"Wake Up to the Free Stater Threat!"
DATE: Thursday, May 22, 2025
AUTHOR: Hon. Eric Brakey - Executive Director, Free State Project
Spring is here in the Free State — and love is in the air.
That must be why progressives keep publishing love letters about the Free State Project in local papers across New Hampshire.
Recently, I received notice (from one of our Porcupine Patrons) of a letter he read in a local Wolfboro newspaper.
The author, Denise, thinks the Free State Project has not received the "attention it deserves." She writes:
"This [Free State] movement continues to recruit people from all over the country to move to New Hampshire in order to create a stronghold for libertarian ideas: a 'free society' with limited government, self-reliance, and free markets.
"...they're also building their community and influencing state politics... disproportionally running for public offices... The Free State movement is the genesis for 'school choice' and the 'right-to-work' movements..."
Further, in her letter, she does us the kindness of listing many policy reforms that some of the most legislatively active Free Staters have supported, including:
Education Freedom Accounts, directing state education dollars to students instead of systems;
Prohibitions on DEI instruction in government schools;
Firearm safety instruction in government schools; and
Protections for local property taxpayers against runaway school budgets.
She concludes by correctly noting that Free Staters are "using our government to change New Hampshire's public education in significant ways..."
I'd like to thank Denise for this love letter — helping to spread the word about the accomplishments of the Free State movement — particularly those who are leading the charge to reform broken government school systems.
Despite all the nice things she wrote about us, however, Denise did not intend this as a love letter — but a hate letter.
She wants to warn other progressive statists that they "need to wake up to the Free Stater threat." Read it for yourself.
As you know, love and hate are two sides of the same coin.
These letters have been a recurring phenomenon lately — but our haters are our best promoters. Here are a few more:
In-Depth NH: "Talk from legislative leadership about affordable housing is really about accelerating the Free State movement in the Granite State"
In-Depth NH: "The Free Staters and mega libertarians have taken over the Republican Party in New Hampshire"
In-Depth NH: "The state has gradually changed and ironically you can almost pinpoint the beginning to the arrival of the 'libertarians' of the Free State Project"
Concord Monitor: "Free State Project, a loosely (dis?)organized group of extremists who chose to relocate to New Hampshire with the express purpose of taking over the state’s institutions and remaking them into an everyone-for-themselves libertarian paradise"
NH Journal: "EFAs Are Plot to ‘Recruit’ Libertarian Families, ‘Destroy’ New Hampshire"
Monadnock Ledger Transcript: "Where is Galt's Gulch? It's in New Hampshire!"
As I read these love/hate letters, I am reminded of something my friend (and future Free Stater) Tom Woods told me during a recent conversation on my weekly show, The Porcupine Report:
“What if you bring a bunch of libertarians somewhere? That will disrupt the way things are run! And maybe not in a way that’s welcome to the people on the receiving end. But the thing is, the kind of disruption we bring is... to stop using violence to get your way....
”If the things that you want are really worthy, you can persuade people to support them. So I don’t feel sorry for people who live in New Hampshire, and then suddenly a bunch of Free Staters show up. Serves them right for thinking they can get their way through coercion.”
Nothing proclaims louder — "There's a liberty revolution in New Hampshire!" — than the whining of progressive statists losing their grip on the institutions of politics and culture.
Don't believe me? Come experience it for yourself!
Taste the Revolution! Join us, this June 16-22, for the 22nd annual Porcupine Freedom Festival.
Over 1,000 PorcFest tickets have been sold — including 200 child tickets as our family programming continues to expand with PorcuPints.
Do you have your tickets yet for PorcFest XXII?
As a thank you for reading our weekly newsletter, use discount code "GraniteGulch" for 10% off your PorcFest tickets.
This week, Joel Salatin (owner of Polyface Farm, food freedom leader, and one of our headline speakers) shared a video invitation to the festival.
Watch Joel Salatin's invitation to join him at PorcFest XXII.
Our venue, Roger's Campground, has asked me to share with everyone this update on lodging and campsite availability:
Just a quick update from Rogers — as PorcFest is approaching quickly, we wanted to let everyone know that there are still plenty of campsites available - in all areas of the park.
