Vivek Ramaswamy stirs up interest and doubt among NH libertarians.

Live Free or Die: The Free State Project’s Influence in New Hampshire

In the state of New Hampshire, known for its motto “Live Free or Die,” liberty-minded Americans have found a welcoming home. The Free State Project has attracted numerous libertarians to the state, where they have the potential to make a significant impact on politics. With a growing population and a large state legislature, the Free Staters have a viable strategy for influencing policy.

But it’s not just the local politics that make New Hampshire important. As the home of the first-in-the-nation presidential primary for Republicans, Northwoods libertarians suddenly have a national stage to make their voices heard.

Recently, the Porcupine Freedom Festival, an annual libertarian gathering held in the White Mountains, drew attention from notable figures like Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Larry Elder, and Vivek Ramaswamy. These individuals spoke to the crowd, engaging with the libertarian masses.

Ramaswamy, in particular, addressed the crowd on a gray, rainy Saturday. The picturesque landscape of green peaks provided a backdrop to the gathering, where tents, RVs, and people filled the campground. Posters promoting cryptocurrency and discussing market concentration in the meatpacking industry shared space with peace sign flags, anti-Federal Reserve bumper stickers, and even a small outdoor gym.

Throughout the area, signs with Ramaswamy’s motto, “Truth,” were scattered, emphasizing his message.

During his speech, Ramaswamy engaged with the audience, answering questions and discussing his proposals. One question raised the issue of raising the voting age to 25 for young Americans who don’t pass a civics test or perform national service. Ramaswamy acknowledged the argument and highlighted the tax burden faced by non-voters under 25. He also emphasized the importance of legal immigrants who pay taxes before earning citizenship.

While Ramaswamy found support among the libertarians at PorcFest, some expressed skepticism about his foreign policy views. Reed Coverdale, leader of the Free State Based project, raised concerns about Ramaswamy’s stance on China and the potential for conflict. Others, like Keith Knight of the Libertarian Institute, criticized Ramaswamy’s pro-Churchill comments and their implications for aggressive foreign policy.

Despite these concerns, many attendees at PorcFest expressed support for Ramaswamy. They appreciated his anti-woke stance and his focus on scaling back the government. While they may not agree with all of his views, they saw him as a better alternative to the current political landscape.

As the Porcupine Freedom Festival came to a close, the discussions and debates continued. The Free State Project and its influence in New Hampshire remain a topic of interest and importance for libertarians across the country.