Great joy to see Ross Ulbricht a free man!!! I KNEW this day would come, and for once, I LOVE being able to say TOLD YOU SO! 
HUGE SHOUT OUT and THANKS to every single activist who helped keep hope alive for Ross. Whether you prayed for him, wrote letters, signed and shared the petition, called in to radio shows, donated, made billboards, told someone about his plight, pressurized Trump, tweeted, asked countless politicians uncomfortable questions, held posters in winter storms, hugged Lyn when she needed it, and more… Whatever YOU did helped bring us to today, and together…
We did it!
Getting what you want can sometimes feel hollow, but not in this case. To see Ross walk free, with his little green plant, made my heart soar. It is testament to Lyn’s relentless dedication, and to countless hours of human action from a small band of people who decided this injustice will not stand!
We did it!
I know Ross needs real rest. I understand he needs to regroup and realign his life. When the dust settles, I can’t wait to welcome Ross Ulbricht to the Free State!
Ross, I hope you will plan to attend Liberty Forum in late April, from where I spoke to you on the phone many, many moons ago now. And of course, PLEASE do come to PorcFest in June–so many people have already asked me if you will!
We Free Staters have stood steadfast with you. We are thrilled for you. Can’t wait to see what your future holds. Much love from New Hampshire! 
Have YOU bought your tickets for Porcupine Day IX yet? Use code PRE30 for Porcupine Real Estate’s limited time 30% off. Yes, my broker is making cheaper for you, but remember, if you can afford it, this is a fundraiser for the Free State Project, so be generous if you can!
I teared up at this. Freeing Ross has been more than a dozen years of work for many activists like me who have been supporting his plight and the efforts of his mother, Lyn, from the start.
Little known facts:
The Free State Project was one of the first organizations (if not the first) to platform Lyn. I originally got a lotta shit for supporting a “criminal,” but I Honey Badgered that sitch. I personally spoke to Ross on the phone from prison during Liberty Forum 2016 (he promised to attend one of our events one day–open invitation, obvi). I’ve done radio interviews, a Ross-a-thon, blog posts, countless “Free Ross” tweets, sent cards and letters, and done talks where I made the audience cry, to spread the word. Lyn had a “broken heart attack” years ago because of the strain of fighting to #FreeRoss. Over the years, because of our large crypto-libertarian community in NH, we’ve kept Ross’s story alive. During Trump’s run in 2016 and 2020, we made questions about Ross a priority. And then we doubled-down with help from the Libertarian Party and Angela McArdle in this last race. Because of NH’s FITN primary, over more than a decade, Free Staters would ask candidates stumping about Ross, creating news stories to keep the pressure on. Every event hosted by the FSP since Ross Ulbricht was arrested and incarcerated has had a “Free Ross” element.
I believed from the start this day would come. And here we are. I appreciate everyone who believed. Everyone who said it IS possible. I know Lyn kept her faith and mine is restored: Thank God when Ross walks free.
A bit of a cheat day for me, but I showed a $1,200,000 horse farm right before this, and was beat. Also, Ian Underwood of the Bardo crew and Croydon school showdown (see this NBC docuseries), is always worth listening to. You don’t have to agree with every word someone says; you do need to consider things for yourself. Restore common sense!
My full speech:
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you for gathering here today. I stand before you to discuss the grave injustices of three crypto-pioneers: Ian Freeman, Ross Ulbricht, and Roger Ver.
Their cases exemplify how the state can deploy false narratives—the “Big Lie”—to tarnish reputations and suppress dissent.
These cases also highlight systemic problems in the federal justice system such as overcharging, over-sentencing, inconsistent enforcement, legal uncertainty, and the stifling of innovation—these LAWFARE tactics undermine the very principles upon which this great nation was founded.
Let’s talk briefly about the power of the Big Lie
Throughout history, we’ve witnessed the state’s use of falsehoods to manipulate public perception. Consider the unfounded claims of weapons of mass destruction that led to the Iraq War, resulting in immense loss, death, destruction, and geopolitical instability.
More recently, we saw the dismissal by the media of the Hunter Biden laptop story, and the initial branding of the highly plausible COVID-19 lab leak theory as a “conspiracy”–showing how easily and quickly narratives can be constructed, dare I say MANUFACTURED, to serve particular agendas.
For example, in Ian Freeman’s case, the state dropped a press release right after his conviction labeling him a “fraudster” even though he was not convicted of this charge. This is purposeful, manufactured misinformation which the media then dutifully spreads simply because the government told you to…
Everyone knows Ian Freeman is a dedicated advocate for individual and financial freedom. Calling him a “fraudster” is a deliberate character assassination aimed to delegitimize his decades long efforts to promote individual empowerment, including financial freedom through crypto-currencies.
The state’s actions against him, and Ross and Roger, reflect a broader strategy to stifle innovation and maintain control over all financial technologies.
Here’s the reality: If they can control your money, they can control you.
