar disaster if we do not take control of our money. "We are Americans. It is our duty to fix it" he said, stirring the crowd to applause.

NotHaus also announced that the Liberty Dollar is still in business with a new 2008 minting featuring an MSRP and a private barter currency marker. He said a $1 silver liberty from 1999 recently sold for $700 on eBay, showing the huge demand for an appreciating currency in contrast to the depreciating federal reserve note.

The Liberty Forum continues until Sunday at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua. Full details are at http://www.freestateproject.org/libertyforum

###

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

###

EARLY ACTIVITY OF LIBERTY FORUM A SUCCESS

Nashua, NH - January 3, 2008 - Free State Project members enjoyed their first day visiting New Hampshire for the 2008 Liberty Forum. Members from as far away as Hawaii braved the cold and got involved. The opening day activities included trips to a firing range and the state capitol and hearing from local authors.

Dozens of members visited Manchester Firing Line to practice target shooting and use weapons which are illegal in their various home states. Everyone was given an overview of gun and range safety and of the various types of firearms. Newcomers received basic safety training from local NRA-certified instructors. As the morning continued, experienced FSP members helped the less skilled shooters.

After lunch a large group of about 40 visited the State House to watch the Legislature in session. They met several state reps and watched committee hearings on banning light bulbs, costing an adequate education, regulating clotheslines, and reducing the tolls in Merrimack, then they took a tour of the capitol.

Reps. Jason Bedrick and Dan Itse explained the legislative process and related past successes and outlined various political games that get played in Concord. They also discussed an upcoming bill for a state guard and how it related to homeland security and the National Guard.

Rep. Bedrick relayed an interesting fact on the trip: the Afganistan legislature uses the rules of the New Hampshire House. A delegation had come through last year and were so impressed with how we do things in the Granite State that they adopted it for their own use.

In the evening, at the Crowne Plaza, Sakal/CAI hosted a reception for locals and the visiting FSP members to hear from some of the authors present at the Forum. Among them were Brian Wright, James Maynard, and Gardner Goldsmith. The evening was capped by a humorous and informative re-enactment of the debate to adopt the Constitution put on by some current state representatives playing various figures from the time, including George Washington. The re-enactment covered many issues of the debate such as sound money, ceding power, managing an alliance of states, having a standing army and preserving states' interests through the Senate. After the official events broke, most attendees gathered around TVs watching the results of the Iowa Caucus or listened to interviews conducted by Free Talk Live.

The Liberty Forum runs through Sunday the 6th at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua. Full info at http://www.freestateproject.org/libertyforum

EARLY ACTIVITY OF LIBERTY FORUM A SUCCESS

Nashua, NH - January 3, 2008 - Free State Project members enjoyed their first day visiting New Hampshire for the 2008 Liberty Forum. Members from as far away as Hawaii braved the cold and got involved. The opening day activities included trips to a firing range and the state capitol and hearing from local authors.

Dozens of members visited Manchester Firing Line to practice target shooting and use weapons which are illegal in their various home states. Everyone was given an overview of gun and range safety and of the various types of firearms. Newcomers received basic safety training from local NRA-certified instructors. As the morning continued, experienced FSP members helped the less skilled shooters.

After lunch a large group of about 40 visited the State House to watch the Legislature in session. They met several state reps and watched committee hearings on banning light bulbs, costing an adequate education, regulating clotheslines, and reducing the tolls in Merrimack, then they took a tour of the capitol. Reps. Jason Bedrick and Dan Itse explained the legislative process and related past successes and outlined various political games that get played in Concord. They also discussed an upcoming bill for a state guard and how it related to homeland security and the National Guard.

In the evening, at the Crowne Plaza, Sakal/CAI hosted a reception for locals and the visiting FSP members to hear from some of the authors present at the Forum. Among them were Brian Wright, James Maynard, and Gardner Goldsmith. The evening was capped by a humorous and informative re-enactment of the debate to adopt the Constitution put on by some current state representatives playing various figures from the time, including George Washington. The re-enactment covered many issues of the debate such as sound money, ceding power, managing an alliance of states, having a standing army and preserving states' interests through the Senate. After the official events broke, most attendees gathered around TVs watching the results of the Iowa Caucus or listened to interviews conducted by Free Talk Live.

The Liberty Forum runs through Sunday the 6th at the Crowne Plaza in Nashua. Full info at http://www.freestateproject.org/libertyforum

Congressman Ron Paul to Speak at NH Liberty Forum

December 11, 2007 

Nashua, NH -- The Free State Project is pleased to announce that Congressman and presidential candidate Ron Paul will be the keynote speaker at the closing ceremonies of the upcoming New Hampshire Liberty Forum in Nashua, NH.

Congressman Paul will cap a full weekend of noteworthy speakers including Senator John Sununu and Liberty Dollar founder Bernard von NotHaus. Ron Paul will speak on Sunday afternoon, January 6th.

