Almost everyone is familiar with the Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. It is an epic battle between the forces of good and the forces of evil. Within this story the first real place that the forces of good found support was in a woodland home of the elves called Lothlorien. In 1983 a group of scientists, activists, and spiritual people came together, inspired by this tale and founded Lothlorien Nature Sanctuary in Southern Indiana.
This 109 acre woodland preserve has become a haven for counter culture. Free thinkers, Hippies, Environmentalists, Homosexuals, and just about everybody with an open heart have found a second home amongst the magic of the trees. As a culture these people call themselves Elves. I have been a member of this group for around 8 years. A couple of years ago I was involved in the opening ceremony for this event. As part of that, people were informed of three major purposes of Lothlorien. Those purposes were, protecting the environment, recognizing and encouraging spirituality no matter the specific path, and preserving individual liberty.
Just like in the books by Tolkien a centralized power arises from the depths. Sauron (Donald Trump, or any other president) has taken his seat in Mordor (D.C.). The destruction, lies, theft, war, and evils of this government have stretched everywhere across our land. Out of nowhere a band of Freedom Fighters have arisen to challenge that force of arms. Also like the books, I find it fun that they, this past Wednesday pulled into Lothlorien.
Adam Kokesh and a few friends were on their way from the Ohio Libertarian Convention to Nebraska and the Unconvention. I had encouraged them to stop by the major spring festival at Lothlorien called Elf Fest which took place from Wednesday May 23rd through Monday May 28th.
Although they were only able to stay until Thursday afternoon they made an impression on those attending Elf. The total number of people who would eventually attend this festival would be around 700. I was able to stay behind and talk with hundreds of people about freedom. This was certainly a good place for it. I gave out an entire case of Adam's book Freedom!, lots of lighters and stickers, as well as materials for the Libertarian candidate for Indiana Secretary of State, Mark Rutherford. Those who I conversed with might not have always agreed with everything I said, but we certainly had the same goals. I think that they also appreciated that Adam had taken the time to meet them and see the love that they spread every day. They also saw that Libertarians are allies in their goals. We all just want to live our lives free of violence. It is in things like the Libertarian stand against war, the police state, and our opposition to the war on drugs that we together can rise.
So, “No Force One,” Adam’s RV had pulled into a camp of Elves ready to hear the message of Liberty. It was a very warm welcome. Throughout their stay Adam, Stacy, Adam’s girlfriend, and Joshua Smith, who is the leading candidate for the chair of the Libertarian National Committee, all found the fairies and sprites of this elven wonderland were good friends. The Elves got to share their merriment and have the opportunity to give opinions. Around the campfires we talked with every sort of good hearted fun. Even Wonder Anthony, (a superhero of awesome proportions) gave his two cents. It really is nice to see our plans coming to life as so many embraced our message of localization and self ownership.
On Thursday, they bid Lothlorien farewell, and the Elves were called to action in the service of Freedom. The RV was stuck and needed pushed out. With true friendly aid they were able to get back on the road. From my experience after an entire weekend discussing the future with my magical friends at Lothlorien, the world is a brighter place now that the Elves and the Freedom Movement have become friends.