Happy Birthday, Ron Paul!
DATE: Friday, August 15, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
What a weekend to remember.
For those of us who participated in the Ron Paul Revolution during the presidential campaigns of 2008 and 2012, it was a grand reunion of some of the best grassroots liberty activists across America.
Over 1000 were in attendance.
We sent a large delegation from the Free State to Lake Jackson, TX for the 90th Birthday Party of Dr. Ron Paul (hosted by our friends at Young Americans for Liberty.)
A Free State Delegation to Texas. Sixteen Free Staters made their way from New Hampshire to Lake Jackson to wish Ron Paul a happy birthday. (A few missed the group photo.)
We took many opportunities with attendees to tell them about the success of the Free State movement and invite them to visit upcoming events in New Hampshire.
I had the personal honor of moderating a discussion with former Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) on the trials and tribulations of carrying the torch for liberty in legislative bodies.
(I also made sure to invite everyone watching to subscribe to this newsletter, so I am glad we have some new friends reading along.)
Carrying the Torch. At Ron Paul's birthday celebration, Eric Brakey moderated a discussion with former Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI) and Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX).
I also appreciated the invitation to host a live episode of the Porcupine Report Podcast in their backstage VIP podcast studio.
Lyn Ulbricht generously accepted my invitation to join me to discuss her new organization, Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing (MACS).
We also discussed her experience at this year's Porcupine Freedom Festival, which culminated in powerful remarks from her son, Ross Ulbricht, following his presidential pardon earlier this year.
Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing. At Ron Paul's birthday celebration, Eric Brakey hosted a live episode of the Porcupine Report, speaking with Lyn Ulbricht about her new organization. She is seeking to free more people from jail who should not be there, like her son, Ross.
Going into the weekend, my friend and filmmaker, Jason Rink, published a Ron Paul tribute video that got me all choked up.
I dare you to watch this without a tear in your eye.
Ron Paul Changed Lives. The man that establishment media and power structures wanted us to ignore sparked a liberty revolution that continues burning to this day.
Click here to watch the video.
During the celebration, Dr. Paul was on all our minds and in our affections.
He was backstage with family through most of the event, but NH State Representative Mark Warden (FSP Board Member) found a creative way to get a picture with him.
Not Quite the Real Thing. Rep. Mark Warden grabs a photo with a cardboard cutout of our favorite retired Texas Congressman.
After remarks by many, including U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, Dr. Paul closed out the event.
Some imagined, at the age of 90, he would just deliver short pleasantries and thank everyone for their well-wishing. They were wrong. This man has not slowed down in his campaign for liberty.
Instead, Dr. Paul launched into a 40 minute speech on monetary policy and the dangers of central banking.
His remarks finished with a roaring crowd, chanting: "End the Fed!"
Still Standing Strong. Even as he turns 90 years old, Ron Paul seems to never slow down. As the final speaker at his own birthday, Dr. Paul delivered a 40 minute talk to the crowd on the dangers of central banking and the Federal Reserve.
It was an honor to represent the Free State Project at Ron Paul's 90th birthday.
We succeeded in our aims: (1) wishing the good doctor well and (2) making connection with liberty lovers who have yet to join us in New Hampshire.
Of course, all good things come to an end.
While it was nice to visit the Lone Star State and see so many old friends, there is truly no place like home.
Returning Home — Tired and Happy. Free Staters fly back to New Hampshire after Ron Paul's 90th birthday in Lake Jackson, Texas.
Now that we are back, we are looking ahead to upcoming opportunities to connect with even more potential Free Staters.
In one week (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 volunteer, hit reply to this email.
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.
As September approaches, we have officially opened registration for our 1st Annual Granite Freedom Trek.
On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, lace up your boots and join fellow liberty lovers for a thrilling celebration of community, freedom, and the stunning wilderness of New Hampshire.
We will be hiking the scenic trails of Mount Cardigan (3,155 ft) and Mount Firescrew (3,040 ft) in a moderate 5-mile loop offering breathtaking 360-degree views of New Hampshire’s rolling hills — led by expert hiker Derek Proulx.