All RV sites have full hook ups (water, electric & sewer) and can accommodate 4 adults max per site (in a tent or an RV, Pop up camper or trailer) and up to 2 vehicles (car, truck, etc).
All tent sites can accommodate 4 adults max , 2 tents and 2 vehicles (car, truck, SUV only). Please note that there are NO campers or trailers of any kind allowed in the tenting area. Please double check your reservations & make sure that you have reserved the appropriate site for your needs. If you find that you have booked the wrong type of site, please give us a call & we will gladly move your site. We don't want you to have to set up & then have to change sites. Some tent sites include water, electric or both-while others have no hook ups at all - they are labeled on the map.
The motel is now sold out.
We have been reaching out to everyone in an effort to finalize reservations — if you see that we have been trying to reach you, please get in touch with us. If your reservation does not have all the required info & payment, we cannot hold your site. We will not be adding guests to campsites at the door this year, please make any adjustments to existing reservations ASAP.
A note this year regarding electric vehicles - we do not allow the charging of electric vehicles anywhere on the property- we have been working very hard to get the EV charging station back on line, but that is not something we can control & have no expectation that it will be functional during Porcfest.
That's all for now - thank you!
- Roger's Campground
To help us Taste the Revolution this year, we are restoring an old tradition: the "One Pot Cook-Off!"
Organized by Edi Swearingen for ten years (2006-2016, with only one year missed), chefs competed across the campground to serve for the best one-pot dish.
This was a great tradition that promoted the values of PorcFest by creating opportunities to share participatory experiences and meet neighbors across all corners of PorcFest.
However, all good things come to an end and the pots went empty for a decade... but not this year.
Grab your ticket to Taste the Revolution as a judge for the One Pot Cook-Off.
Thursday evening (June 19), the pots will be filled again with a wide variety of creative and tasty dishes — and we need you to make the One-Pot Cook-Off a success!
Calling all chefs! We still need more one-pot dishes. (Even I am planning one!) To sign-up as a chef, please email this year's cook-off organizer, Amber Daves:
(Thank you to Amber for volunteering to bring back this wonderful PorcFest tradition!)
The only rule: your dish must be prepared and served from one pot in sample sized portions for all cook-off judges. That could mean a soup, chili, or stew — but I've been told we can be as creative as we want...
... that's why I am planning a dessert dish (an oatmeal, chocolate, and peanut butter ganache) that I am calling Little Ayn's "Objectively, Not Baked Cookies."
Move over Little Debbie. For the PorcFest XXII One-Pot Cook-Off, Eric Brakey is planning a dessert dish that Ayn Rand would tell you is, by all objective standards, not baked cookies.
It is possible that revealing my one-pot plans will hurt my chances of winning, but I want all potential chefs to know they are encouraged to be as creative as they like.
I also want prospective judges to know they are in for a wide variety of fun and delicious dishes.
For judges, we have only 100 tickets available to participate and enjoy the many offerings of the cook-off.
Grab your ticket to Taste the Revolution as a judge for the One Pot Cook-Off.
PorcFest is not just a singular event organized by festival producers — it is a week-long free society that we all build together.
That's why more and more hubs are registering to host their own events.
If you think something is missing from PorcFest, we invite you to build it. Your hub can be:
• A lounge for relaxation and conversation
• A space for debates, panels, or workshops
• A hands-on learning center
• A music or performance venue
• A marketplace or vending zone
• Or anything else that builds community through liberty
If you can imagine it, you can build it! Hubs are where the revolution grows — grassroots and ground-up.
CLICK HERE to learn more, register a hub, and bring your own vision to life at PorcFest XXII!
I'd like to give a special thank you to our two Diamond sponsors for this year's festival — Daylight Freedom Foundation and the Exit Lounge — who are building their own hubs down on the field (right by the main pavilion).
On this week's episode of the Porcupine Report, I spoke with the four partners organizing the Exit Lounge about past experiences at PorcFest and plans for their hub this year.
