Home » Community Center

Endorsements

Related: Community Center

Endorsements

(back to top)

Michael Badnarik

I am proud to be one of the many American patriots who endorses the Free State Project. Many people claim to support freedom, however the members of the Free State Project have made a commitment to DO something about it. Like the signers of the Declaration of Independence, they have pledged their lives and fortunes in support of the cause of Liberty. They have promised to leave their homes across America to relocate in New Hampshire to become part of the biggest freedom movement since the Pilgrims left England on the Mayflower.

As a proud member of the Free State Project, I want to help prove that Liberty promotes happiness, and a higher standard of living. I want to rekindle the spirit of independence by demonstrating that people are capable of living peacefully with little or no government interference in their lives. If you believe that you are the best person to make the crucial decisions about your life, please join me as a member of the Free State Project. Make a commitment to come to New Hampshire to help me "Light the fires of Liberty". It's not every day that you have an opportunity to shape the course of history.


(2/26/05)

(back to top)

David Bergland

"The lucky folks in New Hampshire may soon be the beneficiaries of a libertarian 'tipping point.' It is wonderful to imagine and anticipate the changes toward liberty we will see in New Hampshire when the Free State Project's goal of 20,000 libertarians moving there is realized. Then, think about the effect on neighboring New England states, then all the states, then all of North America. And why stop there. The Free State Project just could (and should) change the world. The sooner the better."

David Bergland was the 1984 LP Presidential Candidate and is author of Libertarianism In One Lesson.
(01/20/06)

(back to top)

Dr. Walter Block

"You people are doing the Lord's work. The FSP is one of the freshest practical ideas for promoting liberty that has come out of the libertarian movement in the past few decades. May you succeed beyond your wildest dreams, and thus demonstrate in yet another empirical way the benefits and blessings of liberty."

Dr. Walter Block, an Austrian school economist and libertarian/anarcho-capitalist philosopher, is Professor of Economics at Loyola University New Orleans and Senior Fellow with the Ludwig von Mises Institute.
(02/17/06)

(back to top)

Richard Boddie

"The Free State Project can realistically facilitate the final empirical proof that libertarian principles AND POLICIES can and do allow for greater personal freedom, individual liberty, abundance and harmony, for real! Not theory. No more incessant intramural arguing and debate. No further need to verbally defend against statist collectivists and other skeptics.

Over years of local application of libertarian policies and generations of grassroots libertarianism in New Hampshire, which already has a unique and traditional hands-on bottom-up township type of governing, it can happen. New Hampshire's system of governance is the most compatible of any in the entire USA with such efforts as the Free State Project.

All of this can allow for the future proofs of what works and what doesn't work, end any further serious debating on the subject of libertarian policies in governing, but most importantly, facilitate an enviornment for freedom in American again.

THERE IS HOPE in these times of neo-fascism in DC."

Richard B. Boddie, Esq.
Professor of Political Science,
Coastline Community College, Orange County, California
LP Candidate for President 1992
President of The Motivators
Member of the Free State Project

(back to top)

Tom Bowler

"The Free State Project favors the growth of liberty and has a plan to achieve it that goes beyond merely presenting facts. By encouraging libertarian minded Americans to join together, the Free State Project intends to create a libertarian enclave that will become a political force with clout. It makes perfect sense that New Hampshire – 'Live free or die' – is where they have chosen to establish their political community. I fully support the aims of the Free State Project."

Tom Bowler is proprietor of the weblog Libertarian Leanings. (01/16/06)

(back to top)

William A. Dunn

"Over 40 years ago I became interested in learning about liberty, freedom, limited government and advancing a more civil (vs. political) society. About 20 years ago I figured out that I was pretty much a classical liberal or libertarian and began supporting and working with various organizations that shared my views and objectives. I recently learned about the Free State Project and the possibility of liberty in our lifetime and I thought – that's a very reasonable, peaceful and sensible way to demonstrate the benefits of a free society for all. So I've signed up to participate in this grand undertaking in New Hampshire and my wife, Rebecca, and I encourage one and all likeminded freedom-lovers to join us in the great Free State Project."

