LANCASTER, NH – Notorious for its libertarian ethos, Porcfest was met with a rather controversial demand this year as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent advocate of civil liberties, called for a ban on firearms in the audience.
Porcfest, or the Porcupine Freedom Festival, is a week-long celebration of freedom, free markets, and anarchy. Taking place in Lancaster, New Hampshire, it traditionally attracts a crowd that is unapologetically libertarian, staunchly supporting an individual’s right to carry firearms.
Kennedy’s demand sparked an uproar among some event-goers, who viewed it as an infringement on their rights. In New Hampshire, open and concealed carry of firearms is common and generally respected as part of the state’s “Live Free or Die” philosophy.
RFK Jr., a well-known environmentalist and political activist, has been invited to the festival as a speaker. He voiced his concerns over safety, stating that he would feel more comfortable addressing the crowd if firearms were prohibited.
The clash between Kennedy’s stance and Porcfest’s fundamental values has fueled a heated debate among the libertarian community and beyond. Many attendees have been vocal about their disapproval, expressing their intention to defy Kennedy’s request.
This sentiment was echoed by another well-known libertarian voice, even proposing purposeful disobedience:
This issue encapsulates the broader debate on gun control in America, illustrating how deeply divided opinions can be, even within communities that value personal freedom and individual liberties.
It remains to be seen how this incident will affect the atmosphere at Porcfest, which is typically marked by its camaraderie, open dialogue, and celebration of freedom in all its forms.
