Coping with a Freedom Hangover

I still have a hangover. Well, not that kind of hangover (although I admit to knowing with piercing precision what that kind of hangover feels like). The hangover I have is a freedom hangover, because it was just one week ago since I was in Palm Springs, California, bathing in the liberty tub that is FreedomFest.

Once again, it was the best week of the year for me, as it combines nearly everything I love most: Friends, ideas, art, music, capitalism, celebration and liberty.

FreedomFest brings together good friends and colleagues that I see all-too-infrequently due to a fragmented geographical landscape, all in one shared space. And because we gather together, we can shake hands, look each other in the eye and confirm our trust the way humans need to. And being in the same space also means that we get the opportunity to celebrate together, which we most certainly do. And if you know me, then you know I’m all about celebrating life.

Then there are the many ideas on offer that I agree and disagree with, as well as the many experts that I love, and many that I don’t personally like but that I think have good insights (you know who you are, as I’ve told you). It is the diversity of thought at FreedomFest that makes it such an interesting proposition. It also makes it a testament to the open-mindedness and intellectual breadth of Dr. Mark Skousen, the philosophic force behind the “largest gathering of free minds.”

One particular highlight of FreedomFest are the gorgeous films presented at the Anthem Film Festival under the expert curation of Jo Ann Skousen, who each year puts her heart and brilliant mind into the project of cultivating some of the best dramatic shorts and documentaries that I’ve had the privilege of seeing. This year, I particularly liked “Sting of War,” which I highly recommend you watch. Pay close attention to the bird’s nest. It will tug on even the hardest of hearts.

Your editor, rockin’ the Palm Springs pink linen blazer and celebrating life with friends at FreedomFest.

Another personal highlight for me is talking business and money, both via my newsletter presentations, the panels I participated in and through being a judge on the “Pitch Tank,” our version of the hit show “Shark Tank.” And in case you were wondering, yes, I am the “Mr. Wonderful” of FreedomFest! Hehe.

I love judging the Pitch Tank, which I’ve had the privilege of doing for the past couple of years. One of the reasons why I love it is because listening to great entrepreneurial ideas is something that will renew your faith in the American entrepreneurial spirit, and it will get your capitalist juices flowing (although my capitalist juices never seem to run dry).

A big “thank you” to all this year’s competitors and to my fellow judges for once again demonstrating that the American spirit is very much alive and well. Special thanks to my friend and colleague Dr. Paul Wendee, who organizes the Pitch Tank and who so graciously tapped me to be a judge.

Yet another highlight for me this year was watching Ross Ulbricht. Ross is the man who was imprisoned and handed a double-life sentence without parole for the “crime” of creating a website and for the audacity of allowing people to use Bitcoin to freely exchange goods and services. Yes, I know there is more to the Silk Road saga than this, but there can be zero doubt that Ross was made an example of by politicians who were intent on squelching what they perceived as a threat (and it was) to the status quo.

On “day one,” which really morphed into “day two,” but who is complaining, Ross Ulbricht was granted a full pardon by President Trump and subsequently released from the bondage of the federal prison system. In my view, the keeping of the promise by the president to the “Free Ross” movement is the best thing Mr. Trump has done so far.

I highly recommend you watch Ross’ FreedomFest keynote speech. If you are an advocate for liberty and for government treating humans with respect and dignity, then you will love this address. And if you don’t get emotional while watching the tears stream down Ross’ face as he recounts his experience, then I am afraid you might reside outside the boundaries of emotional rectitude.

Finally, if you now feel a sense of envy at the fact that you missed FreedomFest this year, then fear not, my friend. The dates and location for next year’s big show have been revealed. We will be returning to Caesar’s Forum in Las Vegas for FreedomFest 2026, which will be held July 8-11. Our theme will be “Think Independent,” in keeping with the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.

The best part today is that we are offering an incredible super “early bird” discount, which will end this month. For details, and to sign up now, simply point your browser to this liberty multiplier.

I promise you the juice will be worth the squeeze, and that your liberty hangover will last for years.

****************************************************************

Reagan Loved Liberty 

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It has to be fought for and defended by each generation.”

–President Ronald Reagan

If I had a time machine and could transport a historical figure from yesteryear into a position of power today, I would go back to the early 1980s, snatch President Reagan up and install him in the Oval Office today. Would that solve the world’s problems? No, the world has too many problems. Would that increase the liberty quotient around the world? You bet it would!

Free trade, free minds, a compassionate immigration policy and strong support for our allies around the globe are all Reagan-esque attributes, or what I like to call “the good old days.”

Wisdom about money, investing and life can be found anywhere. If you have a good quote that you’d like me to share with your fellow readers, send it to me, along with any comments, questions and suggestions you have about my newsletters, seminars or anything else. Click here to ask Jim.

In the name of the best within us,

Jim Woods