Podcast Summary: Kibbe on Liberty - Ep 321 | New Hampshire Is the Libertarian Laboratory of Democracy | Guest: Eric Brakey

Introduction to the Episode Released on February 26, 2025, Episode 321 of Kibbe on Liberty features a candid conversation between host Matt Kibbe and Eric Brakey, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Free State Project. Titled "New Hampshire Is the Libertarian Laboratory of Democracy," the episode delves into the significant strides made by libertarians in New Hampshire, positioning the state as a pioneering hub for libertarian ideas and policies.

1. Guest Introduction and Background

Matt Kibbe: "Welcome to KB on Liberty. I'm talking with my friend Eric Brakey, the new executive director of the Free State Project, and we're going to talk about all of the advances made in New Hampshire by libertarians. It is literally the libertarian laboratory for democracy. Check it out." [00:00]

Eric Brakey: "I'm doing well. Matt Kibbe. It's nice. It's been a year since we spoke last. Good to be on with you." [00:51]

Discussion Points:

• Eric Brakey's Political Journey: Former state senator in Maine, inspired by Ron Paul, transitioned to New Hampshire to further libertarian initiatives.
• Free State Project Involvement: Active participation in Free State Project events like Porkfest and the New Hampshire Liberty Forum.

Notable Quote:

"Liberty bug inspired me and passed the torch to all of us in 2012 and been running with it ever since." – Eric Brakey [01:29]

2. Twitter Files Controversy

Matt Kibbe: "Senator Brakey, how are you?" [00:51]
Eric Brakey: "I'm doing well..." [00:53]

Discussion Points:

• Brakey's Alleged Censorship Efforts: Highlighting incidents where Senator Angus King allegedly attempted to censor critics on Twitter during Brakey's Senate run.
• Impact of the Twitter Files: The exposure of such actions through media outlets like Tucker Carlson and Breitbart, and the subsequent social media fallout.
• Abuse of Power Concerns: Brakey criticizes the misuse of influence within the Senate Intelligence Committee to suppress political opponents.

Notable Quotes:

"He compared the 911 twin tower attacks to Russian election hacking. He said it was the same kind of attack on America... I thought that was a little insensitive. And not just insensitive, but I thought it was dangerous." – Eric Brakey [03:03]

"It's a lot of false propaganda and quite insulting." – Eric Brakey [04:09]

"It's been a lot worse, even though by many elected and unelected officials in our country." – Eric Brakey [07:22]

3. Free State Project and New Hampshire's Libertarian Shift

Discussion Points:

• Role of the Free State Project (FSP): A 22-year mass migration movement aimed at establishing a strong libertarian presence in New Hampshire.
• Legislative Achievements:
  • Abolition of Income Tax: Successful phase-out of the interest and dividends tax.
  • Reduction in State Spending: Consistent budget cuts under Free State Project influence.
  • Expansion of School Choice Programs: Advocacy for Education Freedom Accounts.

Notable Quotes:

"It's nice to see the bad guys worried." – Eric Brakey [08:16]

"We are the go bag in case we don't fix Washington D.C. and we should all be skeptical that we'll ever fix Washington D.C." – Eric Brakey [11:13]

"Today we have 98 liberty legislators elected. They're leading the charge on abolishing taxes, on expanding school choice programs." – Eric Brakey [13:00]

4. Defend the Guard Initiative

Discussion Points:

• Purpose of Defend the Guard: A complementary strategy aimed at ensuring state National Guards are not deployed without clear constitutional authorization.
• Constitutional Grounds for Deployment: Soldiers can only be mobilized to suppress insurrection, repel invasion, or enforce federal laws.
• Legislative Progress:
  • New Hampshire Senate: Moving towards implementing Defend the Guard.
  • Other States: Arizona and Idaho have shown legislative interest, with Virginia's House of Delegates passing relevant measures.

