I’d like to comment on the vernacular of the liberty movement. I’m sure some critics will find this analysis to be trivial, but to me, words are very important. You will be judged by the words with which you choose to express your ideas. In addition, the words you select will reveal your mindset.
I was inspired to write this post, as in several of the kind, thoughtful, and encouraging letters I have received while incarcerated her at the Keene Spiritual Retreat, I noticed the writers chose words that I find counter-productive, mentally. Here are three that appear frequently: “fight”, “struggle”, and “sacrifice”. I understand why these words have been chosen – they are commonly used in activist literature and culture, and I mean all activism, not just the liberty-type. For instance, some national liberty political group sent me one of those multi-page fundraising letters (you know, where they try to make it look like someone went in and underlined words, then signed it, and maybe made “notes” in the margins – but of course, you know it’s just a form-letter) after I had become aware of the :fight” mentality. I took a highlighter and went through the letter and highlighted all the fighting-related terms. “Fight” and “battle” appeared many times. There is probably a reason why these organizations use this conflict-oriented language. They want to maximize the effectiveness of their fundraising direct mail campaign, and what American doesn’t like a good war? Who wouldn’t want to be on the side of the winning team – having vanquished the enemy? Who wouldn’t want to sink a bayonet into – (more…)
Think you have freedom of the press? Think again. Watch as Sheriff Richard Foote emerges from the Cheshire superior court to threaten journalists with arrest if they come inside the ostensibly “public” building:
A young man was stabbed to death last night in Keene. According to a local who was an acquaintance of the victim, the Keene Sentinel is not accurate in its reporting of this case. They are claiming the victim intervened in a fight and was killed for it, but that’s not what I heard today…
As soon as I saw the headline, I guessed it was drug related, but wanted to wait rather than speculate. Now it is confirmed by an anonymous source who knew the victim:
17-year-old Craig Metivier was allegedly murdered over $100 worth of cocaine.
According to an anonymous source’s allegations, 19 year old Ethan Wilson had been given $100 worth of cocaine on the front, and never returned with the cash, prompting Metivier to go looking for him. When he found him, it’s likely a fight ensued, ending with Metevier being stabbed in the heart and lungs.
UPDATE @ 5:17pm: Value of cocaine changed to $100 and more accurate story above.
Sad, isn’t it? The worst part is, Metivier would likely still be alive today if we did not have drug prohibition. Drug buyers would be able to buy their product at the drug store, and it would be available at a much lower price than in the black market. Don’t believe me? Go ask Law Enforcement Against Prohibition‘s Rick Van Wickler – he’s the superintendent of the Cheshire jail, and he knows the truth about prohibition.
End prohibition now, before more people have their lives ruined by an arrest and conviction, or worse get physically harmed or killed in a drug deal gone bad.
Greenfield MA jury acquits two Keene men of felony wiretapping charges after they were arrested for filming the police, the dire state of American schools, and 15 states thinking about alternative currencies to compete with the declining dollar.
This is why I moved to New Hampshire as part of the Free State Project. I was sure that getting activists together would be the key to advancing liberty. Now I’m certain. Today was historic.
Pete and Ademo have been found not guilty by a jury. It’s the first time this has happened. In addition, they defended themselves and did not pour thousands of dollars into attorneys. They did a great job at it too (the video is coming – stay tuned), but what role did the audience play?
There were more than 50 people there on the first day and more than 30 there today. They were all supporters. They applauded Pete and Ademo multiple times. They laughed at the aggressors’ absurdities multiple times. They provided moral support for the guys. They protested. But also worth mentioning – they took time out of their busy schedules to support their fellow noncooperative liberty-lovers.
It’s tough to get turn-outs like this in other areas. Clearly, moving people who love liberty together is the best solution for maximizing liberty in our lifetime. It’s working in politics, (with a dozen free staters elected, laws repealed, the budget cut) noncooperation in court (with Pete and Ademo’s success and Weeda Claus’ partial win), and media (with the new FKTV and others).
Come be with others who are standing for liberty. Stand together with us. The time of the idea of “the state” is coming to a close. It’s the beginning of the end for this decrepit idea. Help accelerate its demise. Please join the Free State Project and move to NH. Be sure to consider Keene as a destination, as there is much more work to be done.
A young man was stabbed to death last night in Keene. According to a local who was an acquaintance of the victim, the 