William A. Dunn, PhD is the Founder & Chairman of DUNN Capital Management and current Chairman of the Reason Foundation. (06/12/04)

(back to top)

Louis James

"I think FSP is a TERRIFIC idea. I know a lot of people have botched 'new country' and 'let's take over a county' ideas, but FSP is different. Not only do they have the best plan I've seen for actually making it happen, it's one that doesn't ask people to front a bunch of cash or risk making any moves, until a critical mass has been reached. Even if it's a long shot, the chance of having an example of freedom at work – that 'shining city on the hill' – is too good to pass up."

Louis James was the president of the Henry Hazlitt Foundation. (10/29/02)

(back to top)

Hubert Jongen

"For a long time I have been interested in 'free state' projects – from the time I spoke with Mike Oliver in Las Vegas about the MINERVA project! Since then there were many others, but most of them disappeared.

Then I found out about the Free State Project. I immediately saw this as a new possibility, using existing legal procedures.

I became immediately enthusiastic when my friend André Lichtschlag (publisher of the excellent German libertarian magazine eigentümlich frei) proposed starting a similar project within the European Union. Soon we formed a small group, the European Freestate Project.

So I hope that there soon will be two Free States from which libertarians can choose, one in the USA and one in Europe!"

Hubert Jongen is Chairman of Libertarian International and of Libertarisch Centrun Netherlands.

(8/9/03)

(back to top)

Liberty Forum of Ohio

"There is to be no doubt: without such a grass-roots movement as the Free State Project, the usurpation of our rights will only continue to grow until this country needs one day be drenched in the blood of patriots, for a third time. Surely, the Free State Project has provided us with a peaceful alternative to such future bloodshed. Let us not forsake this opportunity to accomplish what those before us were willing to die for: good government, not against, but for the people.

The Liberty Forum of Ohio is proud to pledge it?s support to the prodigious efforts of the Free State Project. May we stand united in this fight for truth and reason!"

See the full letter (PDF) ...

Stephen Valentine Hodos, Co-Founder and Director of Public Relations for Liberty Forum
(03/15/06)

(back to top)

Bernard von NotHaus

"I endorse the Free State Project because it represents what America was and what it is returning to once again. The Free Staters are the kind of people who our Founding Fathers represented. They are the blood and guts people who risked everything to found our great country. They are the people who are showing the way back to the basic values upon which our country was founded. I am proud to be associated with such a head turning group of real Americans and am honored that so many Free Staters use the Liberty Dollar as their currency of choice. We chose, therefore we are free! Go FSP! GO!"

Bernard von NotHaus Bernard von NotHaus is one of the world's foremost experts on private currencies and alternative economics. He is the author of The Liberty Dollar SOLUTION and Bernard's Law: "When the people own the money they control the government. When the government owns the money, it controls the people."

(2/09/05)

(back to top)

Lawrence W. Reed

"America's Founders warned future generations that preserving liberty would require eternal vigilance because liberty is never 'automatic' or 'guaranteed.' In an innovative, take-charge, grassroots fashion, the vigilant citizens who have formed the Free State Project are doing their part to show the world that liberty works. The Project's hallmarks exemplify the best of the American spirit: individual initiative, voluntarism, civil society, responsible activism, and peaceful exchange. What the Free Project seeks to do for New Hampshire is precisely what the Founders intended for America: to make it a model for the world."

Lawrence W. Reed is the President of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Midland, MI. (09/06/04)

(back to top)

Aaron Russo

"Our country has a new opportunity, an opportunity for Americans to pack up their bags, move to the 'Live Free or Die' State of New Hampshire, and make it even better and more free than it is now. The Free State Project offers us all a wonder prospect. I encourage my fellow Libertarians and all freedom-loving Americans to consider joining the Free State Project." More ...

Aaron Russo was a 2004 LP Presidential Candidate hopeful and a Hollywood producer.

Aaron Russo (left) hands endorsement to Doug Hillman (FSP VP)

(2/15/04)

(back to top)

Ted Sares

"FSP is a super idea. As one who believes strongly in the Objectivist philosophy of Ayn Rand, I am proud to support the goals of the Free State Project." The views of the FSP resonate extremely well with mine and I strongly support them. That you have chosen New Hampshire – the 'Live free or die' State – is even more reason for giving you my full support."

