In a previous post, “The Image Problem and It’s Solution,” I went over some important issues within the libertarian community that creates the image problem it has with the general public. I went over some important cognitive biases and heuristics that degrade ones ability to explain and sell libertarianism to a “non-believer.” I then concluded with two key factors for having successful conversations about libertarianism and anarchy. Theory of mind; understanding that other people have unique beliefs, desires, and intentions different than your own, which are based on rational thought. And deep canvassing; a style of real world conversation that studies have shown is most effective in changing peoples minds on any given topic.
Nottingham police officer Chris Gilroy, who made news when he fraudulently posed as a teenage girl and attempted to lure then-state-representative Kyle Tasker for sex, has himself been arrested. Looks like Gilroy may have his own vices – he crashed his truck yesterday and was busted by state police for Driving While Intoxicated, according to the Union Leader:
Gilroy was traveling northbound on I-95 in a silver 2006 Toyota Tacoma pickup when it appears he attempted to take the Exit 2 off-ramp and lost control. His vehicle drove over the cement median and struck the Exit 2 off-ramp sign, state police said. After crossing the cement median, Gilroy drove across the off-ramp and struck the guardrail on the east side of the ramp, state police said.
His vehicle then continued northbound on the ramp for a short distance before driving onto the curb and striking the guardrail a second time head-on, according to police.
Drug Harm to Society and the User
Gilroy played a major role in the investigation that led to Tasker being charged with multiple victimless crimes after police raided his home and allegedly found cannabis, psychedelic mushrooms, and MDMA. Of course, Gilroy’s vice in this case is legal, although according to a study published in the Lancet by the former chief drug adviser to the British government, Professor David Nutt, alcohol is the most dangerous drug available.
It’s not uncommon for the very same men and women who enforce the insane war on drugs to be users and addicts of the legal, hardest drug, alcohol. Of course the hypocritical Gilroy will likely be facing a slap on the hand over this while Tasker is facing 13 felony charges that could result in anywhere from 60-120 years in prison and up to 1.5 million in fines.
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I’m pleased to announce the launch of my new Keene based news commentary program, Citizen Cain. Join us every Sunday between 8-9pm to discuss local issues, current events and politics. We currently stream live on Facebook (may be switching to YouTube soon) and then later air on Cheshire TV. Feel free to call in during the show to discuss anything Keene related, 267-521-2771 or email me at Show@CitizenCain.org
This weeks show: South bridge nearing completion • Historic district proposal withdrawn • Consulting group takes over search for new city manager • A thin blue line down Marlboro St
The Shire Free Church launched our Bitcoin Vending Machines in Keene and Manchester with the intention of spreading Bitcoin in furtherance of our mission to foster peace. With both machines now fully paid for, phase two of our outreach project has begun – advertising Bitcoin on local media!
Keene is unique in that it has a higher bitcoin-accepting-business-per-capita ratio than even San Francisco, the purported #1 city for bitcoin-accepting businesses. As you’ll hear in the radio ads, bitcoin is a powerful local currency that can also be used internationally. “It’s Keene to buy local”, and Bitcoin empowers local business owners to keep more from each sale, rather than sending three percent outside of the area to credit card companies.
The Peak’s Three FM Transmitters from Keene to Western Vermont
That means more money staying here in the Keene area, which benefits the entire community.
In addition, the first ad in the series specifically mentions several local mom-and-pop businesses that are accepting bitcoin, at no cost to those businesses. The entire budget for the ad campaign, which starts on October 10th, is directly sourced from our bitcoin vending efforts.
The first ad will start immediately and the second ad will be put in rotation a few weeks in. The first ad is an introduction to Bitcoin for the Keene area consumer and the second targets local business owners. Here they are:
“The Peak” (heard on 101.9 WKKN-FM Keene, 100.7 WTHK-FM Wilmington, VT, and 104.7 W284AB Jamaica, VT) will be the only radio stations where the ads will be heard for now, as we can’t afford to air them on every local station. The Peak seemed like the best choice as its “Adult Album Alternative” music format and local branding likely attracts listeners who deeply appreciate the buy local message. Listeners will be able to hear the Bitcoin ads multiple times from 3p-6a, seven days a week, starting today.
This is a historic moment for Bitcoin. While Bitcoin has had radio ads in the past, they were purchased (by Roger Ver aka “Bitcoin Jesus”) on my radio show, Free Talk Live and its network, LRN.FM. Though FTL is heard on over 160 radio stations, this Keene ad campaign marks the first time bitcoin has ever been promoted heavily in one geographic area via one of the oldest forms of media, radio. Stay tuned here to Free Keene for the latest from the bitcoin capital of the New Hampshire and maybe even the world, Keene.
If you’re a bitcoiner who’d like to contribute to this ad run, please send bitcoin to 137bAdkwoqzVMoR6WUR6Qn9vqvuG991wFH
Bill Weld Confronted in Keene About the Non-Aggression Principle
For those who are new to libertarianism the most important thing to learn about is the non-aggression principle, which says that it’s wrong to initiate force against others for any reason.
To libertarians, the use of force is only acceptable in defense of yourself, others, or property. As former Massachusetts governor Bill Weld told me Friday, it’s the “bedrock principle” of the libertarian movement.
Given Weld’s public statements that have been very unlibertarian, I was surprised when not only did he acknowledge its existence, but even claimed to agree with it. Is this video the first time Bill Weld has talked publicly about the non-aggression principle during the whole campaign?
Some, like Free Keene blogger Darryl W Perry have criticized the national LP for watering down the message of liberty. Darryl even recently reactivated his campaign for president as a write-in candidacy in several states to give principled libertarians a choice.
Others, like Free Keene blogger Rich Paul are enthusiastically behind the Johnson/Weld campaign, excited that their “pragmatic” approach will bring more votes and publicity to the LP. (more…)
Representative Barbara Biggie of Milford Vows to File Bill Repealing NH’s Lone Cryptocurrency Regulation
A week after their first meeting, the “Commission to Study Cryptocurrency” has made their official recommendation to the full legislature. In the conclusion of this week’s meeting, commission chairman and state representative John Hunt of Rindge said, “Some states have done a lot of regulation. New Hampshire has chosen the seemingly most de minimis regulatory authority of what all the states have done. Obviously, the maximum de minimis would be to repeal what we’re doing and that can be left up to the next legislature. But at this time, this committee will take no position on what is the right answer.”
However, when asking each commission member what they want to do, representative Barbara Biggie of Milford said her concern is that regulation will “snuff the industry, the cryptocurrency industry in New Hampshire and around the country, so I think we should stay out of it right now, regulating-wise”. Hunt asked Biggie if she’d sponsor a bill to repeal the lone existing regulation which authorizes the banking department to license businesses as “money transmitters” who transmit “convertible virtual currency”, and she said she would!
While banking department representative Maryam Torben-Desfosses claimed they are not considering Bitcoin Vending Machines or businesses or individuals who accept and spend bitcoin as “money transmitters”, that did not assuage the concerns of the bitcoiners in the room. Those who attended the previous meeting were surprised at Desfosses’ claim that attendees at the last meeting saw value in the banking department’s regulation. Just in case the state representatives also misremembered the last meeting’s public comments, the people at this meeting (which included new faces from last time) again spoke firmly against any regulation whatsoever.
It’s frequently said that working inside the system is a waste of time, but in New Hampshire many state reps will listen to you and showing up and being heard absolutely made a difference here. That said, we need more liberty-oriented crypto-enthusiasts to move here and get active. Please join the Shire Society today and start planning your move to New Hampshire.
