Free Keene » Social

Compassion & Liberty

Meg McLain — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:47:48 +0000

People often ask me how I discovered the ideas of liberty. Like many others, I was taught about government in school using state approved curriculum; which never mentions the ideas of liberty, self ownership, and personal responsibility. In addition, I was raised in a extremely liberal area, which gave me a socially acceptable set of morals that included support of government social/welfare programs. This was not because I disliked the idea of private charity and personal compassion; but rather, I believed it to be the only method of mass charity (the ability to fund care for many people at once). It was my experience in trying to use these social programs which led me to discover the ineffective, wasteful, and harmful effects they create. They didn’t help people. They gave those suffering the bare minimum for survival, but wasted so much time, and came with so many requirements, that those the government “helped” would never be able to move forward. They would become dependent on the system for survival, which skews this “help” to be thought of as a “right”… because obviously everyone feels they have a right to life.

Moreover, I discovered the system in which these programs are funded (by tax dollars), was a complex form of theft. How can you do good deeds with stolen money? And how could a charity be successful if it was continually funded no matter how poor it’s results? There is no competition, or at least none that can truly offer an alternative (possibly better) service, because the government has already taken any money people have to spare on charity. It was these factors that resulted in my change in heart on the necessity of government social/welfare programs; and eventually, my views on government all together.

But how can someone claim to be “caring” or “compassionate” if they advocate the end of social programs that people depend on for survival? Here is why: because I DO care. I AM compassionate. There are millions out there who care. Does anyone honestly believe that if the government funded “charities” were no longer available, we would all accept standing by and watching people suffer? I wouldn’t. But in thinking about why people believe this, I realized the amazing loss in simple acts of care and compassion between individuals. Because the government has taken over the “charity” system, most people have lost the ability to be kind or charitable on their own. Just as traffic lights have removed people’s responsibility of defensive driving (aka paying attention to others on the road).

We need kindness and compassion to be given back to the people. While it’s illogical to think we can just end government social programs tomorrow, and take back the task of charity; there is hope. We need to start by reeducating ourselves to care about others. To strive towards positivity and community. When you nurture those elements of human nature, you can begin to see a world without government. It wouldn’t be a scary world of chaos and violence; but rather, a world where people feel a responsibility to their fellow man. Not to provide for him/her from cradle to grave, but to see that all people are successful… because then there will be others to help you in your time of need.

To start encouraging others to take part in this shift towards a more compassionate society, I made this simple poster that can be printed and posted anywhere. There are some simple “random acts of kindess” tabs for people to tear off and perform the task later. While these things may seem small or simple, no act of kindess is ever a waste. And over time, these small acts can shift an entire community to a more positive and charitable point of view… without the need of a government threat.

*also posted @ MegMcLain.com

To download, simply right-click on the image and choose “save as”.

Color Version

Black & White Version

Over 100 Occupy Keene’s Railroad & Central Squares

Ian — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 22:35:12 +0000

Today was a major activism day in Keene as over 100 gathered at Railroad Square and after a meeting walked down to Central Square. During the walk, traffic was blocked for a few minutes (a tactic with which I don’t agree).

The occupation began at 12:15pm and was still active late this afternoon. A hardcore contingent of activists seems committed to camping out on the ground that is supposedly “public”. Will the aggressors called “the city of Keene” make a move against the peaceful demonstrators on the first night? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned here for more, but for the latest, drop into the Occupy Keene facebook page and discussion group.

There was one particularly interesting moment after 4:20 when the inevitable cannabis celebration began in Central Sq., one of the organizers spoke up that she was uncomfortable by the “illegal activity” going on nearby. (We had all gone under the gazebo as it had begun raining.) When the group, which was at least 20 people at this time, not including the people that were already in the gazebo, which brought the total closer to 30 people, was asked how many were bothered by “illegal activity” going on near them, and only three raised their hands. I thought that was an interesting moment – other community activists – not Free Keene-related – showing solidarity behind the peaceful people enjoying cannabis in the park.

