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May 19, 2013, 01:58:38 pm

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What is it that would allow me greater liberty if I move to New Hampshire from Colorado? To what degree is it because people in New Hampshire are less likely to harass someone who, for example, might wear a Ron Paul campaign button? Or, is it because if someone saw a person harassing another apparently because they are wearing or carrying something proclaiming support for Ron Paul, then the someone who saw this if in New Hampshire is more likely to step up and support the victim? Would someone in New Hampshire be more likely to step up to interrupt harassment in general? I understand and support the FSP's primary emphasis on the intent for a FSP member to contribute in some way to liberty in New Hampshire once living there, but is it fair for a prospective member to ask how expression of his political (middle of the road leaning libertarian) beliefs would be safer if publicly expressed in New Hampshire? I would just be asking for trouble here in Colorado if I wore a prominent Ron Paul button as I go about my daily activities. I'm interested in replies regarding today and also regarding several years from today after more Free Staters move to and influence New Hampshire. I am wondering if I will feel safer from personal political or ideological harassment after moving to New Hampshire as the intent and website of the FSP imply. Your answers to these questions might also make good material for FSP recruiting. I am committed to moving to the east coast within 2 years and have registered to attend the PorcFest this June. I am a retired Baby Boomer, male, originally from the East Coast, will be single again this summer for the first time in 30 years. Sorry I'm long-winded. This is my first FSP posting.

Quote from: DRFlox26 on March 27, 2012, 09:16:07 pm

Welcome!

I've never heard of anyone getting negative comments about Ron Paul stuff. I have a RP bumper sticker on each of my cars, and during the campaign I wore a RP hoodie or tshirt most weekends. The only comments I got were positive. People here are generally pretty pro-liberty. RP got 2nd, with 25% in the primary, after all. As a percentage of population, over 20 times the number of people voted for RP here, as supported RP in the CO caucus (of course, CO was a caucus, so it's not exactly apples to apples).

For me, living next door to NH (in MA), it is much easier to find and socialize with people of similar political views or at least with people who respect the differences. I went to Liberty Forum this year for the first time. It was my first exposure to a large group of liberty loving individuals.

Here is a sample of my thoughts when speaking with folks in MA and some of the actual dialogue of conversations I have had.

Me: Did you see they extended unemployment again?
Friend: good thing. mine was about to run out and i don't want to get a job because it's almost summer and I have plans to go to Key West
Me: (did he really just say that? Shocked

) well, what about getting a job? you know, so you can pay your bills?
Friend: oh, I work under the table for a roofer. the pay is great!
Me: (I think my head will explode) really? Huh

well I would love to be able to take a vacation because you know, things are tight right now with gas being high and everything else so expensive. I just finished paying my taxes...
Friend: I got a huge refund. (wink) Besides, thats what unemployment is for. I pay for it why not collect?
Me: ( I may vomit right here) um, actually, no, Angry

your employer paid for it and the fund is empty and the taxpayer is paying for your uemployment now and you're working...
Friend: hey, you can't prove that! I'm entitled to it! I worked the last 6 years, 40 hours a week, I deserve a break. and besides, no one wants to pay me what I am worth
Me: (thats what you think) ok, I have to get back to work now Roll Eyes

Conversation in NH:
Me: did you see they extended unemployemnt again?
Liberty Lover: if you can't get a job, any job, after a year on the dole you don't deserve to survive
Me: what about people with degrees, do you expect them to sell burgers at McD's? Undecided

LL: If thats what it takes to pay their bills Grin

Me: (big smile) so, tell me more about your .....

ANother conversation in NH:
LL: did you see that guy with all the crosses? Undecided

Me: yep (rolling my eyes in my mind)
LL: it takes all types, I dont wear my religion on my sleeve like that. I'm just glad some do.
Me: (okay, about to take the plunge) While I don't like labels I would most accurately be called an atheist (holding my breath) Lips Sealed

LL: that's cool, but you know, if you ever want to discuss it.
Me: (whew!) nah, I'm pretty good

LL: cool, so where is everyone heading for dinner? Grin

How that conversation took place with my own family:
Sister In Law: Well, what do you believe in?
Me: People, there are good people and crappy people
SIL: we are all God's children Roll Eyes

Me: um, well, you can believe in a superior being if you want
SIL: what does that mean? you were raised Catholic. you must believe in God!
Me: nope. Roll Eyes

SIL: Well than what do you believe in?! How do you decide what is right and wrong? How do you raise your son to know what's good or bad?!!!
Me: Roll Eyes

I told you. People. Some make good decisions. Some make bad decisions.
SIL: well, you just dont want to admit you believe in God. You are just confused.
Me: not really. Roll Eyes

SIL: Then what do you call yourself?
Me: (ugh, not again) Some people would label me as an atheist, I prefer to just think of myself as an independent thinker, one able to make my own decisions as to what is right and wrong without needing an old book to tell me it's bad to steal or kill. sounds like dinner is ready!

The first two responses are just outstanding, much better than I had hoped for! Now I can't wait to attend PorcFest. Thank you so much.

That's the kind of environment I like. It's good that NH seems like a sanctuary from the surrounding areas. So when can I move? Wink

I would support the notion that, in general, people in NH are pretty friendly and polite. On primary day, I spent most of the day holding Ron Paul signs at my small-town polling location. No one harassed me. A Romney supporter was there in the morning with his two young daughters and lots of signs, and later in the day there appeared a Santorum supporter and a lady with the "Occupy" movement who was handing out surveys. I had friendly conversations with all of them and there was zero animosity.

For the first time in years, and on a nice weather day to boot, the Denver Post subscription was not delivered to our house today, just to the other houses on the block. I guess I better realize I'm still in Colorado and watch what I write here about anti-liberty harassment in Colorado. This is how it happens. Please keep those nice comments coming, I appreciate the encouragement. Live Long and Happy

Quote from: DRFlox26 on March 29, 2012, 08:53:36 am

I have to say, I strongly doubt the Denver post didn't deliver to you because of anything you've said here (or anywhere). I don't live there of course, but I'm generally skeptical of grand conspiracies.

Thanks for the kind words though, and, live long and happy yourself

Responding to time4liberty...Sad to say, you have no idea how fortunate you are to live in New Hampshire. I'll be visiting soon. Live Long and Happy

Quote from: time4liberty on March 29, 2012, 09:17:55 am

Quote from: DRFlox26 on March 29, 2012, 08:53:36 am

I would presume that the claim was more that the delivery driver chose not to deliver there, rather than there being some grand conspiracy coming down from the corporate offices.

I've heard cases of similar petty nonsense in various places around the US, directed against those who have Ron Paul lawn signs or bumper stickers.

Quote from: MaineShark on March 29, 2012, 10:29:39 am

I've heard cases of similar petty nonsense in various places around the US, directed against those who have Ron Paul lawn signs or bumper stickers.

Wow

Still, I can't see how the delivery guy could possibly know who DRFlox is, and I put the odds of him reading this site at all at about a million to one.

To Time4Liberty: Based on your comments above, I would ask you to please read carefully the article entitled "Andrew Wordes, American Hero" at the link below and then post your response. Sad

You are so fortunate to live in New Hampshire.

http://whiskeyandgunpowder.com/andrew-wordes-american-hero/

The author of the article is well-known to the Free State Project, I believe:
Jeffrey Tucker, publisher and excecutive editor of Laissez-Faire Books, is author of Bourbon for Breakfast: Living Outside the Statist Quo and It's a Jetsons World.

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