A tale of two birthdays.
DATE: Friday, August 8, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
I have a confession to make.
Today is my 37th birthday — and right now, I am down in Lake Jackson, Texas, preparing to celebrate Ron Paul's 90th birthday. (Apparently, the good doctor and I are both Leos.)
While it's safe to say my birthday is being overshadowed a little bit, it is an honor to spend the day together again with so many friends from the Ron Paul Revolution — those who worked tirelessly for his libertarian populist presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012.
My friend, Michael Maresco (Porcupine Patron) — aka "The Liberty Rider," who biked across America to tell people about Ron Paul's liberty message in 2008 — has even arranged liberty karaoke at a Texas dive bar tonight to celebrate. (I'll plan to sing some of my standards: Space Oddity and War Pigs.)
This morning, he surprised me with a birthday gift: a "R[3VOL]UTION" decal for my car!
A R[3VOL]UTIONARY Birthday! In Lake Jackson for Ron Paul's 90th birthday celebration taking place on Saturday, "The Liberty Rider," Michael Maresco, gifts Eric Brakey a "R[3VOL]UTION" car decal for his own 37th birthday.
Last June, Michael donated $100 to the Free State Project and dedicated it to support the PorcuPints programming at PorcFest XXII.
His support for family-friendly programming helped us fund events like the animal show (with a real porcupine) and Connor Boyack's live reading of one of his Tuttle Twins storybooks.
That's why I also had a gift for Michael today: a Porcupine Patron Pin, signaling that he is a patron of the Free State Project.
If you would like to wish me a "Happy 37th Birthday," please become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project — like my friend Michael Maresco.
For 2025, we currently have 184 active Porcupine Patrons — donating at least $100/year or $10/month to support our year-round Free State Project mission.
We've set a goal of reaching 200 patrons by the end of August. Can I count you in?
Porcupine Patron Pin. In addition to other fantastic benefits, every Porcupine Patron of the Free State Project receives this "Porcupine Patron Pin." These pins are not just for show! Patron pins grant access to exclusive perks at all FSP events, including VIP rooms, patron-only events, and courtesy drink tickets. Click here to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.
The Free State Project is a proud sponsor of Ron Paul's 90th Birthday Celebration.
Tomorrow, I look forward to hosting a conversation on the main stage with former Michigan Congressman Justin Amash and former Texas State Senator Don Huffines on carrying the torch for liberty in legislative bodies.
Personally, I came down a day early (to avoid spending my own birthday at the airport), but most of our Free State delegation is arriving today.
About a dozen are attending (from FSP board members to active volunteers) to (1) wish the good doctor well and (2) tell libertarians from around the country about the Free State Project, upcoming events, and why they should live in New Hampshire.
That's why I arrived packing palm cards.
"When the R[3VOL]UTION comes, you'll be glad you're in New Hampshire." Our palm cards (freshly redesigned and updated by FSP Design Strategist, Miranda Animus) give many "bullet points" for why NH is the best place for liberty lovers to call home.
By the way, this isn't the only outreach project we are doing this month.
Since pulling together our new "FSP Outreach Team," we are actively seeking more opportunities to connect in person with outside libertarian communities. This is how we invite more people to visit New Hampshire and decide for themselves to make the move.
On August 23-24, our FSP Outreach Team is tabling at the Augusta Gun Show in Maine.
The effort is being organized by our Maine Ambassador, Jaime Hussey. We are looking for volunteers who would like to join us for one or both days to:
Speak to Maine gun owners about the FSP’s mission and upcoming events in NH;
Sign-up interested people for the FSP email newsletter; and
Sell FSP swag, including limited edition FSP-branded AR-15 magazines.
If you would like to join us and volunteer, hit reply to this email and I will add you to our “FSP Outreach Team” Signal group where we are organizing this and other projects.
FSP Branded AR-15 Magazines. These limited edition items will be available for sale when the FSP Outreach Team travels to the Augusta Gun Show this August 23-24.
I also owe you an update on PorcFest and some of the changes and opportunities that are coming for next year.
After a month of negotiating with the owner of Roger's Campground (our PorcFest venue for 20 of the last 22 years), we have been unable to come to an agreement for 2026.
As such, next year's Porcupine Freedom Festival will not take place at Roger's Campground. We are actively looking for an alternate venue.
We need a space large enough to host 1,500 attendees that will not impose prohibitions on camping, firearms, pets, and free-range children.
