Free State Observer

Two Free State Project members and early movers, Kat Dillon and Russell Kanning, have begun publication of a free, semi-monthly newspaper focusing on the Monadnock region of New Hampshire.  The first issue of the Keene Free Press was published Feb. 23 with an initial print run of 5000 copies which are being distributed in Keene and surrounding towns.  The focus of the paper is liberty-oriented editorials; members of the public are welcome to reply.  The first issue features editorials on a wide range of topics: jury nullification, alternatives to taxation, governmental bureaucracy, voter fraud, and even the concept of secession from the union.  While the Free State Project is expressly non-secessionist, a small minority of members do favor this political strategy to gain freedom from federal taxation and regulation.  Advertisers include such pro-liberty organizations as the Second Amendment Sisters and the Liberty Scholarship Fund, as well as a libertarian running for Selectman in the town of Winchester.  Almost all of the articles and advertisers are Free State Project early movers.

The locally-oriented, editorial-focused newspaper was inspired by State Rep. Ingbretson’s (R) “Viewspaper” concept.  The idea is to publish a local, free, liberty-oriented newspaper and distribute it in public locations such as gas stations and markets in order to spread libertarian ideas within one’s community.  Rep. Ingbretson’s own paper has a distribution of a few thousand copies per month and turns a profit based on its ad space. 

Contributors to and advertisers in the Keene Free Press may contact Russell Kanning at russellkanning@keenefreepress.com.  Ad space is $3/square inch.