As War Ignites, Liberty Forum Assembles
| The Porcupine Post Newsletter Sunday, March 1, 2026 |
Hon. Eric Brakey – Free State Project, Executive Director
| War. Inflation. Tyranny. Is it just me, or is it getting crazy out there? In uncertain times, serious people gather to build durable institutions. Thankfully, freedom builders are gathering in Concord this week — only 4 days away — at the 2026 New Hampshire Liberty Forum (LF26). Will you be in the room? Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post: U.S. Senate candidates to address Free Staters at LF26 — Republican Scott Brown and Independent Aaron Day will speak to NH Liberty Forum attendees on Saturday afternoon. As War Ignites, Build Freedom from the War Machine — Immediately following the launch of an undeclared regime change against Iran, Scott Horton and Sgt. Dan McKnight will speak at Liberty Forum about effective strategies, like Defend the Guard, to build freedom and a future for peace. Tom Woods to Speak at LF26 VIP Dinner — If you already have a General Admission ticket, you can purchase a VIP Upgrade to attend the dinner. A Porcupine Patron Update — Thank you to the 294 Porcupine Patrons that fund our year-round mission. Can you help us reach 300? Become a patron! These weekly FSP newsletters are often long because a lot is happening in the Free State. Treat it like a Sunday paper and skip ahead to whatever interests you.PLEASE NOTE: Some email service providers (including Gmail) regularly cut these newsletters short. Be sure to click “View Entire Message” at the bottom to read the full Porcupine Post! |
| US Senate Candidates Make their Case at Liberty Forum 2026 |
| On Saturday afternoon, from 1:30-2:30 PM, NH Liberty Forum attendees will have the opportunity to hear from and ask questions of two New Hampshire candidates for the United States Senate.Republican Scott Brown and Independent Aaron Day are both sponsoring the event and addressing those in attendance during a U.S. Senate Candidate Forum that I will be personally moderating. |
 Scott Brown is a New Hampshire native, U.S. Army National Guard Colonel (ret.), former U.S. Senator, and Ambassador who is currently running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire in 2026. With nearly 40 years of military service—including a deployment to Afghanistan—Brown rose to national prominence in 2010 by winning a special election in Massachusetts, becoming the first Republican U.S. Senator from the state in nearly 40 years. He later served as U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa (2017–2020) under President Trump. |
 Aaron Day is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and political disruptor who is currently running for the U.S. Senate in New Hampshire in 2026. With three decades building decentralized systems in e-commerce, healthcare, blockchain, AI, and clean technology that make technocracy obsolete, Day authored the best-selling book The Final Countdown, exposing the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to freedom and financial sovereignty. A Free Stater since 2009, he previously served as Chairman of the Free State Project, the Republican Liberty Caucus of New Hampshire, and now leads the Daylight Freedom Foundation as its Chairman and CEO. |
| It is a good sign for the growth of our movement that candidates for office come to our FSP events to listen to Free Staters and speak to liberty issues that matter.Free Staters are now recognized as an influential bloc of independent-minded swing voters in both NH Republican primaries and general elections.Invitations for this U.S. Senate Candidate Forum have also been sent to the campaigns of John Sununu (Republican) and Chris Pappas (Democrat).Sununu has declined, citing prior scheduling commitments and expressing interest in attending a future FSP event. We have not yet received a reply from Pappas. |
| Amidst Undeclared Wars, Defend the Guard! |
| On the Porcupine Report this week, I welcomed Sgt. Dan McKnight to discuss the state of the Defend the Guard effort in New Hampshire and other states.It is regrettable that all 8 NH Senators on the Senate Finance committee are attempting to kill this bill, but advocates for a constitutional foreign policy continue advancing the ball to a Senate roll call vote this session. |
