Free Staters are good neighbors… and statists hate that!
Free Staters are good neighbors.
Granite Staters know that and welcome Free Staters into their communities — and NH statist activists hate it!
Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post newsletter:
- NH Democrat activist whines that Free Staters are known as “nice families” and “good neighbors”
- Announcing NH Liberty Forum 2026 — “Build Freedom” — with first Main Stage speaker, Bob Murphy
- FSP Outreach to the Connecticut LP is a big success at their state convention last weekend
- NH leads on crypto adoption again with the nation’s first Bitcoin-backed municipal bond
- Senator Rand Paul visits the Free State to support a fundraiser for the liberty-led NH House GOP caucus
- Happy Birthday to Chris Lopez, FSP Welcome and Engagement Director
- A Porcupine Patron Update, as we are 90% of the way to our end-of-year goal of 270 patrons. Can I count you in?
I know these weekly FSP newsletters are always jam-packed with a lot of content, so please feel free to skip ahead to whatever interests you.
Free Staters are Good Neighbors…
And the Statists Hate That
Last week, I told you all about the love letter written about the Free State Project by NH Democrat Representative Anita Burroughs.
This week, it seems the statist love keeps flowing.
In a recently obtained video of a county-level NH Democrat messaging conference, a local activist has a lot to say about Free Staters.
Apparently, she was frustrated that families in our community are not the anti-social boogeymen they’d like us to be.
She complains that Free Staters have the audacity to be productive citizens who get jobs and volunteer in their communities!
Even worse, people in those communities actually think Free Staters are “nice families” and “good neighbors” without even first interrogating them about their pro-liberty politics.
Click here to watch the video for yourself.
TRANSCRIPT FROM NH DEMS MESSAGING MEETING:
Free Staters… they come into the town, they get a job in town, they volunteer..
And once we have the one family come in, and everyone’s like, “Oh, they’re a Free Stater.”
And then another family comes in.
And then a third family comes in and they’re like, “Aren’t they such a nice family?”
And it’s like, “Oh, don’t you recognize them?”
And the method is the same — it’s identical.
“But they’re such nice neighbors and they’re so good and they’re so nice.”
BUT HAVE YOU TALKED TO THEM ABOUT THEIR POLITICS!?!
As one commenter put it, “I bet their kids are polite too!”
On Wednesday, we shared this short 40-second clip on our social media platforms and it went viral with mockery across all corners of the internet (with over 40,000 views).
Many of the comments are enjoyable to read, including from several prominent liberty influencers like Nick Gillespie of Reason Magazine, former LP presidential candidate Austin Petersen, and Vermont GOP Chairman Paul Dame.
For your reading pleasure, I’ve gone ahead and compiled a few of my favorites below:
When statists complain that Granite Staters like their Free State neighbors too much, you know that liberty is winning in New Hampshire.
It turns out that being a self-reliant and contributing member of your community is popular!
Be sure to check our new FSP welcome video: “Live Free or Die — Start your Journey with the Free State Project.” Thank you to FSP Video Strategist Reinita Susman.
“Build Freedom” at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum
This week, we formally opened ticket sales, launched the website, and announced our first speaker for the 2026 New Hampshire Liberty Forum.
We will be returning to the Grappone Conference Center in Concord, March 5-8, 2026.
Our theme for next March’s annual forum is “Build Freedom.”
This is a conference — not for those who just complain about tyranny — but for those actively building solutions for a future grounded in individual human liberty.
And of course, that’s the whole purpose of the Free State Project — to build a homeland for freedom builders.
That’s why Jason Sorens (FSP Founder and LF26 Co-Producer) joined me this past Wednesday on Episode 89 of the Porcupine Report: to officially launch the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.
Jason will be producing this year’s “Liberty In Practice” Dialogue Series — featuring eight small group deep-dives (limited to 25 participants each), led by respected freedom builders with topics ranging from raising the next generation to the practical steps necessary for interstate secession.
Eric unveils major updates for the Free State movement, including the official launch of ticket sales for the 2026 New Hampshire Liberty Forum. He’s joined by Free State Project founder Jason Sorens to explore the event’s history, new dialog series, and the “Build Freedom” theme shaping this year’s programming. Together, they break down what attendees can expect—from main-stage speakers like economist Bob Murphy to intimate Liberty-in-Practice discussions capped at 25 participants.
Eric also highlights recent growth in Porcupine Patrons, shares a fiery “love letter” from a legislative adversary, and recaps ongoing outreach across New England. If you want an inside look at the most effective liberty movement in America, this episode lays out why New Hampshire is leading the way.