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. Participants should be prepared for a medium difficulty hike. Click here to see the trail map.
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.
Today, we are officially opening registration for the Granite Freedom Trek. Grab your ticket now!
We have a only limited number of hiking slots available, so act fast.
Finally, if you believe in our mission for a libertarian homeland in New Hampshire, I'd like to ask you to become a Porcupine Patron for the Free State Project.
For as little as $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to achieve "Liberty in Our Lifetime" — one new mover at a time.
Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.
We currently have 179 active patrons and we want to reach 200 by the end of August. Can we 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.
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!
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 an arcade day at Fun Spot (the largest arcade in the world).
CLICK HERE for more information and to RSVP for currently announced Fall Fest events.FREE STATE BITCOIN DIGITAL ASSET CONFERENCE:
On Sunday, October 12, the FSBDAC returns with discussions on 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 #77: “Why I Joined the Republican Liberty Caucus” with Mike ter Maat
Mike ter Maat joins Eric to discuss his vision for America’s future, emphasizing liberty, personal responsibility, and principled leadership. As a Libertarian presidential candidate, he critiques the failures of both major parties in protecting individual freedoms and promoting sound economic policies. Ter Maat outlines his stance on issues like ending endless wars, reducing government overreach, and fostering a truly free market. He also shares his background in law enforcement and economics, explaining how these experiences shape his approach to governance. Throughout the conversation, he calls for unity among liberty-minded Americans to build a stronger movement. His message centers on empowering citizens to take control of their own lives without interference from the state.
Free Stater Abroad. Matthew Noyes tells audiences in Japan about the New Hampshire Free State Project. (Full interview is dubbed in English.)
Day 223 of My Living Xperiment with Carla Gericke.
"Don’t look now, but free-market economics is coming back into vogue," writes Jason Sorens at the Daily Economy.
Jason Sorens files ethics complaint against socialist Mamdani.
"It has been reported that New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani resides in a one-bedroom, rent-stabilized apartment in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens. In public statements, Mr. Mamdani has said his monthly rent is approximately $2,300. According to publicly available rental market data, the average rent for a comparable one-bedroom in Astoria is about $3,002," stated a complaint filed with the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government by American Institute for Economic Research economist Jason Sorens.
Read the full story at Fox News..
News from the Free State
NY Post: Jason Sorens files ethics complaint against NYC socialist mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani, for improper acquisition of rent-stabilized apartment
NHPR: "New state law could power cryptomining, data centers in New Hampshire"
Responsible Statecraft: "How Ron Paul took a battering ram to GOP foreign policy"
FSP: "A Tale of Two Birthdays" (last week's newsletter)
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."
"The Desire Trap" with Ross Ulbricht
On his X page, Ross Ulbricht published a clip from his remarks at PorcFest XXII, sharing how he escaped the "desire trap" while locked in prison. By embracing stoic wisdom and letting go of desire for all that was denied to him, Ross found personal freedom from his own mental prison.
"The Innocence of Ian Freeman" with Jacob Hornberger
Jacob Hornberger details why he believes Ian Freeman was wrongfully convicted. Drawing on his legal background, Hornberger argues that the charges—failure to register as a Bitcoin seller, income tax violations, and conspiracy to launder money—are either legally dubious or unsupported by evidence. He describes an undercover IRS operation that tried to entrap Freeman, noting that the substantive money laundering charge is later thrown out by the judge for lack of evidence. Hornberger also highlights how irrelevant and prejudicial “Lonely Hearts” scam testimony sways the jury, despite Freeman not being charged with fraud. He criticizes prosecutorial misconduct, misleading press releases, and what he sees as a long-running government campaign to target Freeman for his activism. Hornberger urges public awareness and support for a presidential pardon to correct what he views as a grave injustice.