| Porcupine Report #101: “8 NH Senators Won’t Defend the Guard” with Dan McKnightIn this episode of The Porcupine Report, Eric is joined by Dan McKnight to break down the latest showdown over Defend the Guard in New Hampshire—and what it means for the future of the movement nationwide. They unpack a tense Senate hearing, a lightning-fast committee vote, and why critics say the process revealed more about power and politics than constitutional duty. The conversation dives into war powers, state sovereignty, and why Defend the Guard continues to gain momentum across the country despite entrenched opposition. Dan also explains what comes next and why one state taking a stand could trigger a national shift. Click to watch the full episode. |
| With the Trump Administration launching a war against Iran and sudden reports that the NH National Guard has been activated, now is the time we must continue pursuing practical strategies to bring this war machine to a halt.Thanks to one of ours sponsors, Bring Our Troops Home, both Sgt. Dan McKnight and Scott Horton are delivering important remarks on matters of war and peace this Friday at Liberty Forum.Click here for tickets. |
| VIP Dinner Upgrades Available! |
| It has been thirteen years since Tom Woods last spoke at Liberty Forum. Back then, we were fresh off the Ron Paul Revolution and Bitcoin was a new idea.Since then, Tom Woods became one of the loudest voices against the COVID regime and his podcast, The Tom Woods Show, is one of the most popular liberty podcasts in the country. Even better, Tom is planning a move to the Free State of New Hampshire in the coming years.On Saturday, I look forward to welcoming him back to Liberty Forum for the Saturday Keynote VIP Dinner!If you already purchased a General Admission ticket and you want to join us for the VIP Keynote Dinner with Tom Woods, you can purchase a VIP upgrade. |
| Many Opportunities to Build Freedom at Liberty Forum 2026 |
| Throughout the conference, you can interact with our sponsors and exhibitors — as well as take advantage of the amenities we offer to families and VIP participants. In our Welcome Hall, participants will engage with sponsors and exhibitors who are actively building freedom in the real world. In our Childcare Room, parents will be able to hire adults and teens to care for their young children during the conference. (FSP events are always family-friendly!) In our VIP Lounge, enjoy refreshments and conversation in a quiet and relaxed setting. (This room is restricted to VIP ticket holders, FSP Patrons, and forum speakers.) In our Media Room, podcasters and social media creators will conduct interviews with speakers and forum participants. |
| Want to sponsor or exhibit? Act quickly! We still have limited opportunities open for sponsors and exhibitors. |
| NH Liberty Forum 2026 Porcupine Patron BenefitsPorcupine Patrons, All Levels: Receive complimentary access to the VIP Lounge (when wearing your Porcupine Patron Pin). Porcupine Patrons, Gold Level and Higher:You may redeem 2 complimentary tickets to Liberty Forum 2026. Reply to this email so we can confirm your patron status and register you for your tickets. Not a Patron yet?Why not? Join our Porcupine Patron program today! |
| Be sure to check our new FSP introduction video: “Live Free or Die — Start your Journey with the Free State Project.” Thank you to FSP Video Strategist Reinita Susman. |
| Thank you to our Porcupine Patrons! |
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| If you believe in our mission for a liberty 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.” 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’re 6 patrons away from 300. Will you be one of them? If you’ve ever thought about becoming a $10/month Porcupine Patron (or at a higher tier), this is the week I’d be especially grateful if you did. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations to the Free State Project are tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars, cryptocurrency, and other forms.Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron? |
 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 FSP event perks, 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 |
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| MARK YOUR CALENDAR! |
| Join In for Upcoming Events at the SHELL!The SHELL Liberty Clubhouse in the New Hampshire Seacoast hosts regular events for Free State community building. Visiting the SHELL for the first time? Don’t get lost. Click here for directions to find the SHELL. |
| Recurring Free State EventsNew Mover Potluck Parties! Manchester – First FridayUpper Valley – First SaturdaySeacoast – Third Sunday North Country – Third SaturdayLocal Meetups!Bedford – Weekly, TuesdaysPlymouth – Semi-monthly, second and fourth WednesdaysSeacoast – Weekly, Thursdays (changes town) Upper Valley – Monthly, fourth TuesdayNashua – Weekly, SundaysGilford – Monthly, third Saturday Ossipee – Semi-monthly, second Sunday and third Tuesday Madison – Monthly, second Saturday Grafton – Monthly, second SaturdayKeene – Weekly, SundaysThis 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 |
