Taste the Revolution
DATE: Saturday, May 10, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
Do you know the old saying on the four stages of winning?
"First, they ignore you;
then, they laugh at you;
then, they fight you;
and then, you win."
That's the story of the Free State Project.
Twenty-two years ago, we began arriving to reinforce the inherent libertarian culture of the "Live Free or Die" state.
At various stages of the last two decades, Free State libertarians were ignored as a fringe movement, ridiculed with fake news about bears, and fought at every turn in campaigns for state and local offices.
Today, progressives are finally admitting defeat — they've lost New Hampshire to the libertarians.
"The future of New Hampshire... The Free Staters won." On Reddit, a NH progressive declares defeat as legislative leaders and Free Staters, Rep. Jason Osborne and Rep. Keith Ammon, stand with Gov. Kelly Ayotte during a bill signing to establish the first state-level Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.
Once a hotly contested tug-of-war for the state legislature, New Hampshire is no longer considered a battleground, as announced by the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, after major losses last November.
With liberty legislators forming one of the largest coalitions within the majority GOP caucuses of the NH House and Senate, progressive sacred cows are being demolished as they work toward:
(1) Slashing Spending - cutting $200 million from the state budget for universities and bureaucracies;
(2) Capping Property Taxes - requiring any future property tax increases proposed by local governments to receive supermajority support (60%) from local voters, instead of a simple majority;
(3) Abolishing Income Taxes - eliminating entirely all interest and dividend taxes, so that no taxes on individual personal income remain;
(4) Liberating Families from School Monopolies - extending access to Education Freedom Accounts to all families that seek to opt out of assigned government schools;
(5) Repealing Car Inspection Requirements - liberating NH drivers from annual inspection mandates; and
(6) Establishing a Strategic Bitcoin and Sound Money Reserve - making NH the first state authorized to hold treasury reserves in Bitcoin (and other qualifying cryptocurrencies), as well as gold and silver.
Progressive Whining. Democrat Rep. David Luneau denounces Education Freedom Accounts as “really turning into a recruiting tool to bring ‘Free State freeloaders’ into the state of New Hampshire.” Read the full article!
We are winning so much that progressives in the legislature are now making public accusations that all these policies — especially school choice — are "recruiting tools" to bring more Free Staters to New Hampshire.
When asked this past week for comment by a local reporter, I confirmed that the Democrat representative is not totally wrong:
"Eric Brakey, Executive Director of the New Hampshire Free State Project, responded to Luneau’s comments by agreeing with one part of his premise: Good government policy will make the state more popular, particularly for people seeking more personal freedom.
“School choice, gun rights, and low taxes — all of these policies contribute to New Hampshire being ranked #1 for freedom and are reasons why Free Staters move to New Hampshire,' Brakey told NHJournal."
To the dismay of progressives, these freedom policies do help bring more libertarian families to New Hampshire, but they also improve the quality of life for all productive people who already live here.
That's why U.S. News & World Report lists New Hampshire as #1 for economic opportunity (again) in this year's rankings.
NH Ranked #1 for Economic Opportunity. "NH earned the top spot in the country for economic opportunity, public safety, and corrections outcomes... "...no other state in the region came close when it comes to economic opportunity." Read the full article!
Of course, it wasn't always like this: progressives whining and libertarians winning.
While a libertarian ethic is deeply rooted in New Hampshire culture, creeping authoritarianism has gradually captured the institutions of all other New England states.
We see it as our neighbors in Vermont and Maine:
(1) lose their gun rights and medical freedoms;
(2) surrender their children each day to ideologically-captured government school monopolies; and
(3) take home smaller paychecks as tax burdens grow to fund the expansion of nanny state, welfare bureaucracies.
That progressive ideology is not alien to New Hampshire, but neither is the libertarian spirit of 1776 that once looked an empire in the eyes and brought it to heel.
While I respect all libertarian traditions, there is something uniquely bold and populist about those descended ideologically from the New England Sons and Daughters of Liberty.
As we approach the 250th anniversary of 1776, only in New Hampshire do the spirit and ideas of our American revolution still animate state governance.
That is due (in no small part) to the libertarian concentration strategy providing reinforcements to bolster New Hampshire's native libertarian culture and the remembrance paid our revolutionary history — like the Pine Tree Riot of 1772 in Weare, NH.
Revolutionary History. Many gathered last Saturday in Weare, NH for the annual celebration of the Pine Tree Riot — hosted each year by the New Hampshire chapter of Americans for Prosperity.
That New England revolutionary spirit continues — and this summer it is animating PorcFest.
In just over one month (June 16-22), we will host one of the largest gatherings in the world for who seek liberty: the 22nd annual Porcupine Freedom Festival!