Tickets and details are available now at NHLibertyForum.com.
Watch the full episode of the Porcupine Report with Eric Brakey on YouTube!
Our first main stage speaker to announce is Bob Murphy, economist with the Mises Institute and host of the Bob Murphy Show.
Known by many as the arch-nemesis of Keynesian economist, Paul Krugman, Bob co-hosted the “Contra Krugman” podcast with Tom Woods for many years, rebutting his weekly editorials in the New York Times. (That podcast was so popular that it became an annual cruise.)
He is the Chief Economist for Infineo Group, a Senior Fellow with the Mises Institute, and author of “Choice: Cooperation, Enterprise, and Human Action.”
I look forward to welcoming Bob Murphy to the 2026 NH Liberty Forum main stage next March.
We are also excited to announce our first confirmed presenter for next year’s “Liberty In Practice” Dialogue Series: Jay Noone.
Over 80 minutes, Jay will present and lead a small group dialogue on how to raise the next generation to be competent, useful and valuable — a key element for a libertarian future.
As Noone says, “People that are competent, useful and valuable do not vote for more government.”
(VIP ticket holders will receive priority registration opportunities for limited-seating dialogues — which are each capped at 25 people to facilitate productive conversations.)
There will be plenty of more announcements ahead on the 2026 NH Liberty Forum, so keep reading this weekly newsletter.
Remember to use discount code “PorcPost” to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.
Outreach to the Connecticut Libertarian Party
Last Saturday, I made the 5-hour round-trip drive down to the 33rd-ranked state for freedom in America to speak to the state convention for the Connecticut Libertarian Party.
I was appreciative of the invitation from liberty leaders in another New England state to speak about my own fifteen-year journey since joining the Ron Paul movement and how the pursuit of liberty brought me to leading the Free State Project in New Hampshire.
I want to say a particular thank you to FSP Patron, Outreach volunteer, future Free Stater, and current CT resident, Nilani Shankar, for taking pictures and helping to gather email newsletter sign-ups.
I shared with delegates good news that the concentration strategy is working — and I even shared with them the recent love letter from NH Democrat Representative Anita Burroughs as further evidence.
No one sells the Free State Project better than whining statists, losing their grip on the tyrannical power they crave.
Thank you to LP Connecticut for the warm welcome. I look forward to returning the favor when you all come up to visit the Free State of New Hampshire
The Free State Project Needs You —
Lend a Helping Hand
At the FSP, our job is fishing for people — those who share liberty values and want to live free. Here is exactly how we do it:
- The more people learn, the more they connect.
- The more people connect, the more they visit.
- The more people visit, the more they move.
- The more people move, the more they build.
- The more people build, the faster liberty wins.
As a small non-profit, our efforts at every stage are powered by volunteers — and we need more of them.
You can volunteer from here in the Free State of New Hampshire or anywhere in the country.
Click here to sign-up as an FSP volunteer.
We even need FSP ambassadors in the other 49 states to help us plan outreach opportunities to connect with liberty lovers near you.
(For more information on opportunities for non-NH residents to assist with outreach, please contact our Outreach Director, Pedro Serra, at the email address shown below.)
Porcupine Patron Update
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” — 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 242 active patrons. I want to reach 270 by the end of this year — which means I’m looking for just 28 more.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations to the Free State Project are 100% tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars and many forms of cryptocurrency.
Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron?
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!
SHELL Thanksgiving Brunch
The Sunday before Thanksgiving, November 23rd, join us for the Official SHELL New Movers Thanksgiving Sunday Brunch.
All are welcome to attend, young and old, from noon to 3:00 PM at the SHELL Liberty Clubhouse (Lower Mill Room B10, Three Front Street, Rollinsford, NH.)
Bring Thanksgiving banquet-related share-plates, e.g., salads, potatoes, vegetables, side dishes, and desserts. (New Movers not required to bring a share-plate.) Your host, Jack Garber, will provide the turkey, gravy, rolls, and cranberries.
(Coming to the SHELL for the first time? Finding it can be not immediately obvious. Click here for instructions on finding the SHELL.)
Quill Friends Giving
On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, you are welcome to gather with Free State friends at the Quill for a “Very Thankful Friends Giving” potluck dinner.
Turkey is provided. Please bring a dish to share.
All are welcome.