Episode 64: "Crypto Freedom at the PorcFest Exit Lounge." Eric welcomes four special guests to explore the excitement surrounding this year’s PorcFest, taking place June 16–22. Representing Edge, Pirate Chain, Destination Freedom, and Anarchapulco, the guests introduce the Exit Lounge—a dynamic collaboration centered on privacy, cryptocurrency, and personal sovereignty. Together, they share their vision of empowering individuals through decentralized finance, privacy-enhancing technologies, and hands-on tools for living freely. This episode dives into the evolution of PorcFest, its welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, and the expanding role of crypto in the liberty movement. Festival-goers are invited to visit the Exit Lounge to discover how to “exit fiat” and take control of their financial future.. Click here to watch the full episode.
There are only 25 days left until we kick off this family-friendly freedom festival.
Please join us to Taste the Revolution that we are brewing across the Live Free or Die state.
Once again, as a thank you for reading our weekly newsletter, use discount code "GraniteGulch" for 10% off your PorcFest tickets.
For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Free State Project, Executive Director
PorcFest XXII, Co-Producer
P.S. Tomorrow night (Friday), I will be singing karaoke with Free Staters at the SHELL Liberty Clubhouse in Rollinsford (the NH Seacoast Region).
All are welcome. If you happen to be in the area, join in for a fun evening.
Find more details (and other Free State events coming up in the next several days) at the bottom of this email, alongside our NH Liberty Calendar.
2025 NH Liberty Forum
We are currently in the process of editing and publishing video of remarks delivered at the recent 2025 NH Liberty Forum.
For the next several weeks, follow the Free State Project on Facebook, X, and YouTube for a new video each day at 2:00 PM.
You can find below the videos published since our last newsletter.
"Tribalism is Dumb" with Andrew Heaton. Comedian and political commentator Andrew Heaton explores the roots of political tribalism and why it's become so intense in modern society. Drawing from evolutionary psychology, sociology, and personal anecdotes, Heaton explains how humans are hardwired for tribal behavior, and how technological changes—like social media—have amplified our divisions. He discusses the difference between healthy group identity and destructive partisanship, and why politics has become the dominant “tribe” for many people today. Heaton also offers insights on how we might move beyond reflexive polarization and build more meaningful, cooperative communities. A thought-provoking and entertaining look at why everyone seems so angry—and what we can do about it. Watch his full remarks.
"Defanging the War on Cannabis" with Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. In this heartfelt and wide-ranging talk, former Congressman and Reagan speechwriter Dana Rohrabacher reflects on his lifelong fight for liberty, limited government, and individual freedom. He shares personal stories from his 30 years in Congress, highlighting key achievements like the Commercial Space Act and medical marijuana protections. Rohrabacher also speaks passionately about his anti-communist activism and the importance of distinguishing between ideological enemies and the people they govern. He closes with original libertarian protest songs and a call for continued activism in defense of personal freedom. Equal parts humorous, nostalgic, and urgent, this talk is a tribute to liberty and the enduring fight to protect it. Watch his full remarks.
"Weed Free or Die: The Success of Legalization in Maine" with Rep. David Boyer. Representative David Boyer shares his front-line experiences leading cannabis legalization efforts in Maine. He walks through the state's journey from early decriminalization to building a half-billion-dollar cannabis industry, including lessons learned from ballot initiatives, regulatory battles, and medical marijuana expansion. Boyer highlights how grassroots advocacy and local entrepreneurship shaped Maine's robust home cultivation laws and caregiver network. He also critiques overregulation, high taxes, and bureaucratic missteps that now threaten small operators and empower black markets. Looking ahead, he urges New Hampshire to adopt a free-market, low-barrier model that protects home growers and patients. This talk is a must-watch for anyone interested in smart, liberty-minded cannabis policy. Watch his full remarks.
"What America Can Learn from South Africa" with Carla Gericke and and Louis Calitz. Carla and Louis share their personal journey from South Africa to the United States, offering a firsthand account of life during and after apartheid. They recount the country’s decline into rising crime, energy instability, and widespread violations of property rights—including the tragic murder of a farmer friend. Emphasizing the importance of self-defense and individual liberty, they draw sobering parallels between South Africa’s trajectory and troubling trends in the West. They critique institutions like democracy and socialism for enabling centralization and systemic failure. Instead, they champion decentralization, secure property rights, and personal responsibility as vital principles for a free and prosperous society. Their message is both a warning and a call to action: learn from South Africa's collapse to protect liberty elsewhere. Watch their full remarks.