We are inviting the liberty diaspora from around the world to join us to "Taste the Revolution" that we are brewing in New Hampshire with a week of camping, community, and conversation.
Ticket prices are going up on May 16 — so grab your tickets now (and use my discount code "GraniteGulch" for 10% off)!
In past newsletters, I've told you all about the great speakers joining us this June at PorcFest XXII — including Joel Salatin, Connor Boyack, Corey DeAngelis, Bob Murphy, David Friedman, Matt Kibbe, Clifton Duncan, Jack Hunter, Scott Horton, Hannah Cox, Jacob Hornberger, Marc Randazza, Dr. Simon Goddek, Steve Robinson, and many others.
(If you want to learn more about these speakers, click on the links above for their X profiles.)
Today, however, I want to tell you about the family programming we are offering this year at our Porcupints Pavilion — in the family zone right by the Roger's Campground playground.
Over 22 years, many of the earliest attendees of PorcFest grew-up, had families, and now they bring their kids. As the demand for family events grew at PorcFest, we developed our Porcupints programs.
In 2024, over 100 kids were in attendance — and we look forward to welcoming even more this June.
See for yourself below some of the exciting events we hosted last year and are returning for this June.
Grab your tickets for the 22nd annual Porcupine Freedom Festival before prices go up on May 16!
(NOTE: Child tickets are always deeply discounted, ranging from $1-$10 based on age. Bring the whole family!)
A Real Porcupine. At last year's PorcFest, our Porcupints pavilion hosted a "Wildlife Encounters" animal show where kids met a real porcupine. Wildlife Encounters will return this June at PorcFest XXII!
Porcupine Legislature. At last year's PorcFest, older kids and teens participated in a mock "Porcupine Legislature," facilitated by former Maine Senator and FSP Director Eric Brakey. Participants formed their own political parties, elected a Speaker of the House, and took a single bill through the entire legislative process — including a committee hearing and a veto from Governor Jason Sorens. The Porcupine Legislature will return this to Porcupints this June — training the next generations of liberty leaders how to Keep New Hampshire Free.
Glow Party. When the sun goes down, the glow sticks come out. A favorite PorcFest event event for kids is the Glow Party — a sundown dance party illuminated by kids wrapped in glow sticks. The Glow Party will return this June.
Tuttle Twins Storytime. At last year's PorcFest, FSP Director Brakey read "The Tuttle Twins and the Creature from Jeckyl Island" at the PorcuPints Pavilion. This year, Connor Boyack — author of the Tuttle Twins series — will join us to personally read one of his books to kids at Porcupints.
"Lindsay and her Puppet Pals." At last year's PorcFest, kids at Porcupints enjoyed a show from "Lindsay and her Puppet Pals" — one of the most creative and all-ages-appealing Puppet Shows we’ve ever seen! This June, Lindsay is returning with all her felt friends to Porcupints.
And don't forget: the "One Pot Cook-Off" is BACK at PorcFest!
This is the best way to Taste the Revolution.
Join us on June 19th at 5:00 p.m. to sample food from chefs all over the campground. Prizes for the best and most unique meals.
Tickets for the One Pot Cook-Off are $25.
If you are interested in cooking, contact Amber at Amberdaves08@gmail.com.
It is my honor to serve as Executive Director of the FSP, and I hope to see you at the Porcupine Freedom Festival.
If you would like to support our continued outreach efforts, then please CLICK HERE to become a patron of the Free State Project.
Thank you for supporting our mission to achieve "Liberty in Our Lifetime" — one new mover at a time.
Please read on for more of our weekly update from the Free State, prepared by our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.
For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project
2025 NH Liberty Forum
We are currently in the process of processing and publishing all the remarks delivered at the recent 2025 NH Liberty Forum.
For the next month, follow the FSP on Facebook, X, and YouTube for a new video each day at 2:00 PM. You can find below the videos published this week.
"The Silencing of Free Spech" with Rep. Laurel Libby. Maine State Representative Laurel Libby recounts her censure and effective silencing by legislative leadership after she spoke out on a controversial issue involving biological males in girls’ sports. Libby describes how her social media post led to political retaliation, stripping her of her ability to speak or vote in the legislature unless she issued an apology—an apology she refuses to give. She makes a passionate case for the critical importance of free speech in a free society, warning of the dangerous precedent set when dissenting voices are suppressed. Drawing on historical examples, Libby reminds us that protecting speech—especially unpopular speech—is essential to preserving all other freedoms. Her talk is both a personal testimony and a rallying call to defend the First Amendment at all costs. Watch her full remarks.
"The Lessons of Trumpism" with Jeff Deist. What lessons should libertarians learn from the Age of Trump 2.0? Jeff Deist, the last Chief of Staff for Congressman Ron Paul and former President of the Mises Institute, argues that libertarians should embrace populism and participate in the "great pushback" against the corruption of our institutions. Watch the full keynote.
