The Socialist State Project?
DATE: Friday, September 19, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
How do you know liberty is winning in New Hampshire?
Just read what our statist adversaries are saying.
According to this week's newsletter from the Northern Grafton County Democrats, they are reaching out to "like minded groups in Vermont" to help "take back this state from the Free State Project."
The newsletter declares they must move "out of blue bastions" — like the Socialist State of Vermont — and into "red areas" — like the Free State of New Hampshire.
I have a question for the NGCD: If you prefer the socialist politics of Vermont, why don't you move there?
Bad ideology aside, I can understand why socialists would want to relocate and concentrate in one place to build a socialist state.
As the Free State Project has demonstrated, political migration works.
Over 22 years, many thousands of liberty lovers have moved to New Hampshire, raised families, built businesses, grown communities, and reformed laws.
Today, New Hampshire is ranked the #1 state for freedom in America!
Visit the Free State
If you don't live here already, you should come for a visit.
Check out our NH Liberty Calendar and pop in for any of the near daily events taking place across all regions of the state.
As my friend, Dennis Pratt, recommends, pick any week and come out for a "Porcupine Vacation." (You can even stay at the Independence Inn and mention the Free State Project for a 50% discount.)
Personally, I want to invite you to join us on Sunday, September 21 for the first annual Granite Freedom Trek.
This Sunday, September 21st, 2025, lace up your boots.
Join fellow liberty lovers for a scenic hike of Mt. Cardigan (3,155 ft) and Mt. 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.
For active Free Staters and liberty-loving 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.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious newcomer, you are invited to join us for this one-day (rain or shine) medium difficulty hiking adventure. (Click here to see the trail map.)
Due to popular demand, we have added ten additional tickets for sale. We only have a limited number of hiking slots available, so act fast. Grab your ticket now!
Returning to the Northern Grafton Democrats, why do these statist partisans feel the need to "take back this state from the Free State Project?"
Don't they know a socialist utopia has already been built across the western border?
Believe it or not, seventy years ago, Vermont was among the most conservative states in America.
That changed when a socialist mass migration movement brought thousands, including Bernie Sanders, to Vermont in the 1960s and 70s.
The story of Vermont is almost like a Bizarro Reverse Free State Project.
Today, Vermont is known as the launch pad for every bad socialist idea — including government control of housing and healthcare.
How is the Socialist State working out?
Not very well, actually — as socialist policies have made healthcare and housing more costly for the people who live there.
The socialist policies of Vermont have generated so much poverty that one New Hampshire town is scrapping a ten-year plan for a pedestrian bridge across the Connecticut River.
The town of Hinsdale, NH is concerned that a pedestrian bridge will invite tent cities on the Vermont side of the river to spread into their community.
All this being the case, I understand why Northern Grafton County Democrats don't want to move to the failed socialist utopia of Vermont.
It must be too much to hope for, however, that they would learn the lessons of those failures and not seek to import the same socialist ideas to New Hampshire.
To Keep New Hampshire Free, we have no choice but to continue recruiting more libertarians, classical liberals, constitutional conservatives, and all who love liberty to join us in the Free State.
That's why we continue to outreach and recruit in nearby states where freedom is only an idea.
The Free State Project Goes to Aroostook County, Maine
Our FSP Outreach Team has been on a roll — traveling to events across New England where we can connect with those who value liberty.
In recent weeks, we have focused on making connections with 2nd Amendment supporters at gun shows in Maine and Rhode Island.
This weekend, we went back to Maine, but much farther than our last visit to Augusta. A five hour drive took us into the deep north of Aroostook County for the two-day Houlton Gun Show.
I want to give a big thank you to Jaime Hussey and RJ Waldo for volunteering their time and making the long journey this weekend to connect with freedom-loving Mainers.
After the assassination of Charlie Kirk and with "Red Flag" gun confiscation on their state ballot this November, many Mainers were understandably anxious about their self-defense rights.
We told them how New Hampshire has some of the strongest 2nd Amendment protections in the country — and that we have erected a granite fortress in the legislature against the influence of gun grabbers, like NYC billionaire Michael Bloomberg.
There was a lot of interest.
Over 60 new people signed up to begin receiving this FSP newsletter.
If this is your first time reading, I hope you plan a visit to join us for some upcoming events in the Free State.
What's next for the FSP Outreach Team?
This Sunday, September 21, FSP volunteers are heading to the "Southern Maine Swap Meet, Motorcycle Show and Rodeo" from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (156 Maple St, Cornish, ME).
We can always use more support connecting with those curious about visiting and building a life in the Free State.