"Why Dictators Hate Artists" with Matt and Terry Kibbe
Matt and Terry Kibbe explore the powerful role artists play in resisting authoritarian regimes, sharing stories from Cuba, Czechoslovakia, and beyond. They recount how dictators like Tito and Castro targeted cultural influencers first—musicians, playwrights, and painters—because art sparks creativity, free thought, and spontaneous order. The talk highlights Cuban artist Carlos Luna’s journey from repression to exile, and how his work challenges tyranny. They also describe music’s revolutionary impact, from the banned Czech band Plastic People of the Universe to the modern Cuban protest song “Patria y Vida.” Through humor, history, and personal connections, the Kibbes show how art can inspire mass movements and challenge state control. Their message is clear: separation of art and state is essential for freedom.
"Co-creating a More Beautiful World: Lessons from the Garden" with Sienna Mae Heath
Sienna Mae Heath shares a poetic and practical vision for healing society through the wisdom of gardening. She explores how the relationships between plants—companion and antagonistic—mirror human dynamics and offer guidance for cultivating community, sovereignty, and peace. Drawing from personal experience and her educational gardening curriculum, Heath emphasizes food freedom, seed sovereignty, and natural medicine as resistance to top-down control. She invites individuals to embody both warrior and gardener, tending to their environment with both grit and grace. Whether in urban containers or rural plots, each garden becomes a sacred space for co-creation.
Watch her full remarks from PorcFest XXII.
As Seen In the Free State
Free Staters are good neighbors! The Lakes Region Porcupines demonstrate this truth by cleaning up their community.
Were you meant to be a tax slave? Your ancestors crossed an ocean on the dream of something better for you. Join the Free State Project to fulfill that dream and live free. Click here to read the post.
Tis the season for Free State lobster. One of the most delicious elements of summer in New Hampshire. 🦞
Non-Aggression is a Moral Imperative. Director Brakey argues that the libertarian Non-Aggression Principle (NAP) is foundational to a just and moral society. How can anyone claim moral superiority while using violence against peaceful people? Click here to read the full thread and discussion.
Out on the Lake! Welcome and Engagement Director, Chris Lopez, enjoys some kayaking with her sister on a hot August day.
Our Women Pack Heat! The Women's Defense League enjoys gathering together from time to time for lunch.
Abandon the Swamp. Washington D.C. is not reformable. Come and build your own Free State.
Some Upcoming Events:
Saturday, Aug 16th
Gilford, 12pm–1:30 - Lakes Region Porcupines - Come and meet up with your fellow Porcupines in the Lakes Region for Liberty, Laughter, and Local Fun every month on the third Saturday! Hosted by Rick Notkin. (El Tequila Restaurant, 1458 Lakeshore Rd Suite 5, Gilford)
Stark, 1pm-5 - NCP Lake Day Potluck - Come join your fellow North Country Porcupines for a day at the lake! We will be continuing our yearly tradition of August potlucks at South Pond in Stark. Bring a dish to share with family and friends, while we all enjoy a day at the lake together! Admission to the park is $9 per vehicle, bring cash. We look forward to seeing everyone there! Hosted by Staci Webb. (South Pond, Stark)
Manchester, 2pm-5 - Manchester Marketplace - Join us for our monthly community market and farm share pick-up! Get some shopping done from your fav local porcupines #shoplibertylocal Hosted by Emily Smith. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
Sunday, Aug 17th
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, 70 Main St, 2nd floor, Lancaster)
Rollinsford, 12pm-2 - SHELL New Mover Potluck - DROP IN FOR THE MONTHLY SHELL SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE! Potluck brunch at noon, bring your favorite plate to share. Kids games all day! Coffee & chat! Hosted by Jack Garber. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford, Unit B10)
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)
Pembroke, 2pm-3 - Open-Carry Trash Pick-Up - Community clean-up day to walk the neighborhood and pick up trash together while open-carrying. Expect a casual walk. Bring gloves, a trash bag, water, and comfy shoes. Open-invite. Hosted by Zephan Wood. (Parking Lot, 16 Central St, Pembroke)
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, 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 Waid. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)
Nashua, 6pm-8 - Nashua Liberty Social - Weekly Nashua Meet-Up - Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem