I agree there are other states even in the USA which offer more of the freedoms I care about than what is available in NH. But this isn't to say that NH isn't the right combination for some people.
Agreed.
I have no problem with people moving to NH if they want:
A) To be around other libertarians
B) Be in one of the freest states in USA
C) Work with other libertarians to try and keep the state free
I do have a problem is the constant misleading and holier-than-thou attitude alot of FSPers have.
I think the most realistic goal for the FSP is to slow the increase of the state, maybe push through a decrim weed bill, maybe stop seatbelt law going through.
Possibly in 50-70 years NH might be in a position to become totally free, if the Federal government has dissolved, but nothing happening today shows its likely for NH and America in general to get less free, and relying on "anything could happen in the future" is not a sensible attitude to base moving across the world on.
And saying that FSP is the only chance for true freedom, and moving anywhere else amounts to cowardly running away is a ridiculous statement to make.
I would think Switzerland would be difficult since they aren't part of the EU. I heard they have some of the most restrictive immigration laws in Europe. But if you are from the UK then the USA immigration restrictions would also be difficult.
Also true.
Switzerland not being part of the EU is a benefit and a burden in certain areas. Immigration in Switzerland is extremely tight, although if you own your own business its relatively simple. If you have a turnover of over I think £60,000, and you can afford to hire one swiss citizen (given that theres no minimum wage), then immigration is practically automatic from what I've had (though whether its as simple in reality remains to be seen).
The Canton of Zug has almost as many businesses as people for this very reason.
Also as far as comments about NH being special because it has such a big liberty movement, is
a little myopic to suggest no other places in the world have libertarians working for freedom.In fact the 3rd largest political party (Free democratic Party), got 15.8% of the vote (30 out of 200 seats) in the last election, the next biggest party getting 19%.
From the Wikipedia on
Free Democratic Party of SwitzerlandAs a classical liberal party, the FDP's goal is to promote freedom and self-responsibility in the society and economy.
The party has the opinion that an open society and economic liberalism promoting economic competition guarantees more prosperity and social and economic stability than a redistributive state.
The party supports an easy tax code and low taxes along with tax competition among the cantons of Switzerland. It also supports a state without excessive bureaucracy and over-regulation which hampers economic progress. It also aims at lowering the budget deficits and the national debt by lowering government spending. It prefers tax cuts as an economic stimulus measure to subsidies.
Is this proof Switzerland is destined to become Libertopia? No, likely its going to become less free, much like most other places in the world. A Federal bill to completely legalize Cannabis was instigated via Switzerlands system of Direct Democracy, and only lost by 20 votes, so clearly there is potential for libertarian activism.
I expect that I would do as much to support liberty (given that I can't vote as an immigrant) whether I moved to America OR Switzerland.
The idea that NH is the only place in the world you can work with other libertarians to effect a change is blatantly false. And all the rhetoric about NH libbers "fighting for freedom" while everyone else is "running away" is highly insulting.