This morning on NHPR’s “The Exchange” with Laura Knoy about the Free State Project‘s first decade in NH, the haters were on the attack against liberty activists here in Keene. Keene activism dominated the conversation with FSP guests Carla Gericke, Joel Winters, and Carol McGuire (both are state representatives – Joel a democrat and Carol a republican).
Perhaps the host of the show will have another episode actually featuring Keene activists who can respond to the ridiculous critics. The usual complaints of toplessness in front of middle schoolers, smoking pot, harassing crossing guards, police, and court staff and other misinformation came up and the guests’ answers were dodgy at best or outright attacks on Keene activism. Carol McGuire, for instance, agreed with the host when she asked her if she thought Keene was a “black eye” on the Free State Project.
One thing is for sure, as Joel Winters points out, Keene activism gets people talking. Too bad none of the speakers on the show bothered to address the ridiculous critiques straight on. No one pointed out:
- Women should be (and are in NH) free to be topless, just like men. Keene police acknowledged they were wrong for arresting her, released Cassidy, and even apologized! The “Granite State Progress” lady that called and brought up the topless protest sounded like an uptight conservative – she doesn’t support equal rights for women?
- The crossing guard started the incident with Derrick J and I, when instead of responding to his polite “Hello”, she approached and assaulted him.
- It’s not “harassing” to ask government workers questions on video. The court parking lot incident that is referenced by emailer “Kathleen” in Keene was merely media members trying to hold “public servants” accountable. Considering use of media devices is banned from inside the court lobby, waiting in the parking lot is the only viable way to get the chance to get them on the record. Even judge Burke in Keene acknowledged this is a constitutionally protected act and overturned the illegal orders banning activists from the court property.
- Yes, activists have gone to the homes of police officers and judges in protest of their violent actions. The government aggressors put people in cages every week for victimless “crimes” and then get all upset when some people decide to express themselves to their family and neighbors with a peaceful protest at their home? Maybe they should stop hurting peaceful people.
- Keene’s historic 420 celebrations weren’t angry – they were fun! Maybe people shouldn’t be so uptight – it’s a plant!
The haters don’t like freedom and can’t stand to see the little tyrants’ legitimacy threatened by liberty activists, so OF COURSE they are upset by Keene activism. Turns out, though, that they’ll get upset about any activism that gets some traction. There have been plenty of people who have hated on the elected free staters for the same reasons – they are a threat to the status quo. The critics act like they speak for everyone in New Hampshire, but that’s just not the case. The haters are in the minority – and they hate that, too. Most people in NH have never even heard of the Free State Project.
Despite the critics calling and emailing, longtime democrat leader Peter Burling calls in and speaks highly of the FSP, as does Jennifer Horn of the Republicans. You can listen here.