Now luckily, President Trump has already promised to pardon Ross Ulbricht, but he too was subject to the Big Lie…
Ross, we all know by now, was “Dread Pirate Roberts,” the creator of Silk Road. Back when he was arrested in 2011, they immediately accused him of heinous crimes, including murder-for-hire—charges that were never substantiated or formally brought. Yet, these unproven allegations were instrumental in securing a double life sentence without parole, just like the “lonely hearts testimony” in Ian’s case was used to garner an 8 year sentence–unheard of for the charges he was convicted for!
Overcharging in order to blackmail defendants into taking a plea deal destroys lives but it also sets a dangerous precedent and creates a silencing effect for future activists. That, of course, is the point.
Take Roger Ver’s case…
Roger, who, com’on, is so clean cut and nice he is known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” has faced relentless legal challenges and was labeled a “tax evader” years after he renounced his US citizenship but just two weeks after he published his book Hijacking Bitcoin, which exposes state corruption and interference in the Bitcoin market. The timing of his persecution is not an accident. They want to silence “Bitcoin Jesus.” Guess he must be onto something!?
We all know overcharging and over-sentencing are totalitarian tools of suppression, but the dirty tactics don’t stop there–Did you know that the IRS raided Ver’s tax lawyers’ offices? No more “attorney-client privilege” for some defendants??? This is the type of thing you’d hear happening in a Communist country…
In all three cases, the DOJ overcharging the defendants, together with each’s manufactured Big Lie, resulted in ultimate over-sentencing, which is how the state punished defendants for daring to take the case to trial rather than pleading out.
Talk about crazy sentences: Ian Freeman got 8 years for “conspiracy to money launder,” Ross Ulbricht received two life sentences without the chance of parole for building a website, and Roger Ver is facing more than a hundred years if convicted.
Again, this reveals a disturbing pattern:
The State lies, then piles on excessive charges and seeks disproportionately harsh penalties. They do this to intimidate and silence the people challenging their unConstitutional actions.
Remember what they did to Aaron Schwartz, who created RSS feeds and co-founded Reddit? They overcharged him so much, he was facing 35 years, that, at the age of 26, he committed suicide, 12 years ago this month.
This tactic of overcharging in order to over-sentence in order to force defendants to take a plea, not only destroys individual lives it also serves as a chilling effect on others, as a warning not to challenge the status quo.
And, this lawfare gets even worse when you consider the inconsistent enforcement we see… the DOJ isn’t hauling the CEO of eBay in for questioning or putting the head of TD Bank in Super Max, instead, the state targets popular “outside the box” thinkers, individuals whose messages of peace and prosperity resonate with large audiences… those of us who recognize the state’s corruption and core rottenness, and call it out…
How can you accuse Ian Freeman of “conspiracy to commit money laundering” for running a BTC kiosk/atm, but no bank managers are being similarly accused and harassed? This type of selective enforcement is just another corrupt lawfare tactic that erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law.
And, on top of that, the actions of the DOJ is killing innovation in the crypto space because…
The lack of clear regulatory guidelines creates an impossible environment for innovation…. Legal uncertainty deters entrepreneurs from pursuing innovative ventures and by targeting people like Ian, Ross, and Roger, the state is stifling innovation across the entire crypto industry—a practice that runs counter to the American spirit of entrepreneurship and progress.
America was built on the ideals of freedom and innovation, and suppressing these qualities threatens the very foundation of our society. (That’s why NH should secede from the federal government and forge our own future–but that’s a different press conference!)
Mr. President, I stand here today to call for clemency
You have personally experienced the weaponization of the legal system—lawfare—used to undermine and discredit.
The parallels between your experiences and those of Ian Freeman, Ross Ulbricht and Roger Ver are striking. Each has faced disproportionate legal actions fueled by political motivations rather than genuine justice.
In light of these injustices, I urge you to exercise your presidential pardon power to rectify these wrongs.
You have already promised to pardon Ross Ulbricht, and I know Free Staters and libertarians across the world are watching very closely to see that you keep your word. I know you will.
In addition, granting presidential clemency and pardoning Free Stater Ian Freeman, and “Bitcoin Jesus,” Roger Ver would not only restore their lives and return them to their communities, but it would also send a resounding message to those in our government who misuse their power to persecute thought leaders, innovators, and dissenters.
In conclusion
The cases of Ian Freeman, Ross Ulbricht, and Roger Ver are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern where the state employs false narratives, overcharging, over-sentencing, inconsistent enforcement, and legal uncertainty to suppress anyone who challenges its authority.
All three these men have stated how cryptocurrencies can help end wars and restore peace and prosperity to the world.
Who wants to stop this from happening? Those who get rich from wars, from printing and lending money, those who, in the end, choose to prosecute the brave heroes who stand against such exploitative practices.
We here today stand for truth, justice, transparency, free speech, innovation and the principles upon which our nation was founded.
President Trump, please do the right thing and pardon all three these crypto-pioneers: Ian Freeman, Ross Ulbricht and Roger Ver on Day One.
To sign the petition for Ian Freeman, please go to FREEIANNOW.ORG.