"The Sound Money Movement" with Daniel Diaz. Daniel Diaz, Executive Director of Citizens for Sound Money, shares his personal journey from Cuban immigrant roots to leading a national movement for monetary reform. In this powerful talk, he explains the importance of "sound money" and how inflation and fiat currency devalue Americans’ time and wealth. Drawing from his family's experience under communism and his background in finance and crypto, Diaz advocates for gold and silver as the foundation of true economic freedom. He outlines the legislative battles being fought across the U.S. to make real money legal tender again. Discover why sound money isn't just about finance—it's about liberty, sovereignty, and preserving the American dream. Watch his full remarks.
"Why Are We Still Funding Systems Instead of Students?" with Rep. Laurel Libby (R-ME), Rep. Glenn Cordelli (R-NH), Rep. Kristin Noble (R-NH), and Sen. Victoria Sullivan (R-NH). In this dynamic panel discussion, education leaders and legislators explore the growing movement toward student-centered funding and school choice. Panelists reflect on how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed systemic shortcomings in public education and shifted public perception toward empowering parents. They share personal stories, legislative battles, and practical ideas to expand Education Freedom Accounts, open enrollment, and curriculum reforms. The conversation highlights challenges such as political resistance, funding structures, and curriculum content, while offering a vision for a more personalized, flexible, and accountable education system. With passion and urgency, the panel calls for continued advocacy to ensure every child has access to an education that fits their unique needs. Watch their full remarks.
"The Global Censorship Complex and the Local Voice of Liberty" with John Weeks. John Weeks examines the evolution of free speech, the nature of state power, and the rise of what he calls the "global censorship complex." Drawing from anthropology, political philosophy, and real-world examples like the Twitter Files, Weeks explains why the state instinctively fears free expression and how centralized governments worldwide are working to control online discourse. He argues that the U.S. functions as a modern empire—one hostile to dissent both at home and abroad. Weeks calls on local communities and individuals to be the "Voice of Liberty," resisting top-down control by embracing human connection and principled action. With clarity and conviction, he makes a compelling case for defending free speech as a fundamental human right. Watch his full remarks.
Read All About It!
NH JOURNAL: "DAVIS: Safety Training Opposition Highlights Hypocrisy Among Gun Control Groups"
MM: "New Hampshire Senators Approve Psilocybin Decriminalization Bill"
WMUR: "Bill would require firearms safety training in New Hampshire schools"
The Sun Chronicle: "Two Views: States should follow New Hampshire in establishing Bitcoin reserves"
GG: "Sorens: Why Reform Zoning"
Granite Grok: "Outdated auto inspection laws appear more related to culture than cold"
Seacoast Online: "Education Freedom Accounts good for NH and our children"
Disruption Banking: "Arizona and New Hampshire Are Going Full Crypto—And It’s Just the Beginning"
WOKQ: "Here’s What You Must See in New Hampshire If You Only Have 24 Hours"
The Pulse of NH: "New Hampshire Ranked as Best State in New England"
NH Bulletin: "New Hampshire budget bill would defund state renewable energy grant program"
Activist Post: "NH Ranked #1 Most Gun Friendly State in 2025"
Ledger Transcript: "Effort to enable town budget caps passes N.H. Legislature"
Free State Media!
Digital Dialogue #01: In our new "Digital Dialogue" live series on X Spaces, Dennis Pratt proposed acceleration of Free State migration through a 2nd Free Town Project, with brainstorming and feedback from participants. Listen to the full dialogue.
Fountainhead Forum: "Jason Sorens on the creation of the Free State Project and its victories." Watch the full interview.
Handy Tips
Considering a move here, but need a bit of help sorting through it all? Check out:
The Free State Job Alert on Facebook
A handy guide to landing a job in New Hampshire
This heads-up form to let us know you plan to visit—introducing yourself and letting us show you around just might be the key to finding your perfect job!
Follow the Free State Project on social media for your daily dose of inspiration! Click the links below.
Need a reminder of the free society we are building? WATCH THIS and THIS and THIS and THIS.