Reply to let me know you'd like to join our Outreach Team!
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 207 active patrons and we want to reach 225 by the end of September.
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!
KARAOKE PARTY AT THE SHELL:
TONIGHT — Friday, September 19 — join us at the Shell Liberty Clubhouse (3 Front St, Rollinsford) for Karaoke Night with DJ Rock.
Come visit the Shell, which will feature some of your favorite singers including Tom Mannion, Dennis Mannion, Mitch Mitchell, Eric Brakey, Chris Sachem, and many more!
The party begins at 8:00 PM.
RESUMING THE SHELL'S NEW MOVERS POTLUCK BRUNCH
THIS SUNDAY — September 21st, Noon to 2:00 PM, join in for the monthly New Movers Brunch at the Shell Liberty Clubhouse (3 Front St, Rollinsford).
Community members and new movers are welcome at this family-friendly potluck. Bring a dish to share (optional for new movers).
FREE STATE FALL FEST:
For the entire three-day "Columbus Day" weekend (October 11-13), our friends at Independence Realty are organizing several family-friendly events across the state.
Activities will include apple picking, axe throwing, 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 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.
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 (or send her a text message) 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 #81: “The Assassination of Charlie Kirk” w/ Bruce Fenton
Bitcoin and liberty advocate, Bruce Fenton, joins Eric for a wide-ranging conversation. He reflects on the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, warning how political violence endangers free speech and civil discourse. Bruce shares his journey from traditional finance into Bitcoin and how that path led him to New Hampshire’s Free State Project. They discuss the dangers of “team sports” politics, the clash between negative and positive rights, and why open dialog matters even with strong disagreements. Bruce also previews the upcoming Free State Bitcoin Digital Asset Conference, highlighting how crypto can either liberate people from central banks or be co-opted by them.
Carla Gericke: "The Illusion of Reality and Your Role in It" (Manch Talk 09/17/25)
This week, we peel back the curtain a little—getting philosophical about how you are showing up in the world. Along the way, we cover the latest from MAHA, the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, and ask: what is “coding for conflict” really doing to us?
Rep. Jason Osborne (Free Stater and NH House Majority Leader) writes at the NH Journal:
"Conservatives will not torch their neighbors’ businesses nor riot in the streets when provoked. They will respond with resolve.
"Out of this sorrow will rise thousands of new Charlie Kirks. Voices unashamed of truth, undeterred by hatred, unwilling to yield to fear. His murder will not silence; it will multiply. What evil intended for intimidation will become inspiration, fueling a generation determined to fight back with clarity and conviction.
"Already, voices in the political establishment are calling for America to 'turn down the temperature.' On the surface, such pleas for civility may sound noble. But in the face of barbarism, they ring hollow.
"The truth is that the temperature must not be lowered but raised. Not in violence or destruction, but in moral clarity, in conviction strong enough to expose and consume corruption at its core.
"We cannot negotiate with evil; we cannot appease it. Whether it comes cloaked in radical Islamism abroad or in homegrown extremism that dehumanizes conservatives as enemies to be assassinated, it must be confronted head-on. To turn down the temperature now would be to let evil grow in the shadows. The only path forward is exposure, accountability, and courage."
"The Most Successful Libertarian Experiment" w/ Tom Woods and Bruce Fenton
Several weeks ago, on the Tom Woods Show, Bruce Fenton (current Free Stater) joined the program and discussed the growing success of the Free State Project.
Tom Woods (future Free Stater) emphasized the value of living in close proximity to communities that share your values.
News from the Free State
WMUR: Pickle debate could inspire new legislation at New Hampshire State House
WMUR: Vigil for Charlie Kirk held at the New Hampshire State House Friday night
WMUR: 2 New Hampshire school districts investigating comments allegedly made about Charlie Kirk's killing
NHPR: At campus vigil honoring Kirk, UNH conservatives say they’re eager to speak up
NHPR: 'Emboldened and aggressive,' top NH Republicans urge action in wake of Kirk killing
NH Bulletin: New Hampshire’s challenge of a Massachusetts gun law seeks to expand Supreme Court precedent
Marijuana Moment: New Hampshire Lawmakers To Move Forward With Marijuana Legalization Bill Despite Governor’s Opposition
Keene Sentinel: State vehicle inspections to become a thing of the past
Seacoast Online: New Hampshire Fall Foliage 2025 is starting. Week-by-week maps of where fall colors peak
Seacoast Online: 7 pick-your-own apple orchards to visit in New Hampshire this fall
The Weather Channel: See A Stunning Time-Lapse Of Auroras Over New Hampshire
World Atlas: 9 Ideal New Hampshire Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2025
WMUR: New Hampshire Secretary of State launches new website to highlight state's revolutionary history
FSP: We Are All Charlie Kirk (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 Problem with Public Schools" with Jody Underwood
Jody Underwood delivers a sharp critique of public schools, pointing out high spending, poor results in reading and math, and limited parental involvement. She shares her experiences in New Hampshire education reform, from expanding school choice laws to launching her nonprofit, Education Options, which helps families discover alternatives like homeschooling, micro schools, and learning centers.