| The Independents: “Government vs. Parents? Vaccine Mandates, Homeschool Freedom & the Liberty Line” with Melissa Blasek. Carla Gericke sits down with Melissa Blasek, Executive Director of RebuildNH and former Merrimack State Representative, to discuss two major liberty flashpoints in New Hampshire: (1) a bill to repeal all childhood vaccine mandates for school and daycare attendance, making immunization purely voluntary, and (2) the Home Education Freedom Act – A sweeping proposal to deregulate homeschooling by eliminating mandatory state notifications, annual evaluations, and portfolio requirements. Click to watch the full episode. |
| Tom Woods is coming to NH Liberty Forum! In a recent episode of his popular podcast, Tom Woods promotes his upcoming appearance as our Saturday VIP Dinner keynote speaker. Click to watch. |
| The Independents (After Hours): The Rothschild EditionCarla Gericke is joined by Daniel Rothschild, Freestater and author of The Economics of Bureaucracy: An Academic View of Why Government Sucks, with foreword by Walter Block. Join us now to hear Daniel’s mover story, and his “whatevers.” Click to watch the full episode. |
| “Live Free or Die… in 96 Seconds.” On the Bring Our Troops Home podcast, Sgt. Dan McKnight breaks down what happened in the NH Senate Finance Committee hearing on Defend the Guard and responds to testimony, including remarks made by Rep. Tom Mannion. Eric Brakey, and the Adjutant General of the NH National Guard. Click here to watch the full episode. |
 Have you ordered your copy yet?FSP Director Eric Brakey published his first book — a pithy door-knocking guide of 13 rules for liberty candidates running for local office. This is a must-have for anyone who wants to win at the door.All proceeds benefit the Free State Project.Click here to order a copy on Amazon. |
| Boston.com: N.H. House advances bill targeting ‘indoctrination’ in public schoolsValley News: Tuk Tuk Thai Cuisine set to relocate Hanover restaurantWMUR 9: Viewers’ Choice 2026: Best vegetarian-friendly restaurants in New HampshireNew Hampshire Bulletin: Bill seeks to address abuse and neglect in New Hampshire’s disability care systemnhpr: ‘Zombie’ home vacancy rate in NH among lowest in the U.S. |
| As Seen in the Free State |
 Conference Book Designed. Miranda Animus report in from a local Dover cafe on hour 6 of designing and laying out for print the conference book for NH Liberty Forum 2026. |
 Many Hand Make Light Work! Two dozen volunteers got to work, stuffing conference bags with swag from sponsors and exhibitors. |
 Conference Bags Ready! In less than an hour, volunteers stuffed over 300 bags for the upcoming NH Liberty Forum. |
 Spotted in the wild! Photo courtesy of Javier Ortiz |
 A snowy walk in Dover! Photo credit: Eric Brakey |
| Some Upcoming Events |
| Monday, March 2ndLondonderry, 6pm-8 – Liberty & Cigar Meetup – Come on up for liberty and cigars monthly meetup! Hosted by Sarah Faber. (Twins Smoke Shop & 7-20-4 Lounge, 80 Perkins Rd, Londonderry) Strafford, 6pm-9 – Inside NH Liberty Forum (Big Liberty Ideas) – The NH Liberty Forum kicks off this week (Thu-Sun), and we’ll get the inside scoop of the Main Stage Presentations, the Living Liberty Breakouts, and the hair-raising logistics behind producing New Hampshire’s biggest liberty event of the year. Hosted by Dennis Pratt. (Independence Inn, 6 Drake Hl Rd, Strafford) Tuesday, March 3rdSeabrook, 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) Bedford, 4pm-8 – Taproom Tuesday at Murphy’s Carriage House – Come meet fellow liberty lovers at our weekly event! $5 drafts & wine and $10 cocktails & appetizers all night! Please invite others! Hosted by Bill & Gail. (Murphy’s Taproom & Carriage House, 393 State Rte 101, Bedford) Wednesday, March 4thLancaster, 8:30am-10:30 – North Country US History Class – Geared toward teenagers & adults, this United States History is a full survey course designed to help students think critically about history, engage with primary sources, and develop strong historical arguments. Free for The ‘Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Course taught by NH State Rep Calvin Beaulier. