In March, at Liberty Forum, my husband Louis Calitz and I gave a short talk about what South Africa can teach America. Watch it now…
My friend Jeffrey Tucker of Brownstone posted this on X:
I too feel empathy for Elon, but also, I have been warning mad dreamers about the trap of the Hell Mouth of DC, the Corrupt Capitol, for decades. I rightly gave up on reforming that sinking ship almost 20 years ago. Instead, I have thrown in my lot and life with the Free State of New Hampshire, the best option left for people who value the American spirit of:
Free speech
Color-blind equality
Meritocracy
Hard work
Individual responsibility
Here in New Hampshire, we have been quietly building our libertarian homeland. A place to seek refuge, yes, but mostly a place to come build the coolest future you can imagine.
We have it all: coastline and mountains, a deep sea port and an international border. We have quaint New England towns, mill buildings, and lakes. We have pristine Nature, and Nuclear. We have legalized flying cars and, last week, the world’s first Bitcoin Reserve Fund.
Article 10 of the NH Constitution enshrines the Right of Revolution. I have been pushing for peaceful secession for years, even introducing bills to this effect. If DC cannot be reformed (and I contend it cannot), then we have a duty to do better.
The Free State of New Hampshire is the answer.
As more people discover what Elon learned the hard way–the federal government is TOO IMMORAL and CORRUPT to fix, there are too many people on the take–we here in the Granite Gulch await you.
Come check us out: Our biggest party–a weeklong family-friendly camping experience (there are hotels around too)–where thousands gather, is coming up in June. Get your tixs today: porcfest (dot) com.
Live free or die; live free and thrive!
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.
Pamela Ean, who is running in District 15 and I recently penned an op-ed for the Concord Monitor in which we make a case for your support and vote on November 6th.
"New Hampshire consistently ranks as the best state in which to live, work, and play exactly because of our limited government, low-tax approach to life. Low taxes result from low spending, allowing you to keep your money to spend on the things you personally like and value, allowing you the freedom to choose where to spend your money – including on private charity and the needs of others – instead of having it taken from you under the guise of “helping.” If increasing taxes ended poverty, wouldn’t poverty have disappeared by now?
Raising taxes, increasing fees and adding more regulations, as Democrats advocate, do not help working families and do not put people first. Letting us all make our own decisions on how our hard-earned money is spent is what puts people first.
Instead of suffering under the disastrous ideas trotted out by incumbent Democrats Dan Feltes and Lou D’Allesandro, why not give Republican women like Pamela Ean (District 15) and Carla Gericke (District 20) the chance to show you how rich your life can truly be when you are free from these entrenched politicians’ failed economic policies?
We ask for your vote on Nov. 6 and promise to serve with integrity, character and compassion."
Read the entire op-ed at the Concord Monitor.
(Pamela Ean is a former police officer and public school teacher who lives in Concord. She is seeking the state Senate seat as a Republican in District 15, which includes Concord, Penacook, Hopkinton, Henniker and Warner. Carla Gericke is a former lawyer and writer who lives in West Manchester. She is the Republican nominee for N.H. Senate in District 20, which includes Goffstown and Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 and 11.)
Yesterday, the pictured Letter to the Editor appeared in the Union Leader. I hope to earn YOUR vote on November 6th!
"New Hampshire is a unique state. Our representatives are far closer to the people than other states, which provides a diverse and interesting Legislature. But each seat in our Senate must be guided by more than ideology or popularity. It takes deliberation, intelligence, attention to detail, and most of all, principles, to make a good senator. Members of the Senate should inspire confidence, make sense, and make a sincere effort to follow the principles that make New Hampshire a state worth living in.
Carla Gericke will be just such a senator."
My experience includes finishing high school when I was 16 years old, law school when I was 21. Professionally, I practiced law in South Africa, where I focused on Legal Aid cases for the underprivileged, and in California, where I worked in-house at high tech firms, including Apple, Logitech, and Scient.
I have served and continue to serve on several nonprofit boards, and have successfully worked in the nonprofit sector at an executive level for many years, managing diverse groups of volunteers, budgets, and day-to-day administration.
I also hold an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from The City College of New York, and my literary works and blogs have appeared in print and online. Maybe I’ll share some of my short stories someday!
You can read the full letter here. I hope you will consider my candidacy favorable. Remember to vote in the primary on September 11th!
If you would like a yard sign or have me come speak at an event–I’d love to meet you!–please email me at Carla (at) Carla4NHSenate (dot) com or messaging me on Facebook.
Join me at my monthly "Town Square" gatherings at Manchester City Hall on the first Tuesday of August, September and October from 5:30-7PM. Learn more and RSVP on Facebook.
Help me win! Donate today!
Follow my campaign on Facebook and Twitter.
Tell a friend or family member in District 20 (Goffstown, Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10 & 11). Word of mouth is a powerful tool!
Thanks for your support! Let’s build a better future for all Granite Staters, young and old.
I wrote a wrap up of the rallies that took place at the State House yesterday, April 20th. You can read about it at Shire Liberty News.
"As Granite Staters, we have to decide. We have to decide whether we want to walk this path towards socialism and its undeniably disastrous ends, or whether New Hampshire’s ‘Live Free or Die’ ethos is the very thing that makes our home so uniquely awesome, and that we need to fight to preserve our freedoms.