Truth be told, it is a tall order. That's why we are soliciting ideas from our community. Please email all venue ideas to PorcFest@FSP.org.
Here is our statement published yesterday on social media:
Finally, let me take a moment to welcome the newest member of our team, Erin Daly, who will be assisting me as our new FSP Development Strategist.
In addition to helping me make contact with new donors to invest in our mission for a libertarian homeland, Erin Daly will be the first point of contact for all of our Porcupine Patrons.
Erin has a long history with the liberty movement in Maine.
She and I worked together in Maine on the Ron Paul 2012 Campaign. In fact, we were both elected as national delegates for Ron Paul (and we were also both kicked out of the RNC and stripped of our delegate credentials by the Mitt Romney Campaign.)
In 2016, Erin was a lead organizer on the successful ballot referendum to legalize adult-use cannabis in Maine.
In 2018, she was a key staffer on my U.S. Senate campaign.
Four years ago, she moved to New Hampshire for the Free State Project and to focus on raising her family (without the heavy hand of "Soviet Maine" looming over them).
Now, Erin Daly has graciously agreed to return to the fight. She will be helping me with FSP fundraising efforts to support the projects we are building to bring more liberty lovers to the Free State.
You can help Erin get off to a good start: sign up today to become a Porcupine Patron.
For as little as $10/month, you can support our year-round mission — "Liberty in Our Lifetime," one new mover at a time — while receiving exclusive patron benefits, including access to exclusive perks at all FSP events.
We currently have 184 active patrons and we want to reach 200 by the end of August. Can we count you in?
It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP.
For more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose, please read on.
For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
For Sunday, September 21st, 2025, we are in the early stages of planning a new event.
Lace up your boots and join fellow liberty lovers for the 1st Annual Granite Freedom Trek, a thrilling celebration of community, freedom, and New Hampshire’s stunning wilderness.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious newcomer, this one-day adventure in the Granite State invites you to connect, explore, and take a bold step toward liberty.
This will be a one-day (rain or shine) hiking event. For active Free Staters and libertarian visitors who enjoy the outdoors, join us as we traverse New Hampshire trails in good company during one of the most beautiful times of year.
Look for more details and opportunity to register for the Granite Freedom Trek in future newsletters.
This October, Columbus Day weekend is packed with events for families and digital asset enthusiasts alike.
FREE STATE FALL FEST:
For the entire three-day weekend (October 11-13), our friends at Independence Realty are organizing several family-friendly events across the state.
Activities will include apple picking, corn mazes, candlepin bowling, a family hike, and even a trip to Fun Spot (with the largest arcade in the world).FREE STATE BITCOIN DIGITAL ASSET CONFERENCE:
On Sunday, October 12, the FSBDAC returns with discussions on the cutting-edge issues and opportunities in the emerging realm of cryptocurrencies.
This event will be held at Wentworth by the Sea in beautiful New Castle, NH. Included with your ticket, will be a light breakfast, coffee, refreshments, and lunch.
Registration is now open. CLICK HERE to Secure Your Ticket to the Free State Bitcoin Digital Asset Conference.
This November 9th, several friends with the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire are running in the Manchester City Marathon.
Under the team name, "LPNH for Defend The Guard," they are seeking to raise support and awareness for legislative efforts to bring our state national guard troops home from foreign wars not declared by Congress.
If you would like to run with the team, email Rachel Goldsmith for details: goldsmithrd@gmail.com.
Free State Voices
Porcupine Report #75: “Ron Paul’s Populist Legacy” with Jack Hunter
Eric welcomes Jack Hunter to reflect on the legacy of Ron Paul and the evolution of the liberty movement. They explore how Ron Paul's anti-war stance during the 2008 Republican debates broke through neocon orthodoxy and helped reshape conservative foreign policy thinking. Jack shares how Paul’s principled message influenced a generation of libertarians and even parts of the MAGA base. They also discuss the risks of neoconservatives co-opting America First rhetoric and the enduring importance of grassroots activism and state-level political engagement. Plus, they preview Ron Paul’s upcoming 90th birthday celebration in Lake Jackson. Texas.
Day 215 of My Living Xperiment with Carla Gericke: "Why I nominated the LPNH for a First Amendment award."
Free Stater, Jody Underwood, joins Corey DeAngelis to talk school choice and educational options.
