Roger Ver is free. Are you?
DATE: Friday, October 17, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
Another political prisoner is free.
Following on the full pardon of Ross Ulbricht late last year, Free Staters in New Hampshire have been advocating for release of additional individuals prosecuted by the U.S. federal government for peaceful cryptocurrency activities.
Last week, the news arrived that Roger Ver — also known as “Bitcoin Jesus” for his early evangelism of the cryptocurrency as a challenge to central banking — has reached a settlement with the U.S. government.
Roger advocated that the printing of money from thin air was one of the worst forces in this world and that better money could stop wars.
In the early days of Bitcoin in 2013 and 2014, Roger was a fixture at Free State Project events like PorcFest and Liberty Forum, finding an eager audience looking for innovations to challenge the power of the Federal Reserve.
As much as anyone, Roger Ver is responsible for New Hampshire becoming the "Granite Cradle of Crypto" — the largest hub of early adopters and promoters for Bitcoin and blockchain technology.
The Biden Administration sought to put Roger Ver in prison for 109 years.
They accused him of "tax evasion" after he sold his Bitcoin in 2016, despite hiring the best tax attorneys available to navigate obscure and vague tax laws.
When the laws are vague, try as you might to comply, they will interpret laws how they want after-the-fact to decide you are guilty.
As part of his settlement, Roger is required to pay an additional $50 million to the U.S. government, but it is often better to pay the highwayman's ransom than lose your life to his gun.
Free Stater and Bitcoin pioneer, Bruce Fenton, recently shared his reflections on Roger Ver and how the federal government has relentlessly persecuted him over the last decade. He thanks Roger for introducing him to Bitcoin at PorcFest in those early days.
Roger Ver and Ross Ulbricht are now free, but many libertarian political prisoners remain persecuted or behind bars — including Free Stater and Free Talk Live host, Ian Freeman.
I want to personally say thank you to FSP Porcupine Patron, Angela McArdle, for using her influence with the Trump Administration to lobby for their freedom.
There is still more work to do.
Free State Political Leadership Workshop
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Roger Ver is free. But are you?
Securing our freedoms will not happen by accident.
Every liberty lover must be armed with (1) an understanding of the real nature of politics and (2) the skills to make the men and women in the political arena work for your causes, not against them.
That's why the Free State Project is hosting a one-day political leadership workshop in Concord, NH with a masterful instructor from the Foundation for Applied Conservative Leadership.
THE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT RATE ENDS TOMORROW!
This workshop is open to all liberty lovers in New Hampshire or traveling from nearby states. From zero experience to elected state representatives — all experience levels are welcome!
To date, I remain the only person to ever pass Constitutional Carry through a Democrat-majority chamber. How did I do it? With the skills and lessons I learned at this leadership workshop twelve years ago.
Please register today to join us and learn the exact skills I used to pass Constitutional Carry in Maine.
If you are a political activist or aspire to be, you owe it to yourself to be effective and not waste your time beating your head against walls.
The early bird discount rate expires tomorrow, so don't wait a second longer! Register and grab your ticket today.
Free State Bitcoin Digital Asset Conference 2025
Thank you to the nearly 150 who joined us this past Saturday at the Free State Bitcoin Digital Asset Conference (FSBDAC) — hosted by our friends, Bruce and Carolann Fenton.
Bruce Fenton and four members of the New Hampshire Blockchain Council (left to right, Matt Ping, Rep. Calvin Beaulieu, Carter Snay, and Rep. Keith Ammon) discuss legislative wins and where to go next in the pursuit of monetary freedom and technological innovation.
FSP Director Brakey speaks at FSBDAC about the need for a Free State to counter federal tyranny and how we are building it in New Hampshire — (1) promoting so you learn, (2) outreaching so you connect, (3) inviting so you visit, (4) welcoming so you move, and (5) engaging so you build.
FSP Outreach Volunteers greeted and welcomed attendees all day long at FSBDAC, signing many up for the weekly newsletter and recruiting a few new Porcupine Patrons.
FSP Board Chair Carla Gericke speaks with Matt Ping of Porcupine Real Estate, noting that housing prices have risen in New Hampshire relative to the dollar as the state has grown more free and prosperous — but relative to Bitcoin it is cheaper than ever.
Free State Fall Fest 2025
Thank you to all who joined us over the long weekend for Free State Fall Fest — hosted by our friends at Independence Realty Group.
Free Staters and visiting friends from other states gathered at Mack's Apples on Saturday to pick many bushels of our favorite fall treat. We met some new friends, including a couple visiting (and looking to escape) from New Jersey.
Free Staters spent Saturday evening chucking axes at the Rugged Axe in Manchester. Congratulations to DJ, the event's champion!
It was a cold day on Columbus Day, but we endured. At the end of the trail, participants in the Fall Fest Family-Friendly Hike took a victory photo in front of Massabesic Lake.