Thank you for your time.
Carla Gericke kicks off Manch Talk by saying goodbye to co-host Tammy, and then delves into steps you can take to stick to your New Year’s resolutions. Carla shares her own tips on how she stays healthy and happy as she transitions into her new role as a successful real estate agent, with almost $4 Million in sales. Contact her at Carla (at) Porcupine Real Estate (dot) com.
Here is what I wrote for 2024, and I’m going to do a critical self-audit [LIKE THIS] now.
“Not to brag, by which I mean, to brag, but I lost 2.75 inches around my waist last year, which for an almost 52 year-old, menopausal woman, is… not bad. [MY WAIST GOT FATTER IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS OF 2024 AS MY REAL ESTATE CAREER KICKED OFF–ALMOST $4 MILLION IN DEALS!]
This year, it’s all about that free hanging time. 90 seconds is the goal. 48 seconds is my current best. [I GOT UP TO 59 SECONDS, AND THEN I SIMPLY STOPPED PRIORITIZING THIS, BOO!]
My mantra: I’m in my prime!
But, to be honest, this year has kicked off kind of MEH. [SAME FOR 2025 BUT IN BETTER, WIDER HEALTH lol]
Both Louis and I are just recovering from The Current Fever Thing. My anemia exhausts me, as in it is very difficult to even function after 8pm, which obviously isn’t optimal. Getting this sorted out is a priority for 2024.
Another vast and unchartered territory for me to wade into this year is organizing my clothing situation… Hah! Even just writing that made my palms sweat.
As I’ve been working through childhood issues and become more self-actualized, I have discovered that buying clothes was one of the only “independent” things I could control as a child.
Buying new clothes for boarding school was a “treat” bestowed upon us by our parents, who, sorry Ma and Pa, but I am going to say it, used this “benevolence” as a way to assuage their guilt for leaving us in boarding school while they went gallivanting across the globe.
Choosing my own clothes came to represent both being “grown-up and independent”–“Look at the Big Girl picking her own clothes!” (I was 10) AND it was closely tied to a total lack of control (few children CHOOSE boarding school), resulting, I now see, in me developing a bit of a clingy relationship with my clothing collection.
In journaling last year, I processed some of the excuses I’ve used to avoid doing The Purge (by which I mean, “Deal with your clothes” has been on my goal list for at least 2 years, le sigh).
Many of my excuses boil down to: But what if I need this [knee-length embroidered puff skirt] one day?
Now, this isn’t an insignificant concern, especially when considering after losing the 50+ lbs I’d put on thanks to the S.A.D., a destroyed biome, and too much wine, I was thrilled to rediscover an entire “skinnier” wardrobe awaiting me again.
But now that I have kept the weight off for 5+ years and regained much of my health, maybe it is time to let go of the extra shit, including clothes, that don’t serve me anymore?
I only recently learned “hoarding” can be a childhood trauma response. I’m not a hoarder–I’ve moved too much in life for that–but it is difficult for me to just toss stuff… [ASIDE: AS I READ THIS, MADE VERY LITTLE PROGRESS, OR RATHER, MANAGED TO SPREAD THE CLOTHING PROBLEM FROM 2 LOCATIONS TO… 5? BUT IN MY DEFENSE, I HAVE THROWN SOME STUFF OUT, I HAVE KEPT UP WITH THE JOURNALLING, I WROTE “LEARN TO CULL THINGS THAT DON’T SERVE YOU” AS RECENTLY AS THIS WEEK, AND, AND I THINK THIS IS A BIG DEAL, I ALSO REALIZED THAT THE WHOLE CLOTHES THINGS DOESN’T REALLY BOTHER ME. LIKE, I DON’T PERCEIVE IT AS SOMETHING IN ME THAT NEEDS ‘FIXING,’ OR THAT IS ‘SLOPPY,’ OR ‘DISORGANIZED’. IN FACT, I TURNED IT AROUND IN MY HEAD, WHAT IT MEANS IS I NEED BETTER ORGANIZING TOOLS AND A BIG MASTER CLOSET. HEH.]
But once I made this connection between my inability to throw things away and my past, I have developed a hack: I have become very mindful of the process of throwing things away…
Whether it’s a bill or an old pen, I let my hand hover over the trash can and I take a moment to focus on a sense of joy and freedom in physically letting go. [I DID KEEP THIS PRACTICE UP ALL YEAR. MINDFULLY FOCUSED ON THE ACT OF THROWING SOMETHING AWAY.]
This morning, as the stack of Xmas cards I was grateful to receive last year slid from my fingers, I thought, Yes, more of this… More letting go! [TOSSED THIS YEAR’S TWO DAYS AGO WITH A MENTAL NOTE OF: ‘GOOD GIRL.’]
Do you have a similar challenge in your life that you want to address this year? Something you want to change, where you might identify a physical step that can start to help to underscore the habit you are trying to develop?
What do YOU want to let go of in 2024? And how can I help?” [DITTO FOR 2025! HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y’ALL!]