The recent surge in membership and movers and the ability to attract first rate speakers shows the continuing impact of the Free State Project. Irena Goddard, FSP president noted that "the presidential primary is the main reason for the surge in interest in the FSP. We are very pleased to have a pro-liberty candidate with rapidly increasing popularity as one of our featured speakers. We think it shows how serious our members are about politics and making better communities, a better state and a better country."

Other presidential campaigns have expressed interest in appearing at the forum, though no speaking times have been confirmed as yet.

The Liberty Forum is a 3-day convention focusing on successful political and social action in New Hampshire. Members and friends of the Free State Project will socialize and get a firsthand New Hampshire experience. Locals will learn about the FSP, meet its participants, and get to understand their goals and how they can work together.

There will be multiple program "tracks" covering many interests. Panel Discussions include Media, Jobs, Education choice, 2nd Amendment, Drug Policy, Making the Move, Working with Political Parties and Taxpayer Activism.

The Liberty Forum runs January 3-6, 2008 at The Crowne Plaza, Nashua, NH

More at http://www.freestateproject.org/libertyforum

Free State Project Surges Past 8,000 Participants
Rate of new memberships increasing
a 25% increase in the sign-up rate since August. This is on top of the
earlier success of more than 1000 members signing up to move before
December 2008.
State Project. "Small government and personal responsibility are what
dictates morality and then taxes away significant portions of their
doesn't need to guess. "The feedback we're hearing is loud and clear:
and many people feel with the issues at play – the war, health care,
immigration - this election is the most important in living memory."

For Immediate Release
August 7, 2004

SUBJECT: Free Staters Advocate Volunteerism as Alternative to Government

Contact: Amanda Phillips, National Spokesperson
Email: aphillips@freestateproject.org
Phone: 617-763-1996
Website: www.freestateproject.org

The Free State Project (www.freestateproject.org) 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. Participants pledge to work toward a society where the maximum role of civil government is the protection of life, liberty, and property. They have begun the migration to the "Live Free or Die" state. Some serve in the NH State House and in Governor Craig Benson's administration.

Beyond this political activity, however, Free Staters place equal emphasis on charity and community programs, which will reduce the demand for government services. "Volunteerism is at the very core of our libertarian philosophy," says FSP founder Jason Sorens. "What politicians and regulators often try to do through coercive government, we plan to do through voluntary cooperation."

The Liberty Scholarship Fund (LSF) is one example of Free Staters' charity; the LSF grants scholarships for home-schooled and private-schooled children. LSF founder Mike Fisher, a Free Stater who recently moved to NH, says, "There will be less need for government education as more people are able to use private alternatives." Outside an auction to benefit the LSF, anti-Benson activists held signs reading, "Greedy people are the problem." The LSF will soon announce the recipients of the first scholarships.

Many Free Staters also care about preserving NH's unique identity and historical heritage. When NH, true to its frugal nature, declined to spend taxpayer dollars to preserve the historic flags hanging in the Statehouse's Hall of Flags, FSP participants saw an opportunity to help and collected over $400 in contributions for the flag fund.

These are just two examples of contributions that Free Staters make to the community. "It's clear that Free Staters are not all about politics; we also have a positive cultural effect," notes FSP President Amanda Phillips. "Our message is clear: If you favor small government and individual rights, you should move to NH as part of the Free State Project. There's no better place to raise a family, start a business, and get involved!"

The Free State Project, a non-partisan, non-profit organization, currently has 6,000 participants, and is recruiting a total of at least 20,000 to move to New Hampshire.

PDF version of this press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

Jason Sorens, President
Free State Project, Inc.
Phone: 828-273-8863
Email: info@freestateproject.org
Web site: www.freestateproject.org

Eminent Libertarian Economist Walter Williams
Endorses Aims and Efforts of Free State Project

August 7, 2002 – The Free State Project was endorsed this week by George Mason University economist Walter Williams in his widely syndicated column appearing in TownHall.com, WorldNetDaily, and other national media outlets.

The Free State Project is 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 Washington, D.C. to the light, the Free State Project aims at liberty in a single state. State taxes and wasteful state government programs can be repealed. The collaboration between state and federal law enforcement officials in enforcing unconstitutional federal laws could be ended. Utilities could be privatized, and inefficient regulations and monopolies could be abolished. Following these reforms at the state level, the state could pressure the federal government for the right to opt out of wasteful and unconstitutional federal programs and receive a tax rebate instead.

Since the FSP's founding in September of 2001 by Jason Sorens, a Yale graduate student in Political Science, over 600 people have decided that this route represents the most viable strategy toward the creation of a free society, and have signed up as participants. The Free State Project was in part inspired by a column written by Dr. Williams in September of 2000 titled, "It’s Time to Part Company."

Dr. Walter E. Williams serves on the faculty of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, as John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics. He is the author of over eighty publications that have appeared in scholarly journals such as Economic Inquiry, American Economic Review, Georgia Law Review, Journal of Labor Economics, and Social Science Quarterly. Other popular publications that have included the works of Dr. Williams are Newsweek, Freeman, National Review, Reader's Digest, Cato Journal, and Policy Review. Dr. Williams has authored six books, including his latest, More Liberty Means Less Government.

For more information, please visit www.freestateproject.org.