FSP Director Eric Brakey shares a live video from the trail of the Fall Fest Family-Friendly Hike. Click here to watch the video.
Outreach and Invite Continues
One of the greatest leaps forward the FSP has taken in recent months is the development of our volunteer Outreach Team, now led by FSP Outreach Director, Pedro Serra.
Over the last few months, we have connected with hundreds of freedom-lovers across New England at every event we can find them.
This week, I want to say thank you to Outreach Volunteers, Milo Mirate and Stephen Nass, for manning a table at the North Country Homesteading Conference.
Stephen Nass shows off his Food Freedom Guide while tabling with Milo Mirate at the North Country Homesteading Conference. Along with high quality conversations, they signed up 10 new people for the FSP newsletter.
With so many fresh and new contacts coming into our network, we depend more than ever on our volunteers who give time at our monthly calling parties.
How does it work? After a new person signs up for our email list at an outreach event, a volunteer calls within a few months to (1) ensure they are receiving the newsletter and to (2) invite them to visit upcoming events.
Last night at the Quill in Manchester, we had a strong team of seven making calls to new contacts.
With all these fresh leads from our outreach volunteers, I keep hearing these are the friendliest and most welcomed phone calls we have made in some time.
Thank you to our calling party organizer, Jack Garber, and our volunteers for making last night successful as we invited more people to visit the Free State!
Would you like to volunteer for outreach events or calling parties? Reply to this email to let us know!
From left to right, Chris Lopez (FSP Welcome & Engagement Director), Jason Spencer, R.J. Waldo, Eric Brakey (FSP Director) Jeremy Olson, Rep. Yury Polozov, and Jack Garber (Calling Party Organizer) made nearly 100 calls to potential future Free Staters at last night's volunteer party at the Quill.
Porcupine Patron Update
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 just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build "Liberty in Our Lifetime" — outreaching and inviting new movers to join us in the Free State.
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 216 active patrons and we want to reach 300 by the end of this year.
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.
Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.
For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Join us for the Marketplace Manchester! October 18th from 2:00 - 5:00 PM EST
Native Free Stater, Derek Proulx, and his Hungarian girlfriend, Sara, will be teaching Hungarian folk dancing on Friday, October 24 from 7-9pm in Manchester.
It's a lot of fun and they will break it down for beginner dancers. They are asking $10 to cover the space rental (but could be less depending on how many attend).
On Saturday, November 1st at 8:00 PM, Halloween is not over in the New Hampshire Freecoast...
Join us at the SHELL Liberty Clubhouse for an "80s Horror Flick" Halloween Party with DJ Active Debutante.
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 (or send her a text message at the number below) for details: goldsmithrd@gmail.com.
Recurring Free State Events
New Mover Potluck Parties!
Manchester - First Friday
Upper Valley - First Saturday
Seacoast - Third Sunday
North Country - Third Saturday
Local Meetups!
Manchester - Weekly, Tuesdays
Plymouth - Semi-monthly, second and fourth Wednesdays
Seacoast - Weekly, Thursdays (changes town)
Upper Valley - Monthly, fourth Tuesday
Nashua - Weekly, Sundays
Gilford - Monthly, third Saturday
Lancaster - Monthly, third Saturday
Ossipee - Semi-monthly, second Sunday and third Tuesday
Madison - Monthly, second Saturday
Grafton - Monthly, second Saturday
Keene - Weekly, Sundays
Lower Valley - monthly, third Friday
This is only a small sample of what's going on in the Free State! Recurring topical events include agorism, family play time, range shooting, and crypto.
Find upcoming events across the state on our NH Liberty Calendar.
Free State Voices
Porcupine Report #84: “Rethinking Education in the Free State” with Ian Underwood
Eric welcomes longtime Free Stater and author Ian Underwood to discuss his journey of building a self-sufficient life in New Hampshire. Ian shares how he and his friends founded Bardo Farm, living off the grid and fostering a culture of independence and community. He also dives into his series of books challenging conventional ideas about fairness, funding, and fun in education—arguing that schools should focus on actual learning, not bureaucracy. The two reflect on how the Free State movement has advanced homeschooling, liberty activism, and local resilience. Their conversation ranges from educational reform to lessons from COVID-19, offering a vision of practical freedom in everyday life.
Why Abstinence Is Treason (and Bitcoin Jesus Walks Free) (Manch Talk 10/15/25)
The world wants you impulsive, addicted, and obedient. So what happens when you stop playing along? In a world addicted to yes, abstinence is treason. This week, Carla Gericke unpacks the radical freedom of self-control--and why The System hates it. Plus: Roger Ver walks free, highlights from the epic FSB-DAC conference at the Wentworth-by-the-Sea, and new Right-to-Know digitization moves out of the Corner Office.
FSP Director Eric Brakey on the "Treasury Orange Podcast."