Carla Gericke: Want to level up and become your best self? It starts with awareness and healthy habits. Ditching alcohol is a HUGE step. "If you're anxious and annoyed and angry... stop drinking."
News from the Free State
Ballotpedia: “NH Gov. Kelly Ayotte signs bills requiring new documentation to request and return absentee ballots”
Keene Sentinel: "End-of-lease evictions allowed under new law"
NHPR: “NH’s school choice program hits enrollment cap – and has 300 students on a waitlist”
WMUR: “Manchester-Nashua named hottest housing market in country”
Mother Jones: “She Survived the Cultural Revolution. Now She’s Fighting 'Communists' in New Hampshire.”
In Depth NH: "NH Liberty Alliance Releases Legislative Liberty Rating, Honors Noble and Proulx"
Josiah Bartlett Center: "EFA enrollment for this fall in line with Josiah Bartlett Center estimates"
WMUR: "University of New Hampshire president announces more cuts; 36 positions eliminated"
Seacoast Online: "Move over Disneyland! NH water park outranks it as one of the best in U.S."
WMUR: "Ayotte says she backs effort to revive pipeline project as EPA head visits New Hampshire"
Lowell Sun: "Written in Granite: New Hampshire’s hot housing market"
Seacoast Online: "New Hampshire is one of the best places to have a baby, according to WalletHub. Here's Why."
PorcFest XXII
We have been publishing content from this year's Porcupine Freedom Festival.
Just as we did earlier this year with the NH Liberty Forum, we will be publishing PorcFest content on a rolling basis, several times a week, across multiple social media platforms. Please find below all content published since our last newsletter!
You can find all video content from FSP events on YouTube and all audio-only content on our Spotify podcast channel: "FSP Talks."
Are You Truly Free? with Jeff Berwick
Jeff Berwick asks the question, “Are you truly free?” in this passionate and provocative talk exploring the deeper meaning of freedom. Reflecting on his own transformation from addiction to spiritual awakening, he argues that the biggest obstacle to freedom isn’t government or central banks—but our own minds. Berwick describes reality as a kind of matrix shaped by consciousness, where trauma, distraction, and fear keep people trapped. He also shares controversial views on global control agendas, transhumanism, and nanotech infiltration. Despite the intensity of his claims, Berwick ultimately delivers a hopeful message: by turning inward and reconnecting with our true selves, we can transform our reality and reclaim our freedom.
President of the Libertas Institute and author, Connor Boyack, explores how families can equip their children to survive and thrive in what he calls a "mind war" — the psychological battlefield of propaganda, political manipulation, and media deception.
Using vivid historical examples from Nazi Germany to Operation Mockingbird and MKUltra, Boyack reveals how public opinion is often engineered through lies, fear, and emotional coercion. He emphasizes that parents must treat this mental battleground as seriously as a physical war, providing their kids with intellectual "armor and weaponry" to defend truth and liberty. Rather than leaving children vulnerable, families should intentionally educate and empower them with critical thinking and moral clarity. Featuring examples like Tank Man and Jaden Ryan, the message is clear: even small acts of courage can inspire mass resistance. Boyack urges libertarian families to stand firm, speak truth, and live not by lies.
Economist David Friedman presents a “positive account” of rights by examining them not as moral or legal concepts, but as descriptions of human behavior rooted in commitment strategies and territorial instincts—shared even with animals.
Using insights from game theory and Thomas Schelling’s work on coordination, Friedman explains how people enforce rights through mutual expectations and social norms, often without formal government involvement. He challenges Hobbes’ notion that life without a state would be chaotic, arguing instead that civic order can arise naturally through decentralized mechanisms. Friedman also distinguishes government from other forms of power by noting that people suspend their personal commitment strategies when dealing with state authority. This framework supports his vision of functional anarcho-capitalism, where order emerges without centralized coercion.
Watch his full remarks from PorcFest XXII.
As Seen In the Free State
Historic Day in the North Country! August 1st was Opening Day for Chris & Jennifer's long awaited "In the Woods" brewery in Groveton! It is not only free stater owned, but all employees are free staters as well.
Free State Art. Tina Williams Studio creating art in NH!
Just another Taproom Tuesday! Every week, Free State friends gather at Murphy's Taproom in Manchester for good company and conversation.
Plastic Bag Tyranny! Eric Brakey laments that the plastic bag ban he lived under in Maine has conditioned him to become a hoarder of them — even after moving to the Free State of New Hampshire.