Curiously, the Keene Sentinel put the count at 35, when it was well over 100. This is the same newspaper that refused to print my letter about ending drug prohibition, and refuses to acknowledge the recent tragic murder in Keene was because of a drug deal gone bad. The count at Central Square today was confirmed at over 105 at one point, and likely had 150 people at least over the four most active hours. Come on, Sentinel.

Porcfest 2011 in 5-Second Clips

Ian — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:30:29 +0000

Here’s a taste of this year’s Porcupine Freedom Festival, courtesy of Liberty on Tour:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Porcfest 2012 Dates Announced: June 18th-24th

Ian — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:41:54 +0000

I just so happened to be nearby yesterday for when Free State Project president Carla Gericke locked in the dates with Roger’s Campground for the 2012 Porcupine Freedom Festival!

Be sure to lock in your campsite or hotel room now!

The new dates are purported to be Monday June 18th through Sunday June 24th, 2012.

See you there!

Free Keene Fest Photo in Keene Sentinel

Ian — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:23:42 +0000

The Keene Sentinel’s photographer Steve Hooper was at yesterday’s Free Keene Fest and this photo of his was published in today’s paper, with the following caption:

Jason Talley, left, of Grafton, talks with Jim Johnson of Winchester, who operates the “Answer Wheel” at the Free Keene Fest event on Railroad Square Sunday afternoon. Free Keene members, self-described liberty activists, put on the yard sale along with entertainment, as well as distributing informational fliers about their philosophy.

Interestingly, Free Keene Fest was described as a “yard sale”. I’m not sure if that is better or worse than “flea market”…

Porcfest 2011 Promo

Ian — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:31:01 +0000

Are you attending Porcfest this year? See you there!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Porcfest Registration is Live – Save 20% With Code “FREEKEENE”!

Ian — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 19:43:09 +0000

Porcfest is an excellent excuse to come up and visit NH and your future friends and neighbors! It’s a week of camping (or you can rough-it in the motel), socializing, discussing, partying, touring, and various outdoor activities, but most importantly it’s a chance to experience the NH liberty community! PorcFest registration is now live at http://registration.porcfest.com

Use coupon code “FREEKEENE” to save 20% on registration, shirts, flags and framed group photos!

Social Sunday Expansion – Now also at Vendetta!

James Schlessinger Jr — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 04:19:19 +0000

Back by popular demand, the Social Sunday event is accommodating two locations at 5pm every Sunday in Keene. In addition to McCues on 12 Emerald St, a return to Vendetta, 43 Central Square, is taking place. Vendetta just offers a better selection of beers on tap featuring craft, seasonal and micro-brews from New England and beyond.

The food selection has changed to a strictly Asian style of food with a focus on Sushi; rolls and rice bowls round out the selection. Those that don’t want sushi typically eat before coming to the bar. The drink selection and quality of beers is reason enough to come to central square and enjoy a frosty one with friends.

Announcing the Keene City Council Drinking Game

Sam Dodson — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:10:48 +0000

Not a Beer

Where: 2nd Floor Keene City Hall

When: Thursday August 5th: 6:45 P.M.

Who: Open Container Activists, Onlookers, Press/media

Rules:

All participants drink when:

1. There’s a call to order

2. A bureaucrat claims to do something as “The City of Keene”

3. Everyone stands up

4. The City Council votes for Violence

5. A vote is unanimous

6. A council member says the phrase “master plan.”

7. They plan to do something “for the children.”

9. Raise your glasses (drinking not needed) if someone suggests rolling back the size, scope or enforcement power of the government IE supports more liberty/freedom

Feel free to join us with the beverage and container of your choice. If you have feedback or input on the event, please join us in the discussion thread.

Anyone who wishes to come out in support of this event is invited, drinking or not, with or without cameras.

See you tomorrow night!

Announcing the Keene Community Flea Market – Saturday Mornings @ Railroad Square

Ian — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 16:26:18 +0000

Luthor returns to Keene and hits the ground running by announcing an open flea market every Saturday morning at Railroad Square starting this Saturday 8/7 at 9am! It’s open to anyone who wants to set up a table and sell or give away their wares, so come on out! Naturally, no government permission has been requested to hold this event. Here’s the flier.