Ted Sares is a semi-retired private investor who lives in the White Mountains area of Northern New Hampshire. (01 May 2006)

(back to top)

L. Neil Smith

"The Free State Project has put the words 'libertarian' and 'movement' back together again, for the first time in something like thirty years, and I am more personally grateful than I can adequately express, because it is the Free State Project that stands the greatest chance, in my opinion, consistent with my understanding of history and human nature, of transforming the fictional worlds of freedom, adventure, and romance I have created in my novels into a reality.

I send the Free State Movement and everyone in it my personal best regards. I look forward to calling them my friends, my allies, my comrades for the rest of my life."

See the full article The Free State Project in THE LIBERTARIAN ENTERPRISE Number 265, April 4, 2004.

L. Neil Smith is one of the leaders of the freedom movement, an award-winning libertarian science fiction author ("The Probability Broach"), and an outspoken gun rights activist. See his bio at the Advocates from Self-Government website.

(back to top)

Doug Stanhope

"Once you become aware of how limited your own personal liberty has become and how quickly and effortlessly freedoms are taken away, the Free State Project stands out as one of few ideas that could produce tangible change in our lifetime. The vision of Christian gun enthusiasts buying hand-painted targets from pot-smoking artists, laughing together while they give the tax man the finger, is beautiful enough to make the move."

Also from his website   (Note: Adult content ... "not for everyone"):

"[The FSP] could be the most important and actually do-able movement that could actually change all of our lives ..."

Doug Stanhope is a "raw", stand-up comedian, writer, producer, and co-host of Comedy Central's "The Man Show".

(2/13/04)

(back to top)

Keith Stroup

This is lovely. I really admire you guys. I hope it works.

Keith Stroup is the Director of NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws).

(9/17/05)

(back to top)

Vin Suprynowicz

Vin is a signed member of the FSP, and at a recent convention said,

"I find it sad that these people have to beat the bushes to get 20,000 to cross state lines to preserve liberty, when our founding fathers were willing to die to do the same."

See press release   (10/17/02)

Vin Suprynowicz is a libertarian author.

(back to top)

Walter Williams

"What can be done now? Are there any signs that those Americans who want to unconstitutionally control the lives of others are going to let up soon? I say no, but there's a peaceful resolution proposed by Free State Project, whose motto is, 'Liberty in our lifetime.' "

See full article Parting Company   (8/7/02)

Walter Williams is an economist, professor, author, and radio host.

(back to top)

Claire Wolfe

"A free state might show the rest of the world what can be done … Let's think seriously about this."

See full article Would You Move to the State of the Free?   (9/15/01)

Claire Wolfe is a writer and "professional troublemaker."

(back to top)

Republican Liberty Caucus

The Republican Liberty Caucus Board unanimously approved this FSP endorsement:

"The Republican Liberty Caucus endorses and supports the objective of the Free State Project (FSP), to gather together liberty-lovers in a single political subdivision of the United States, specifically New Hampshire, in order to 'exert the fullest practical effort toward the creation of a society in which the maximum role of civil government is the protection of life, liberty, and property.'

We urge RLC members to support the FSP effort and work within the Republican Party of New Hampshire to reduce government power by promoting the ideals of individual rights, limited government and free enterprise."

Bill Westmiller
RLC [National] Secretary   (3/19/04)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of Minnesota

Passed unanimously by the Executive Committe:

"The Libertarian Party of Minnesota endorses the FSP."

Jeremy MacKinney – LPMN Executive Committee   (5/13/04)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of Alabama

"The Libertarian Party of Alabama endorses the Free State Project as an alternate, but also complimentary strategy to the LP strategic plan of bringing about a free, peaceful, and prosperous society that is based on individual liberty, economic freedom, and limited government."

Mike Rster, Administrator – Libertarian Party of Alabama.   (3/19/04)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of New Jersey

At its July 2003 General Meeting/picnic, the Libertarian Party of New Jersey passed a motion endorsing the FSP by a majority vote. It read:

"The New Jersey Libertarian Party endorses the Free State Project."

