Eric Brakey, Executive director of the New Hampshire Free State Project and former Maine senator, dives into the essence of Libertarianism and grassroots movements aimed at advancing liberty. He discusses the significance of state-level action, challenges in fostering change, and critiques of the current healthcare system. The conversation highlights innovative initiatives like the 'Defend the Guard' legislation, the importance of local engagement, and how New Hampshire serves as a vibrant hub for liberty advocates shaping their communities.
Eric Brakey argues that meaningful political change is more achievable at the local level than through ineffective federal elections.
The Free State Project aims to consolidate libertarian individuals in New Hampshire to strengthen political influence and foster community.
Brakey emphasizes the importance of solidarity among libertarians in New Hampshire, contrasting it with isolation faced in less supportive states.
The 'Defend the Guard' legislation illustrates grassroots activism's role in reclaiming state authority against federal overreach in military engagements.
Deep dives
Jason Sorens' Quote and Assessment of Partisan Politics
The podcast opens with a quote from Jason Sorens highlighting the failures of partisan politics, particularly regarding libertarian presidential candidates who rarely capture more than 1% to 2% of the vote. Eric Brakey reflects on how Sorens' predictions have largely been confirmed over the past two decades, noting that despite significant moments such as Ron Paul's presidential campaigns, the Republican establishment continues to dominate the nominating process. Brakey emphasizes that focusing solely on federal elections fuels unrealistic expectations for real change. Instead, he argues that meaningful change at the local level, driven by grassroots efforts, is crucial.
The Free State Project's Strategy
Brakey explains the Free State Project's concept of concentrating libertarians in one community, particularly in New Hampshire, to enhance their collective political power. This strategy leverages the state's smaller population to create significant local impacts compared to larger states like Texas or California. He notes that New Hampshire's libertarian ethos, embodied in its motto 'live free or die,' strengthens this approach. Over the past 20 years, thousands have migrated to New Hampshire, resulting in substantial political victories, including school choice, no income tax, and constitutional carry laws.
Community Building and Cultural Impact
Beyond political achievements, Brakey emphasizes the importance of community among libertarians in New Hampshire. He describes how the congregation of like-minded individuals fosters strong social bonds through various activities such as hiking and sports, leading to richer personal connections. This community-building experience contrasts sharply with the isolation felt by libertarians in states with less supportive political landscapes. The Free State Project promotes environments where discussions around liberty, cryptocurrency, and cooperative living can thrive, creating a vibrant culture centered around shared values.
Defining Libertarianism and Conservatism
As the discussion unfolds, Brakey delves into defining libertarianism in relation to conservatism. Libertarianism fundamentally centers on the non-aggression principle, advocating for individual rights without the use of force. He acknowledges that conservatism can vary widely, with some conservatives aligning more with classical liberal values while others may adopt neoconservative stances. This distinction illustrates the need for convergence on shared principles between groups to enhance political collaboration in pursuing liberty-centric policies.
Voluntarism and Anarchism Within Libertarian Thought
Brakey discusses the spectrum within libertarianism, contrasted against approaches like voluntarism and anarchism. He acknowledges the diversity of thought about the role of government and the efficacy of political action. While some advocate for minimal state involvement, others envision a fully voluntary society without government influence. Yet, Brakey believes there's room for various strategies within the movement, where tackling issues locally proves more impactful than seeking change at the federal level.
The Fight Against the Military-Industrial Complex
Brakey introduces the 'Defend the Guard' legislation, aimed at addressing the misuse of National Guardsmen in undeclared wars. He argues that the federal government has usurped state authority by using National Guardsmen in actions that were never constitutionally sanctioned, emphasizing that states hold the power to refuse their involvement. By mobilizing constituents, Brakey seeks to hold lawmakers accountable and initiate discussions about the moral implications of engaging in military actions abroad. This effort calls for states to reclaim their rights regarding the deployment of their National Guards, highlighting grassroots activism's pivotal role.
Future Vision for New Hampshire and the Free State Project
Brakey envisions a future where New Hampshire sets the standard for liberty in America, achieving advancements in education freedom, spending cuts, and a potential first right-to-work state in New England. By grassroots efforts and a growing population of liberty-oriented individuals, he foresees the possibility of electing liberty-minded U.S. senators and congresspeople from New Hampshire. He emphasizes cultivating a community where tangible policy changes result not only from successful lobbying but from the citizens actively engaging in the political process. The ultimate goal remains a prosperous society grounded in the principles of individual freedoms and local governance.
In this episode, Eric Brakey discusses the principles of Libertarianism, the vision of The Free State Project, and how New Hampshire fosters a community rooted in liberty. He shares his experiences with political corruption, the challenges of grassroots movements, and why meaningful change starts at the state level. Learn about the Defend the Guard Legislation, voluntarism, and the power of local action in advancing freedom. For more details, links, and resources mentioned in this episode, visit our website: https://thewayfwrd.com/podcast/the-free-state-project-with-eric-brakey/
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