Underwood highlights how misconceptions and fear keep many parents from exploring these paths, despite growing demand for alternatives. She stresses that families often don’t know what’s legally allowed or available to them. Her organization now hosts expos, offers consultations, and supports entrepreneurs to create new learning opportunities. The talk calls on parents and community members to get involved and push for real educational change.
"What South Africa Can Teach America" with Carla Gericke and Louis Calitz
Carla Gericke and her husband, Louis Calitz, share powerful lessons from their South African upbringing and immigration to America. Carla weaves together personal stories of living through apartheid, rising crime, rolling blackouts, and property expropriation, showing how fragile prosperity becomes when rights are undermined. Louis adds context with historical insights, explaining how centralization and socialism eroded South Africa’s stability and why decentralization offers a better path.
Together, they contrast that decline with the safety and opportunity they’ve found in New Hampshire, where the Free State Project builds community resilience. Their message is clear: protect property rights, resist creeping socialism, and take responsibility for securing freedom in your own backyard.
"Libertyseed – A History of the Battles of Lexington and Concord" with Milo Mirate
Milo Mirate brings to life the dramatic story of April 19, 1775—the day America was truly born. He takes the audience through the events leading up to Lexington and Concord, from Paul Revere’s midnight ride to Captain Parker’s militia standing on the green. Mirate highlights the bravery of ordinary farmers, ministers, and townspeople who resisted the British Empire despite being outnumbered and under-equipped. He paints a vivid picture of musket fire, bayonet charges, and militias converging from across New England to defend liberty. In closing, he ties the Revolutionary spirit to Project Appleseed, which continues the tradition of teaching both history and marksmanship. It’s a stirring reminder that America’s freedom was won by the courage and actions of everyday people.
As Seen In the Free State
Coffee Talk! FSP Welcome and Engagement Director, Chris Lopez, is on a coffee tour around New Hampshire, sitting down and catching up with ladies of the Free State.
Summer Has Ended. Free Stater Joel Valenzuela says goodbye to the New Hampshire summer.
Vigil for Charlie. Hundreds gathered in Manchester for a peaceful candlelight vigil following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
North Country Home Schooling Begins! At the Pine, students and teachers held a Rhetoric/AP Language class. We analyzed rhetorical devices used in speeches from the 2024 Republican, Democrat, and Libertarian National Conventions. Next week, they will be focusing on logical fallacies and examples found in everyday life. On Wednesday, the US History class will discuss early English colonialism, engaging in Socratic discussion and examining primary sources. Come join the conversation! All interested voices are welcome.
A Free State Feast. Dandelion Forest Farms hosted a 7-course farm-to-table dinner, which featured pork tenderloins from Bardo Farm.
Community Spirit. Free Staters with We ❤️ West promote community and volunteerism at the Rock Rimmon block party.
Multi-Region Volunteer Night Spirit. Last night, FSP volunteers took to the phones at clubhouses in Manchester, the Seacoast, and the North Country. After a month of successful outreach in Maine and Rhode Island, there are so many new people to contact and invite for visit for Free State events. (Volunteers at the SHELL not pictured.)
Some Upcoming Events:
Friday, September 19th
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)
Rollinsford, 8pm-11 - SHELL Karaoke Feat. DJ Roc - Come visit the Shell which will feature some of your favorite singers including Tom Mannion, Dennis Mannion, Mitch Mitchell, Eric Brakey, Chris Sachem, and many more! Hosted by Skot Sheller. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford, Unit B10)
Saturday, September 20th
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, September 21st
Alexandria, 8am-6pm - Granite Freedom Trek - 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. This will be a one-day (rain or shine) hiking event. For active Free Staters and libertarian visitors who enjoy the outdoors, get your ticket and join us as we traverse New Hampshire trails in good company during one of the most beautiful times of year. Hosted by Eric Brakey. (Mount Cardigan Trailhead East, 774 Shem Valley Rd, Alexandria)
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)
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)
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.