As Seen In The Free State
"Support families, not ideologies." At Education Options Expos across New Hampshire, Jody Underwood and Kevin Tyson welcome families seeking to learn about the wide range of education alternatives available in the Free State. Learn more at EdOpt.org.
Market Day at the Quill! The Free State loves commerce. At Free State market days, you can find delicious foods and drinks, fresh veggies, plants, meats, massage and more!
Volunteer Night! This past week, Free State Project volunteers gathered at the Quill in Manchester to remind past attendees that "PorcFest is coming." Over 200 contacts were made through phone calls and postcards. Do you have your tickets yet? Use discount code "GraniteGulch" for 10% off.
NH Liberty Calendar
For those in New Hampshire, be sure to check out some of the community events coming up in the next few days.
Click the button above for our full NH Liberty Calendar.
Thursday, May 22
Seabrook, 8am-9 - Weekly Patriot Breakfast - A weekly social meeting of NH Patriots, think traditional Constitutional Republican. Hosted by Jude. (Linda’s Breakfast & Lunch Place, 920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook)
Keene, 4:45-5:45 - Bitcoin Pizza Day - Come join us for Bitcoin Pizza Day Little Zoes in Keene, NH! Little Zoes has been a long time supporter of financial freedom, crypto, and our community so what better place than to spend your crypto Little Zoes on Bitcoin Pizza Day? Little Zoes accepts at least Bitcoin Cash, and I believe Dash as well. No crypto? Bring your Goldbacks. I believe they might take those as well. Hosted by Chris Waid. (Little Zoes, 149 Emerald St #5, Keene)
Seabrook 6pm-8 - Seabrook Liberty Outreach Meetup! It's all about good ideas, good people, and good eats. So come on down! Hosted by Joël Valenzuela. (Chop Shop Pub, 920 Lafayette Rd, Seabrook)
Friday, May 23
Rollinsford, 8pm-11 - SHELL Karaoke Night with DJ Rock. No entry fee. Tip your DJ. BYOB. Organized by Skot Sheller. (The SHELL Clubhouse, 3 Front St, Lowe Mill Room B10, Rollinsford, NH)
Saturday, May 24
Henniker, 5pm-6:45 - Community Kava Circle - Gathering in community is a practice as old as time, and one that is needed now more than ever, in this age of digital communications. And so, we hold space every month for in-person connection. $22 suggested donation. Hosted by Lauren Noone. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
Lancaster, 6:30pm-9:30 - North Country Porcupine’s Bourbon & Cigar Night! It's Ok to just stop by and chat for a bit or select a FINE cigar from their humidor and talk economy and politics. ALL are welcome. We are looking to get a tour of the humidor and a little cigar education as well. Hosted by Adam. (Lancaster Motel, 112 Main St, Lancaster)
Henniker, 7pm-9 - Ecstatic Dance - Dance can be a modality to reach ecstasy, through movement alone (substance free event). Led by incredible facilitator Kaylan Look, in the magical setting of an historic barn on beautiful grounds. No skill necessary! Expect a transformational evening. $20 suggested donation. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
Manchester, 7pm-10 - Artsy Fartsy - It's that time again where we will be showcasing our various talents in Manchester. Can you sing, play an instrument, recite a poem or monologue? Maybe you have a little dance or some other form of art that you would like to share! Hosted by Chris Lopez. (The Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
Sunday, May 25
Candia, 1:30pm-3 - Garnet School Ruck - Join the Garnet School Ruck Club as we explore the land around the Garnet School! 2.5 - 5 miles & adaptable to all fitness levels. 1:15pm Warmup/Workout. 1:30pm Sharp: Ruck Departs. Hosted by Mike Rohan (Garnet School Ruck Club)
Candia, 2pm-4 - Let’s Make Root Beer the Old-Fashioned Way! - We will make a ginger bug (the life of the root beer!) and learn how to combine various herbs, roots, and barks to make this yummy and healthy elixir. We get to sample some finished product, plus everyone takes home a flip-top bottle of what we make in the class. Register today! Hosted by Cynthesizer. (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! If Local Burger is closed, come to our backup location at Curry Indian Restaurant: 149 Emerald St. 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.