The Nutcracker Ballet
Friend of the Free State, Edra Toth (guest on Episode 39 of the Porcupine Report) and her Northeastern Ballet Theatre invite everyone to upcoming performances of The Nutcracker, November 29-30 in Wolfeboro, NH.
Use discount code “NBTHomeSchool” for 30% off — or “GROUP40” for 40% off groups of 10 or more.
Want to Build a Porcupine Theme Weekend?
Dennis Pratt, Owner of the Independence Inn, is seeking participants and organizers for Porcupine Theme Weekends throughout 2026.
Please email him — DennisGPratt@gmail.com — if you would be interested in participating or helping build theme weekend for liberty lovers regarding any of the following interests.
- Musicians: Playing music together
- Gamers: Playing tabletop games
- Couples: Natalism/Birthing
- Politicians: Winning political office
- Historians: Celebrating the Pine Tree Riot
- Marksmanship
- 2nd Amendment: Shooting guns
- Family Freedom: Raising a free family your way
- Tom Woods Cruise: Pre Gathering
- Sailors: Tall ship schooner
- Medical Workers
- Theatre Workshops
Other ideas are also welcome.
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
FSP Founder Jason Sorens responds to a Free State critic who argues that the “General Welfare” clause means the American founders would have supported his desires for unlimited expanding government — not a limited state (where the maximal legitimate purpose is protecting “life, liberty, and property”) as envisioned by Free Staters. Sorens dismantles this constitutional absurdity.
Click here to read the online version of the letter from Jason Sorens.
This week on The Independents, we unpack what really happened in D.C. around the push to unseal the Epstein Files, cover Maine’s tragic 2A fallout, break down another “only in the Free State” Bitcoin first, shine a light upcoming Right-to-Know legislation, and run through 10 simple habits to keep you healthy and sane in 2026. I’m Carla Gericke, the voice of New Hampshire. Come hang.
Click here to watch the full episode of The Independents with Carla Gericke!
“As someone who studies housing policy, I wish the Mount Laurel system had worked. But it hasn’t.”
Click to read the full op-ed!
News from the Free State
- CoinDesk: New Hampshire Awaits Bitcoin Bond Buyer to Get First State Effort Rolling
- Boston.com: New Hampshire has the best ski town in America, according to USA Today readers
- Patch: New Hampshire State Police Toys For Tots 2025 Effort Starts Friday
- NHPR: Stuffing Season: Where to give or find help in New Hampshire this Thanksgiving
- InkLink: Thriving Together: How New Hampshire’s mixed-up holiday traditions are helping communities flourish
- Concord Monitor: New Hampshire leads the way with innovative Bitcoin-backed bonds
- Yahoo Finance: New Hampshire Unveils $100 Million Bitcoin Collateralized Municipal Bond
As Seen In the Free State
Some Upcoming Events
Friday, Nov 21st
- Charlestown, 6pm-9 – The Second Annual Friendsgiving Potluck in the Lower Valley – Friends! Evan and I are so excited to once again welcome one and all to The Second Annual Friendsgiving Potluck at The Charlestown House! Come join us for a fun evening with friends and good food. We are right on NH-12 just north of the 12a intersection. Parking is around back! Hosted by Shanna Gary. (1407 Bellows Falls Rd, Charlestown)
- Henniker, 6pm-9 – Women’s New Moon Circle – Anchor yourself in ritual – gather with other women in the rhythm of the moon, as our ancestral lines have done before us. Be guided to work with the New Moon energies – wherein your divine feminine wisdom and creative power are potent. Receive nourishment – through herbal teas, activities, and sisterhood, you will leave feeling renewed. $22 suggested donation. Led by Lauren & Lane. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
- Rollinsford, 6pm-10 – Poker at the SHELL – Guests welcomed. Bring your own snacks and beverages. $10 buy in. Donations encouraged! Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford, Unit B10)
- 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, Nov 22nd
- Henniker, 5pm-6:45 – Community 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. $20 suggested donation. Hosted by Lauren Noone. (Rooted Free Farm, 1040 Old Hillsboro Rd, Henniker)
Sunday, Nov 23rd
- Rollinsford, 12pm-2 – SHELL New Movers Potluck & Thanksgiving Brunch – All Welcome To Attend, Young & Old. What to Bring: Thanksgiving banquet related share-plates, e.g., salads, potatoes, vegetables, side dishes, and desserts. (New Movers not required to bring a share-plate) Your host, Jack Garber, will provide the turkey, gravy, rolls, and cranberries. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford)
- 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, 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.