Robert Hull, Webmaster • Libertarian Party of NJ   (7/5/03)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of Utah

At its June 2003 State Central Committee meeting, the Libertarian Party of Utah endorsed the Free State Project:

"The Free State Project is a very libertarian endeavor and should encourage those seeking more individual liberty and personal responsibility through smaller government," says Fran Tully, State Chair of the Libertarian Party of Utah. "We wholeheartedly endorse the project.

In response to those who might interpret the endorsement as giving up on freedom in Utah, Tully says: "Nothing could be further from the truth. We will never give up on freedom in Utah. The success of the Free State Project can only benefit Utahns. If the Free State Project demonstrates that by shrinking the role of the state it can improve the quality of life for Free State residents, then other states will emulate its policies."

Adds Tully: "We commend Jason Sorens and his team for their work on this project and wish they and all Free State Project members and friends success. We hope that their efforts spread through the United States, and brings freedom and liberty back to the people."

Fran Tully, State Chair • Libertarian Party of Utah • 801-949-3570   (6/26/03)

And also:

The State Central Committee of the Libertarian Party of Utah endorsed the following statement at its meeting on July 16, 2005:

The Libertarian Party of Utah proudly affirms its support for the Free State Project, and congratulates its membership for having chosen New Hampshire as its destination state for this ambitious project. We also salute those LPUtah members participating in the Free State Project. The Free Staters' work to advance the cause of liberty, whether near or far, sustains our efforts to do the same in Utah.

J. Robert Latham, Chairman • Libertarian Party of Utah   (7/18/05)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of Wyoming

On May 17, 2003, with FSP treasurer Debra Ricketts attending, the Wyoming Libertarian Party endorsed the Free State Project.

"The Wyoming Libertarian Party endorses the Free State Project."

The Wyoming LP also invites FSP members to attend its meetings, especially the July 12 Annual "Enjoy Your Second Amendment Rights While You Got 'em" Shooting Party.

(5/31/03)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of Montana

In Montana, on a 6-0 vote, the state LP's executive committee voted to endorse the concept of the Free State Project (FSP). The vote took place on May 25, just after the state LP hosted the FSP-themed Grand Western Conference.

  (5/25/03)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of Alaska

At the April 2003 Alaska Libertarian Party State Convention in Juneau Alaska one of the topics on the agenda was the Free State Project. Some felt that Alaska was clearly the best choice because of its low population and existing strong libertarian leanings. A motion to formally endorse the Free State Project was seconded and unanimously passed.

(5/01/03)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of Delaware

The Libertarian Party of Delaware passed a unanimous motion to "endorse the Free State Project."

(3/8/03)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of Vermont

The Executive Committee of the Libertarian Party of Vermont unanimously passed the following resolution:

"The Vermont Libertarian Party endorses the goals of the Free State Project and urges the Free State Project to choose Vermont."

(2/25/03)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of New Hampshire

At the January [2003] meeting of the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire's executive board, the party officially endorsed the Free State Project (www.freestateproject.org) by unanimous vote.

"New Hampshire residents may find themselves a group of political friends and allies in the Free State Project members, all of whom recognize the virtues of self-reliance, individual freedom and small state government, and will seek to further improve upon and enhance New Hampshire's standing as the liberty-leader among the fifty states.

The LPNH has formed the 'Welcome to the Granite State' Committee to coordinate efforts promoting New Hampshire as the most desirable Free State candidate. This committee will work with other activists and FSP members to attract people seeking liberty and the spirit of independence that are so well represented in the Granite State."

See press release   (1/17/03)

(back to top)

Libertarian Party of Maine

"Imagine what could be done: reprivatize education, reprivatize medicine, re-privatize charity, end drug prohibition … bring back industrial hemp development, self-regulated fisheries, and on …

I urge all of Maine's Libertarian-minded people to join the FSP."

Fred Staples, Chairman of the LP of Maine, in the Maine Libertarian newsletter.   (Winter '02)

Libertarian Party of Florida

The following resolution was passed by the delegates to the state convention of the Libertarian Party of Florida in Boca Raton, Florida on 3/26/06:

"The Libertarian Party of Florida has decided to officially endorse the efforts of the Free State Project. From the deep south to the far northeast, the Libertarian Party of Florida congratulates and thanks the Free State Project for their work in support of freedom in New Hampshire. Keep up the good work, for all Americans."