I believe ‘free markets, free people, and free enterprise’ is worth preserving. I believe our natural rights are worth fighting for. That’s why I am running for office."
EDIT on 4/20/19 to include full article below:
Yesterday was one of those epic days for pro-liberty activists in New Hampshire. My day: Get driver’s license renewed at DMV and pay $50 for the “privilege to travel” (boo!); make protest signs; don my “this is my protest sock” socks; go to rallies at the state house; then, dinner and a show.
April 20th is traditionally the day when cannabis culture is celebrated at the steps of the state house. Yesterday, in addition, a teachers’ group hosted a demonstration called “Enough” about selective solutions to gun violence in schools. (This is a polite way of saying they weren’t exactly “down” with any pro-gun suggestions.)
I gave a lot of thought to the sign I wanted to take. Something that would get people thinking, hopefully spur conversation, and work at both rallies. I finally settled on “Pro Gun/Anti War.”
At the 420 rally, cannabis activists gave speeches, including Rich Paul, Rick Naya, Representative Caleb Dwyer (LP). I spoke about the importance of personal responsibility, how the federal government’s marijuana policies have hurt ordinary people, and how states’ rights on cannabis (and other things) should prevail. I mentioned my Senate race, and asked people to come talk to me if they had questions about my sign.
Supporters came over afterwards to say they loved it, got it, and wanted to help with my campaign. The first, best thing you can do is tell your friends and neighbors that a real choice exists this November, and that it is important to vote for liberty candidates, even if, or especially if you don’t usually vote.
Voters in District 20 (Manchester Wards 3, 4, 10, 11, and Goffstown) have a choice this November between a ten term incumbent the NHLA calls a “Constitutional Threat,” or me, an emancipator of the individual, a protector of the smallest minority… someone who cares about YOU, the taxpayer. Because I am one.
Before I arrived, according to the honorable Glen Aldrich, this happened: “A state trooper came out and told everyone to leave, many started walking away, Rick Naya tells everyone to come back then tells the trooper cannabis is decriminalized and come give him a ticket and go away. The trooper walked back into state house never to return.”
We held a moment of silence to honor the millions of people who have been harmed by the War on Drugs and then, as is custom, people sparked up at the stroke of 4:20PM.
I wandered over to the “Enough!” rally being held near Main Street. I stood towards the back with my sign, and was joined by a man whose sign read: “Scared of Guns in NH? Move to Massachusetts, ‘The Nanny State!’” The “Enough!” folks didn’t like this and swarmed around us, trying to block our signs. We were joined by a few additional counter-protestors, including a man with a baby swaddled to his chest who said he was glad we were there. “Can I stand with you?” "Yes, please!"
As I listened to the competing chants coming from the different camps–the cannabis activists demanding, “Leave Us Alone!” and the teachers chanting, “Enough!” with calls to “Do Something”–I was struck by this incongruity.
THIS is the battle for the heart of New Hampshire.
You can organize society in two ways: Top down (government as a false god, dictating everything) or bottom up (individualism with a few ground rules). Here we had two competing groups feeling equally strongly about their approach: The teachers favoring socialistic answers, more restrictions of INHERENT rights, more nanny statism; the stoners favoring a hands-off approach, desiring less police- and nanny statism.
And there’s the rub: As Granite Staters, we have to decide. We have to decide whether we want to walk this path towards socialism and its undeniably disastrous ends, or whether New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” ethos is the very thing that makes our home so uniquely awesome, and that we need to fight to preserve our freedoms.
I believe “free markets, free people, and free enterprise” is worth preserving. I believe our natural rights are worth fighting for. That’s why I am running for office.
I left Concord behind to attend a birthday party of Christine B, the FSP’s former events’ director and PorcFest XI producer. A dozen or so “liberty ladies” met for dinner at Piccolos in downtown Manchester, and then headed to The Palace Theater to see “Mamma Mia!”
At dinner, I mentioned to the wife of a core activist of the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance how much I appreciate the hard work he puts in to creating the weekly Gold Standard that makes pro-liberty recommendations on bills. This dedicated wife teared up, grateful that someone had noticed her husband’s tireless work.
This reminded me how important it is to thank your liberty activists early and often! Tell them you appreciate them! Show your support by donating to your favorite Shire liberty causes: the Free State Project, the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance, the Get Involved PAC, the Foundation for New Hampshire Independence, and my race.
The sold-out musical was fun. Set to the music of ABBA, the audience clapped and sang along. During the rendition of “The Winner Takes It All,” I could barely keep down my own tears.
“I don’t wanna talk
If it makes you feel sad
And I understand
You’ve come to shake my hand
I apologize
If it makes you feel bad
Seeing me so tense
No self-confidence
But you see
The winner takes it all
The winner takes it all
So the winner takes it all
And the loser has to fall
Throw a dice, cold as ice
Way down here, someone dear
Takes it all, has to fall
It seems plain to me.”
If it’s true that the winner takes it all–I’d quibble and say in a free society, where free markets function properly, voluntary exchange benefits ALL parties–then, let’s make sure we win! Our future as Granite Staters of a free state depends on it!
Stay up to date by following SLN and my senate Facebook pages.
Donate today or to avoid fees, send checks to:
Carla Gericke for NH Senate
497 Hooksett Road #134
Manchester, NH, 03104
Please include your name, mailing address, occupation and business/employer city. (Sorry, it’s the bureaucracy!)
Thanks for your support! Let’s win!