So, are you getting tired of the socialists trying to control every little bit of your life?  Well, here's something you probably haven't heard about.  It's called "The Free State Project".  This could be a great opportunity to advance gun owners' and outdoor sportsmans' rights.  The plan is for 20,000 people who favor individual rights and smaller government to move to a specific state in the U.S.  They don't want your money; they just want you to move and vote.

The following is taken from the web site: [url]www.freestateproject.org[/url]

[i][b]What can activists for liberty do in a single state? A great deal. They could repeal state taxes and wasteful state government programs. They could end collaboration between state and federal law enforcement officials in enforcing unconstitutional laws. They could roll back gun control and drug prohibition. They could end asset forfeiture and abuses of eminent domain. They could privatize utilities and end inefficient regulations and monopolies. Then they could use their political leverage to negotiate appropriate political autonomy for our state.[/i][/b]

That last part just refers to the 10th Amendment(State's Rights).  This is not a cult, commune, or secessionist group.  It's just a group of people who will move and vote.  After the move, the group would most likely form a non-partisan league to unite and co-ordinate with various political parties to promote candidates who share their views(basically issue a voter guide).  Most of the group leans libertarian but they don't want to get tied to any one political party.  There are quite a few Republicans in the group as well.  Just to be clear, this group is not trying to start a new country or completely abandon the federal government.  So, when they say, "Free State", think, "Freest State in the Union".  This is not an anti-American movement, it's quite the opposite.  They are simply trying to promote individual rights and limited government in a particular state.  They are not looking to get rid of the police or the court system, for example.

So far, over 3000 people have signed on as members. When the group reaches 5000 members, the state will be chosen. No one is obligated to move until the group reaches 20,000 people, but many plan to move early. The candidate states are Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. These ten were chosen primarily because of low population and low population growth. Obviously, the group will have more of an impact in a state with less people. The best chances for success seem to be with Vermont or Wyoming, due to their low population and low number of eligible voters. Wyoming seems to be the current frontrunner, although the New Hampshire people are making a lot of noise lately.  The web site has discussion forums but you should read the FAQ on the main page first. You don't have to sign the letter of intent to read or post on the forums.

Even just 5000 activists could make a huge difference in a state like Wyoming, which already has fairly lenient gun laws and an individualist culture. I encourage all of you to visit and paticipate in the forums. There are a couple of gun/hunting threads in the "Which State" forum. Even if you can't make the move, you can still sign on as a "Friend of the FSP", and help spread the word. We need all the help we can get. Hope to hear from you on the forums.  I would especially be interested in hearing opinions from anyone who lives in one of the candidate states.

[url]www.freestateproject.org[/url]

Also, here is a direct link to an essay explaining why Wyoming may be the best choice.

[url]http://www.freestateproject.org/StateComparisons_25mar03.htm[/url]



Agent Z (forum newbie[:)])

Interesting first post...whoever you are.

As much as I'm intruiged by the idea and think it has some merit, I could never leave Texas.  My heart pumps a mixture of American blood and East Texas red clay.

Remember the Alamo, and God Bless Texas...

Many people who join are not crazy about the idea of leaving their home state.  Some members are not planning to live in the chosen state permanently.  They may just stay for a few years to help with the cause.  A few members have even considered living in the chosen state for just part of the year, making it their state of residence for voting purposes(like the people who live in Florida half the year).  This was especially true with those considering Alaska, although Alaska seems unlikely to win the vote.  Most members are planning to live in their new state year round.  

Texas has a great hunting and gun culture, but unfortunately it's population is just too big.  We would probably need a few hundred thousand members to make a difference there.  Anyone who is not willing to make the move can still sign on as a "Friend of the FSP", and help do what they can from their home state.  There's more info on the FSP site & forums.

[url]www.freestateproject.org[/url]

Agent Z  

This is an excellent idea.  I wish one of the moderators would tack this for a while.  If one state could be freed, others would follow.

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Jeppers, for a 1st post you don't ask for much! Please help us by moving to a different state[rofl2] Maybe we start a group to get all protestors to move to one place. It would be easier to ship them all out at the same time[;D]

Yes, that is exactly what we're hoping for.  The supporters of the New England states in particular are optimistic about nearby states following our example.

[url]www.freestateproject.org[/url]

Agent Z