(back to top)

Notable FSP Members

  • Mike Badnarik, 2004 LP Presidential Candidate (see above endorsement)
  • Richard Boddie (see above endorsement)
  • Gary Nolan, 2004 LP Presidential Candidate hopeful
  • Art Olivier, 2000 LP Vice-Presidential Candidate
  • Vin Suprynowicz (see above endorsement)
  • Brian Wilson, Libertarian Radio Talk Show Host and Author
  • Claire Wolfe (see above endorsement)

(back to top)

Other Kind Words …

(back to top)
  • Jeff Jordan – NH resident, 7/1/04

    "I just got back from the First Annual Porcupine Freedom Festival. I had a blast, and wanted you to know how much I appreciated the experience. The energy, enthusiasm, and excitement of the people there was awe-inspiring. Keep your eyes on the Free State, folks; it is going to be a lot of fun in these parts over the next few years."

  • The Objectivist Center, 11/26/03

    "This is a laudable goal and many Objectivists are taking part in the project. Any lover of liberty would wish the project to succeed. TOC will continue to offer the philosophical ammunition such fights for liberty ultimately depend on."

  • John Stossel 10/31/03

    "This week the New York Times did a benign front-page article on the Free State Project (the decision by some libertarians to move to New Hampshire) ... this coverage will be a nice shot in the arm for the Free State Project, and I hope, an opportunity for a more open discussion of liberty."

  • Eric Raymond – author and software guru, 9/29/03

    "For the first time, I think I've seen a path that is both principled and practical. Not the whole path, but some firm steps that both accomplish good in themselves and open up great possibilities. And the best part is that it's a path most statists can't object to, one that uses the premises of the existing federal system to achieve a fair first test of libertarian ideas within that system. Even opponents of libertarianism, if they are fair-minded, should welcome this reality check. Libertarians should cheer it on and join it.

    Liberty in our lifetime? I think this might be how to get there."

  • Craig Benson – Governor (R-NH), 6/27/03
    "Come on up; we'd love to have you!"
  • Sunni Maravillosa – doingfreedom.com and free-market.net, 6/15/03

    "I remember hearing about the Free State Project back when Jason Sorens was recruiting feedback for the idea. Having heard of plenty of other 'let's form our own group' schemes, I smiled, nodded, and pushed the delete key, and expected to hear maybe one or two more things about the project at most. I'm delighted to say that I was wrong...I've been to a number of libertarian-oriented conferences, and read about many more. I know how argumentative and emotionally invested in being right some individuals can be. One of the first, and ongoing, surprises of the Grand Western Conference was how pleasant everyone I spoke to was. Nothing seemed to be about ego; the presentations and private conversations alike seemed focused on accomplishing the goal of greater freedom."

  • Claire Wolfe – Writer and "professional troublemaker", 6/2/03

    "If I were to describe in one word what I brought home from the Grand Western Conference of the Free State Project 'optimism' would be it … [And] I'm a born pessimist and a made cynic. I simply don't do optimism."

  • Jerry O'Neil – State Senator (R-MT), 5/26/03

    "If 20,000 libertarians came to Montana and were truly active, they would own the state legislature, the governor's office, and the U.S. Congress from Montana."

  • Gary Marbut – President, Montana Shooting Sports Association, 5/26/03

    "The Grand Western Conference was a tremendous experience. If the FSP picks Montana, we should welcome these freedom-loving people with open arms. They will help us make Montana more free than it already is."

  • Gary Johnson – Former Governor (R-NM)
    "Good luck; I think you'll succeed!"
  • Neal Boortz – Syndicated radio host, 5/03

    "I think it can work!" … "I'd like to move there myself; if they'd build me a studio I'd be there!" … "Good luck." … "Stay in touch and let us know how you're doing."

  • Larry Pratt – Executive Director, Gun Owners of America, 4/30/03

    "I would love to see the Free State Project succeed."

  • J.J. Johnson – Editor, Sierra Times, 11/1/02

    "It began Wednesday morning, when I found myself totally obsessed with the Free State Project … It would be nice – it would be so nice, to have my personal liberty protected by another entity. Perhaps a state; where medical records remain private, where I can keep what I earn, defend myself against a threat – a STATE where I can live FREE."

(back to top)

See also Welcome from NH Residents