Coming back into the country after a recent vacation, Eric Brakey was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
They rifled through his personal journal, demanded his phone and computer passwords, and interrogated him about "militias" and the nature of the Free State Project.
In this conversation, Eric tells the story.
FSP Director Eric Brakey on the "Vermont Viewpoint."
Why is New Hampshire so much freer than Vermont? One state has a Free State Project, while the other state had a Socialist State Project.
In this 45 minute interview with the Vermont Viewpoint radio show, Eric Brakey discusses the advance of liberty in New Hampshire and why liberty-loving Vermonters should come for a visit.
News from the Free State
Newsweek: Democrats Get Warning Sign in New Hampshire
NHPR: Are you a first time homebuyer in New Hampshire? We’ve got some tips for you
Seacoast Online: Here are 7 must-visit corn mazes in New Hampshire to wander through this fall
The Hill: Former Sen. Sununu expected to enter New Hampshire Senate race
NHPR: Portsmouth businessman DiLorenzo to join GOP primary in 1st Congressional District
Seacoast Online: Seacoast NH and Maine foliage 2025 in photos
WMUR: New survey shows growing support for more affordable housing in New Hampshire
World Atlas: The Most Picturesque Towns In New Hampshire
NHPR: Even past peak, Franconia Notch’s foliage is ‘gorgeous’
Seacoast Online: Spooky season is here. Here are 5 must-visit haunted attractions in New Hampshire
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."
"Why You Need to Ditch Fiat and How to Do It" with Joel Valenzuela
Crypto advocate Joel Valenzuela takes the audience through the history of money — from gold coins to fiat currency and credit cards — showing how each step has increased convenience but also centralization and censorship. He argues that cryptocurrency is the next evolution, offering censorship resistance, inflation protection, and privacy from surveillance. Valenzuela explains how to live entirely on crypto today, covering real-world tools for paying bills, buying groceries, and even traveling without a bank. He discusses the progress of crypto technology toward easier everyday use, like usernames and instant transactions, while emphasizing self-custody and privacy. In Q&A, he addresses challenges such as internet outages, Bitcoin’s limitations, and the balance between crypto and precious metals, stressing that true freedom comes from using sound, decentralized money.
"Why You Should Raise Your Family on a Homestead" with Jay Noone
Jay Noone educates the PorcFest audience about why families should raise their children on a homestead. Drawing from his own life, he shows how daily farm work teaches kids real-world skills, confidence, and responsibility while strengthening family bonds. He contrasts “earned dopamine” from hands-on work with the artificial stimulation of digital devices, arguing that homesteading fosters healthier brain development and independence. Jay shares how his homeschool co-op allows local children to learn farming, animal care, and teamwork firsthand. He closes by encouraging parents and skilled tradesmen to mentor kids, passing on practical abilities that build self-reliance and community strength.
"Revolution in the Granite Gulch" with Eric Brakey
Former Maine state senator and Executive Director of the Free State Project, Eric Brakey, delivers an energizing talk titled “Revolution in the Granite Gulch.” He reflects on lessons from his time in national politics and explains why he believes the real fight for liberty must begin locally. Brakey contrasts libertarian pessimism with the optimism he’s found in New Hampshire, where Free Staters and native libertarians are successfully advancing freedom-focused reforms. He highlights how local activism and state sovereignty can push back against federal overreach and achieve lasting change. Brakey closes by inviting libertarians across the country to join or support the Free State Project, calling it the most practical path to restoring liberty in our lifetime.
As Seen In the Free State
Pumpkins painted by kiddos at the Agora market in Concord!
Rep. Michael Harrington spoke this week with the Young Americans for Liberty chapter at University of New Hampshire about energy policy and why government sucks at running everything.
Follow the trail for New England autumn without communism.
Some Upcoming Events
Friday, October 17th
Claremont, 6pm-9 - Lower Valley Meetup - Come to this monthly meetup and enjoy the company of your neighbors & friends in the Lower Valley region. Hosted by Shanna Gary. (Rancho Viejo, 84 Pleasant St, Claremont)
Manchester, 6:30pm-7:30 - Manchester Monthly Shoot - Recurring every third Friday in Manchester! Regular rate is $25 per hour; use promo code #FSP5 for a $5 discount! Hosted by James. (Manchester Firing Line Range, 2540 Brown Ave, Manchester)
Saturday, October 18th
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)
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)
Lancaster, 4pm-7 - North Country Monthly Potluck - Come join the North Country Porcupines for our monthly potluck! Bring a dish and spend some time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Hosted by Amy Norris. (the ‘Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)
Sunday, October 19th
Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 - The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruck - GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. This is a challenge by choice event, go as heavy or as far as you’re enthusiastic about. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (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, 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
Remember that this is only a partial list.
For all FSP events and more details on those highlighted here, be sure to check out the NH Liberty Calendar.