Open Mic. Local band hosts a monthly FREE open mic event every month in Concord! Excellent opportunity for FREE Staters. See you at the BNH Stage!
Notable Birthdays
Eric Brakey - August 8.
Happy 37th birthday to Eric Brakey, our FSP Executive Director! After serving as the Maine Director for the Ron Paul 2012 campaign and three terms in the Maine Senate, Eric Brakey hopped the border last year to lead the Free State Project and build the liberty homeland.
Send Ron Paul a Birthday Card. On August 20, Dr. Ron Paul turns 90 years old. If you'd like to express your regards, please send him a birthday card and tell him the Free State Project sent you.
Some Upcoming Events:
Friday, August 8th
Hampton, 6pm-8:30 - Free State Musicians meet up at One A Chord Studios - One A Chord Studios Free State Musicians meet up. Hosted by Billabyte Smith. (One A Chord Studios, 32 Depot Square, Hampton)
Saturday, August 9th
Lempster, 9am-1pm - Ivan’s Pistol Fundamentals - Develop a solid foundation with our Pistol Fundamentals course at N.O.R.O. Tactical. Learn the basics of handling and shooting a pistol in a safe and controlled environment. Sign up today! Hosted by Ivan. (NORO Tactical, 186 Keyes Hollow Rd, Lempster)
Portsmouth, 12pm-3 - Seacoast Cryptocurrency Meetup - Come out, chat about crypto, learn more about it and how to use it, and of course use it to buy your food and drinks! Hosted by Joel Valenzuela. (La Maison Navarre, 121 Congress St, Portsmouth)
Lancaster, 12pm-5 - North Country Game Day Potluck - Bring your favorite board / card games and a dish to share! There will be plenty of games on hand for all interests. Free for the 'Pine members ($5 for non-members). Hosted by Amy Norris. (the 'Pine Clubhouse - 70 Main St, 2nd floor, Lancaster)
Keene, 12pm-6 - Monadnock Market Day - Come network with liberty lovers and support local vendors in Southwest NH, near Keene. Hosted by Nik Steckley. (Liberty Tree Farm, 1114 NH-12, Westmoreland)
Madison, 4pm-6 - Carroll County Freedom Potluck - A monthly meet-up is in your area, so come on up and say hi! Please RSVP to mdj@freestatefiles.com for directions or call our landline 603 367 7257 and indicate that you're with the FSP. Hosted by Mark & Michelle.
Grafton, 4pm-7 - Grafton Potluck - Monthly potluck for friends of liberty, i.e., Free Staters and friends, that meets every second Saturday. Call Rich for details and location at 207 370 7282.
Sunday, August 10th
Lancaster, 10am-11 - North Country Sunday Yoga/Pilates - Join for a casual yoga and Pilates session. Open to all levels. Free for The 'Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Hosted by Amy Norris. (the 'Pine Clubhouse - 70 Main St, 2nd floor, Lancaster)
Ossipee, 12pm-2 - Ossipee Porcupines Meetup - Come meet your neighbors at Harley Jacks for lunch with mountain views. We'll be sharing how we're living free and what practical efforts we want to try to keep increasing liberty in the east of the Free State! Hosted by Tim Bauman. (Harley Jacks Burgers & Brews, 1020 NH-16, Ossipee)
Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 - Garnet School Ruck/Shoot - Bring a backpack full of hiking supplies, water bottle, etc. I’ll be wearing a plate carrier and plenty of magazines and a rifle. This month, we’ll do a pretty easy 2-mile hike around the Conspiracy Campground. Optional hike a second time to around 4 miles. This is a moderate hike.This is a free-of-charge, open-carry event. This will be held rain or shine. Optional shooting after. Range donations accepted. If you want to bring after-hike protein, we’ll have the grill fired up. Hosted by Baxter Tidwell. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
Manchester, 5pm-7:30 - Manchester Crypto Meetup - We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew Tavern, 88 Market St, Manchester)
Keene, 5pm-6 - Social Sunday - Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH's longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Wade. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)
Strafford, 6pm-8 - Porcupines in Action - Come and hear what active Porcupines are passionate about. Find out what new fronts are opening, who's doing what, and how projects are advancing. Cheer each other on; enquire, support, or even join up, if you are so inspired. This month, say hello to Sara and Tyler, who have taken over running the Independence Inn day-to-day, and who have just opened their restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Hosted by Dennis Pratt. (Independence Inn, 6 Drake Hill Rd, Strafford)