"Awakening the Remnant: Building A Grassroots Army to Rein in the War Machine" with Sgt. Dan McKnight. Former Army Sergeant Dan McKnight, founder of Bring Our Troops Home, shares his journey from military service to becoming a passionate advocate for ending America's endless wars. McKnight discusses the moral and constitutional case for a more restrained foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of congressional oversight and the voices of veterans. He speaks candidly about the human cost of war, the mission of his organization, and the urgent need to prioritize diplomacy over intervention. This conversation is a compelling call to action for a more accountable and peace-driven approach to U.S. military engagement. Watch the full keynote.
"The Heart of the Deal" with Angela McArdle. Angela McArdle, former chair of the National Libertarian Party, recounts her unexpected interactions with former President Donald Trump and his team, initiated by diplomat Rick Grenell in 2023. She details a pivotal dinner at Mar-a-Lago where she strategically advocated for the pardon of Ross Ulbricht, a libertarian icon imprisoned for creating the Silk Road marketplace. McArdle emphasizes the emotional and political significance of this deal, which leveraged libertarian and Bitcoin community support to secure Ulbricht’s release. She also critiques missed opportunities within the Libertarian Party and calls for a strong 2028 presidential candidate to influence policy and free others unjustly imprisoned. Watch the full keynote.
"Bitcoin: A Liberty-For-Real Challenge to State Power" with Bruce Fenton. Bruce Fenton challenges the foundations of modern government, fiat currency, and centralized power structures. He argues that the current financial system is corrupt and unsustainable, while praising Bitcoin as a revolutionary tool for individual freedom and decentralization. Fenton calls on entrepreneurs and technologists to reject outdated systems and build a future rooted in innovation, sovereignty, and truth. Blending libertarian ideals with bold economic insights, this talk is a must-watch for anyone questioning the status quo and looking for real solutions. Watch the full keynote.
"Education Freedom Accounts: Seed Capital for Bright Futures" with Frank Edelblut. The outgoing NH Education Commissioner, Frank Edelblut, critiques the U.S. public education system and lays out a vision for transformative reform. He highlights decades of stagnation in student achievement despite billions in spending and numerous federal initiatives. Edelblut argues that education has become overly bureaucratic and disconnected from students' natural curiosity and learning needs. He calls for a shift from rigid, top-down mandates to a more flexible, learner-centered approach rooted in market principles and innovation. Highlighting successful initiatives like charter schools, learning pods, and education freedom accounts in New Hampshire, he makes the case for empowering families and embracing educational diversity. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in rethinking education for the 21st century. Watch the full keynote.
Carla's Corner
What's new from Calra Gericke, President Emeritus of the Free State Project?
"Mach Talk" with Carla Gericke. This week, lots of "firsts' for the Free State! First Bitcoin Reserve Fund in America was signed by Governor Ayotte this week, plus, NH Supreme Court landmark Article 2b case, a breakdown of the zoning issue, and more!. Watch the full episode!
Gen X Will Save the World. Let’s be clear: Gen X wasn’t supposed to save the world. We were raised feral, fed cynicism and TV dinners, and told to amuse ourselves under fluorescent lights while both our parents worked and worked (and drank and drank). But guess what? Against all odds—and mostly because we never fully bought into any of it—we’re going to save the damn place anyway. Read the full article!
The Porcupine Report
Porcupine Report #62: “A Bitcoin Recovery Story” with Josh Swift and Joshua Groth
Joshua Groth and Josh Swift join the Porcupine Report to share their unique journeys into the world of Bitcoin and personal freedom. Groth, an adventure athlete, explains how discovering Bitcoin gave him the power to save, invest in his future, and rethink what truly matters. Swift recounts the incredible story of finding a long-lost bitcoin wallet—first connecting with Groth at PorcFest and, with the help of Groth and his team, recovering a life-changing amount of Bitcoin. They also discuss Bitcoin self-custody, quantum computing threats, and the environmental impact of mining, while making a powerful case for Bitcoin as both a store of value and a path to greater liberty. Listen to the full episode!
Some Upcoming Events:
Saturday, May 10
Rollinsford, 7pm-9 - Karaoke at the SHELL - Due to popular request, our Corporate Retreat this Saturday will now be an evening of Karaoke! Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford)
Sunday, May 11
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, 1:30pm-4 - Weekly Ruck - Join the Garnet School Ruck Club as we explore the land around the Garnet School! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Down the hill from 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
Keene, 5pm-6 - Social Sunday - Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH's longest-running activist social! If Local Burger is closed, come to our backup location at Curry Indian Restaurant: 149 Emerald St. Hosted by Chris Wade (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)