Free State Project
The Free State Project is a nonpartisan, libertarian movement that is organizing a massive move of 20,000 liberty-lovers to New Hampshire where they will work to attain libertarian ideals by working within the political system. The governor of New Hampshire has said that he welcomes the "porcupines."
The First 1000
In January 2006 the FSP launched "The First 1000"[1], an effort to sign up 1000 people willing to move to New Hampshire by the end of 2008. The purpose of this project is to speed up the migration to New Hampshire and generate additional publicity. One reason this project was initiated was in response to the relatively slow progress toward the 20,000 goal, as a way of encouraging a core group of people to move sooner. Another primary reason though, is an acknowledgment that the 150+ people that have already moved to New Hampshire as part of the FSP have accomplished a significant amount; with 1000 people moving, much more could be achieved before the 20,000 participant goal is reached. As of November 5th, 2006, 530 people have signed up on the project's website[2], with a deadline of December 31, 2006 to reach 1000.
Insignia of the FSP
The porcupine signifies a cute and cuddly creature which one is advised to avoid stepping on. This is meant to imply that these individuals are friendly and non-aggressive, but want to be left alone and will defend themselves if attacked, symbolising the non-aggression principle. This mascot has given rise to "porcupine" or "porc" being used as a term for both FSP participants as well as anyone in New Hampshire (FSPer or not) devoted to working for libertarian causes. The insignia bears the FSP's motto, "Liberty in Our Lifetime."
Documentation
"A Candid World," a feature-length documentary about the Free State Project and its participants, is between pre-production and early production stages. The film is helmed by New York City filmmakers Tom Caruso and Marc Femenella.
External Links
- The Free State Project
- New Hampshire Liberty Alliance - a PAC founded by Free Staters