Notable Quotes:

"The state National Guards answer to the states unless they are mobilized under constitutional purposes by the federal government." – Eric Brakey [32:57]

"New Hampshire was the first state to pass it through a lower chamber in the last legislative session." – Eric Brakey [25:45]

"Defend the Guard is like our go bag. If the chief executive has ambitions to start yet another war without Congress authorizing it... then we have a solution." – Matt Kibbe [32:43]

5. Upcoming Events and Initiatives

Porcupine Freedom Festival (Porkfest):

• Dates: Typically held mid-June (exact dates: June 16th–22nd) [38:35]
• Highlights:
  • Guest Speakers: Joel Salatin and Connor Brakey.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: One-pot cook-offs, children's book readings, mock legislatures.
  • Food Freedom Focus: Emphasis on ethical meat consumption and avoiding factory farming.

New Hampshire Liberty Forum:

• Keynote Speaker: Jeff Deist, former president of the Mises Institute and former chief of staff for Congressman Ron Paul.
• Interactive Sessions: Participants present and brainstorm solutions to liberty-related challenges.

Notable Quotes:

"The theme is Taste the Revolution, and we are putting a special emphasis on food freedom." – Eric Brakey [40:51]

"We are focusing on areas of kind of where we've seen advancements around Liberty for real advancements in recent years." – Eric Brakey [50:33]

6. Challenges and Future Outlook

Discussion Points:

• Federal vs. State Politics: Emphasis on fixing local communities as a foundation for broader libertarian success.
• Cultural Shifts: New Hampshire's transformation reflects a growing libertarian ethos, contrasting with entrenched federal corruption.
• Resistance and Roadblocks: Potential opposition from established political figures and parties within New Hampshire's legislature.

Notable Quotes:

"If the building blocks of this country are not in order, if our own local communities are not in order, then that's not a recipe for success." – Eric Brakey [12:54]

"We don't have Washington D.C. fixed, but New Hampshire is a catalyst for change." – Eric Brakey [19:24]

7. Community and Collaboration

Discussion Points:

• Strength of Physical Communities: Free State Project fosters strong in-person networks, enhancing collaboration beyond digital arguments.
• Collaborative Infrastructure: Initiatives like cryptocurrency meets and other libertarian-focused groups thrive in New Hampshire.
• Engagement Strategies: Interactive events like mock legislatures empower younger generations with practical governance experience.

Notable Quotes:

"The value of the Free State Project is getting all these people in the same physical space. And I think that's where the best collaborations emerge." – Eric Brakey [52:31]

"There is a strong push to expand Education Freedom Accounts to a universal system." – Eric Brakey [27:10]

8. Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Matt Kibbe: "Thanks, Eric. This is cool. Thanks for watching." [53:56]

Eric Brakey: "Glad to have you back. You can follow me and the Free State Project on X... come to New Hampshire for a week and experience what it's really like living in the Free State." [52:40]

Discussion Points:

• Encouragement to Engage: Listeners are encouraged to participate in upcoming events and join the Free State Project.
• Promotion of Libertarian Initiatives: Emphasis on ongoing and future projects aimed at fostering a free and independent society.

Notable Quotes:

"We have Liberty groups for that. You could come and plan your own customized porcupine vacation." – Eric Brakey [52:40]

"It's a medium for arguing. But the value of the Free State Project is getting all these people in the same physical space." – Eric Brakey [52:31]

Conclusion In Episode 321, Matt Kibbe and Eric Brakey explore the transformative impact of libertarianism in New Hampshire, highlighting the state's role as a testing ground for free-market policies and individual liberties. From legislative successes like the abolition of income tax and the Defend the Guard initiative to vibrant community gatherings at Porkfest and the Liberty Forum, the conversation underscores the potential of grassroots movements to effect meaningful political and cultural change. Brakey's insights reflect a cautious optimism about influencing broader national policies through localized efforts, emphasizing the importance of building strong, interconnected libertarian communities.

For listeners eager to delve deeper into libertarian strategies and community-building, this episode offers both inspiration and practical examples of how dedicated individuals can reshape their political landscapes.