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster) Plymouth, 6pm-8:30 – Pemi Valley Porcupines – Come on over and join us liberty lovers for dinner and conversation at our semi-monthly event. Hosted by Aubrey Freedman. (Last Chair Brewery & Restaurant, 5 NH-25, Plymouth) YouTube 7pm-8 – FSP Porcupine Report – Free State Project Executive Director Eric Brakey sits down every week to interview the movers and shakers of New Hampshire. Join us on YouTube! Hosted by Eric Brakey. Rollinsford, 7pm-10 – Game Night – You’re invited! We’re playing games. Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford) Thursday, March 5thConcord, 3pm-4:30 – State House Tour – For those arriving early on Thursday, join us for a tour of the New Hampshire State House! We’ll meet in the lobby/hall of flags. Tour led by Rep. Dan McGuire. (NH State House, 107 North Main Street, Concord) Concord, 6pm-8 – Liberty Forum Welcome Reception – For those in attendance on Thursday evening, we will be hosting a Welcome Reception in the Constitution Room, just off the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott Concord hotel, attached to the Grappone Conference Center. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Cash bar open. Sponsored by FSBDAC & Chainstone Labs. (Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Ave, Concord) Dover, 6pm-8 – Dover Liberty Outreach Meetup – Are you tired of big government? Just want to live free? You’ll be in good company at our weekly liberty meetups every Thursday night. The goal of these meetups is to provide a place for those interested in the philosophy of liberty to learn more and get involved in our vibrant community of families, entrepreneurs, and activists. Hosted by Sarah Scott. (Thirsty Moose Tap House, 83 Washington St, Dover) Manchester, 6pm-11 – Arts & Crafts Club – Come join our weekly Art/crafting club! Bring your current project or just to hang out and talk to other makers. Byob and snacks to share if you like! We’ll be in the kids room during the volunteer party. Hosted by Lady Jane. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Friday, March 6thConcord, 7am-6pm – New Hampshire Liberty Forum Day Two – This is your chance to collaborate with thought leaders and activists to create the change you’ve been waiting for. New Hampshire Liberty Forum 2026 is the place to make connections, share ideas, and take meaningful steps toward a more liberty-driven future. Get your tickets ASAP! Hosted by the Free State Project. (Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Ave, Concord) Manchester, 7pm-10 – New Mover Potluck – All liberty lovers are invited to come on down to welcome our newest movers. Join us as we welcome home movers old and new to the largest and longest running monthly event in New Hampshire. New movers eat free! Hosted by the Quill. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) Saturday, March 7thConcord, 7am-6pm – New Hampshire Liberty Forum Day Three – This is your chance to collaborate with thought leaders and activists to create the change you’ve been waiting for. New Hampshire Liberty Forum 2026 is the place to make connections, share ideas, and take meaningful steps toward a more liberty-driven future. Get your tickets ASAP! Hosted by the Free State Project. (Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Ave, Concord) Croydon, 5pm-9 – Bardo Potluck & Upper Valley New Mover Party – Join the Bardo crew, friends and neighbors for an evening of socializing and good food. Potluck dinner is at 5pm, please bring a dish to share. Hosted by Emily Smith. (Bardo Farm, 92 Forehand Rd, Croydon) Sunday, March 8thManchester, 10am-12pm – New Hampshire Liberty Forum Day Four – Close out Liberty Forum in style at a relaxed and elegant Sunday brunch at The Quill, sponsored by Independence Realty Group. Join fellow attendees for great food, meaningful conversation, and one last opportunity to connect before heading home. Seating is limited. Hosted by Chris Lopez. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester) 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) Concord, 12pm-8 – The Agora – “The Agora” is an event where folks are free to voluntarily trade and barter, host workshops, presentations, listen to music, play games, or just socialize with their community. Think of this as a community coming together to break bread much like a family would, because ultimately we are one big liberty family! Hosted by Dylan. (the Prickle, 74 Curtisville Rd, Concord) 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, 2pm-4 – Ice Skating – A family friendly public skating event. Only $5 per person! Hosted by Patrick. (JFK Memorial Coliseum, 303 Beech St, Manchester) 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 Tavern, 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 Wade. (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. |
