Porcupines > Groundhogs
On Sunday, February 2, we are celebrating Porcupine Day IX in Manchester at the Rugged Axe — and you are invited to join us.
Date: Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025
Author: Hon Eric Brakey
Executive Director, Free State Project
Groundhogs get all the attention.
Every Groundhog Day, people gather round and ask these over-hyped rodents to predict the weather — but what about the humble porcupine?
It is true, as porcupines, we cannot predict the length of winter based on our shadows.
(To put it bluntly, however, the groundhogs are faking it. Did you know that Punxsutawney Phil's predictions are correct only 39% of the time? He's wrong more often than he's right!)
But porcupines can predict the future of liberty and tyranny with startling accuracy — and isn't that far more important?
This year, the porcupines are forecasting freedom.
For example, I predict this year that liberty will continue to grow in New Hampshire as porcupine legislators expand school choice, cut wasteful spending, protect gun rights, and fight to bring our NH National Guard home from undeclared foreign wars.
I also predict that Free State communities will continue to grow and thrive with each new mover we welcome to New Hampshire.
So, while your calendar may say "Groundhog Day" is coming up next month, we are telling the groundhogs to sit this one out.
On Sunday, February 2, we are celebrating Porcupine Day IX in Manchester at the Rugged Axe — and you are invited to join us.
(And as a thank you for visiting our website, use the discount code "NoGroundhogs" for 5% off your tickets.)
What is Porcupine Day IX?
In February 2016, FSP President Carla Gericke declared that 20,000 liberty-loving individuals had pledged to make the move to New Hampshire — triggering the next phase of the Free State Project.
This years marks the 9th Anniversary and we are celebrating by gathering together for fun axe throwing and good company.
So please wear your best flannel and join us at The Rugged Axe in Manchester, NH on Sunday, February 2nd!
WHAT: Porcupine Day IX
WHEN: Sunday, February 2, 2025
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
WHERE: The Rugged Axe
377 South Willow Street
Manchester, NH 03103
WHY: Liberty in Our Lifetime
HOW: Grab Your Tickets for Porcupine Day IX!
(Use discount code "NoGroundhogs" for 5% off the ticket price.)
Also, be sure to check out last night's new episode of the Porcupine Report,
I interviewed Representative Tom Mannion about what liberty lovers should watch for as the new state legislature begins its work.
A Free Stater, freshly elected to a second term in the NH House (and now the Assistant Majority Whip), Rep. Tom Mannion highlighted upcoming battles including universal school choice, zoning reform, Right to Work, legalizing cannabis, and bringing our troops home with Defend the Guard.
I also want to commend Skot Sheller (Free Stater and local Argentina expert) on his excellent appearance on the Tom Woods Show!
Curious about what's actually happening in Argentina under the libertarian presidency of Javier Milei?
Be sure to watch for Skot Sheller's analysis on the first year of the Milei Administration.
In case you missed it, I recently sat down for an extensive conversation on The Way Forward Podcast in Austin, Texas.
With the host, Alec Zeck, we discussed the history of the Free State Project and the future of liberty!
The episode has been viewed by thousands of people in the health freedom movement, curious about liberty in New Hampshire.
Of course, a two-hour long interview can be a lot for some people. Thankfully, the folks at The Way Forward also published two short clips from the interview featured below.
Some General Updates:
Our friends at the NH Liberty Aliance (NHLA) are hosting a live bill review working session. As this is at a private residence on 1/11/25 in Gilford, they will share the address with individuals who sign up and are verified members. Learn more on the Community Calendar.
Now it the Human Action Foundation's 7th year hosting blood drives at The Praxeum! If you are interested in donating this Saturday, please sign up for a time slot through the Red Cross. Learn more on the Community Calendar.
We recently hired a new Communications Director! Her name is Mahgdalen Rose. She is an experienced communications professional and in the process of moving to NH. She will be present in the Free State by PorcFest in June. We are excited to welcome her.
"Porcupines in Action" are gathering this Sunday evening. Join in to discuss ongoing projects to promote liberty at Independence Inn in Strafford. Learn more on the Community Calendar.
Monthly firearms meetup with fellow Free Staters next Tuesday at the White Birch Armory. No RSVP needed. Learn more on the Community Calendar.
Thank you for taking a moment to catch up with our weekly update from the Free State.
For Liberty!
Eric Brakey
Executive Director,
Free State Project
P.S. Be sure to grab your tickets for Porcupine Day!
And, as a thank you for being an email subscriber, please use the discount code "NoGroundhogs" to save 5% on your tickets.