I have lived in the higher rated state of Virginia, and the lower rated state of Illinois. The states are similar in that the closer you live near the population center, (in Illinois, Chicago, and Virginia's center being Washington. D.C.,) the taxes and regulations are more concentrated. It's not just what state one lives in, it's also each city and county, and region of the state.
The Mercatus Center is a Libertarian think tank that's founded by the Koch brothers and ExxonMobil enough said. Their spoon feeding u bullshit propaganda and ur buying into it because it has the word "freedom" written all over it. This subjective trash is just as deceiving as anything produced by conservative or liberal think tanks.
@wangsta25 "The people should be free to do as they see fit as long as they're not directly harming others." Yeah, that's some evil Koch brothers bullshit right there.
@GlobalEquities Alaska’s big problem is fiscal policy. Over a quarter of the state’s workforce is employed by state or local government, and that figure does not include federal employees. Alaska has the highest debt and government spending to personal income ratios in the country. However, Alaska does extremely well on personal freedom, scoring fifth on the ranking. It is funny nonetheless.
Anything that infringes on my free will to determine what I do, so long as I do not physically harm another is a nuisance. All of the motor vehicle codes, executive orders, statutes, treaties, acts, constitutions etc... have no force or effect upon me because I have not contracted to be subject to them. And NO, the Social Security # and/or driver license do not bind me either because they are impossible, adhesion contracts gotten through coercion without full disclosure. They are void.
I live in NYS. We pay extremely high taxes & the politicians change laws without seeking input or vote from the people. Plus, too many illegal aliens collecting welfare along with non-working New Yorkers. In a few short years I will be eligible for retirement, then I'll move back to the southeast!
The problem with encouraging people to move out of these far left, nanny states is that they will move somewhere more free and then they begin elected people into off who will provide them with the same nanny state they hated so much they left! But for some reason, once these liberals get used to sucking off the government teat they can't seem to return to a state of freedom. So perhaps a better idea is to contain these far left nuts in one large state like CA and just keep them there!
No surprise California is in the bottom 5. They have been running businesses out of the state for a couple of decades. Almost the entire SEMA manufacturers have left for less regulatory states like Nevada, Arizona and Texas. It corresponds directly with the more democratically controlled the state has become, the more regulations and taxes were enacted, the faster businesses left the state.
The Mercatus Center was founded by Rich Fink, former president of the Koch Family Foundations, which funds a network of market-oriented think tanks and advocacy groups. Originally called the Center for Market Processes, it moved from Rutgers University to George Mason in the early 1980s before assuming its current name in 1999. The Mercatus Center is entirely funded through donations, including from energy company Koch Industries, individual donors and foundations.
A question to ask is when legislators have fulfilled his or her duties, and should their service remain necessary. Americans will always have a free spirit, and if they continue to create laws to govern us then wouldn’t it seem logical that at some point in time we would all become criminals?
Was this done before or after Indiana supreme court ruled the against the 4th amendment?...The one where Justice Steven David says," if a police officer wants to enter a home for any reason or no reason at all, a homeowner cannot do anything to block the officer's entry."
I'm from California, Rules/regulations & ordanances are freakin rediculas !!!
I have seen & experience its gradual but steady increase over the years as I was born here, I know it may not sem important to some, but now ya cant even drink a beer or puff a cig. on the beach. WTF, so many fond memories of even me as a 11yr old watching the family & causins loosin up a lily a campfire on the beach having fun, not to drunk, but great buzzes & lots of laughter, no more free parking either 50$ if 5day
i lived in jamaica for 5 years ,,the basic rule of life is you can do whatever you want ,drive drunk ,drink a beer anywhere ,get your dick sucked ,anything as long as nobody gets hurt ,drive drunk and kill someone you will be killed there on the spot vigilante justice ,but as long as nobody gets hurt ,,have at it
The trouble is that the people move from the "less free states" and still vote for Democrats. That's what has happened to Colorado over the years. You've wrecked your own state; please don't come over here and wreck ours.
Lowest freedom in the States that commonly vote Democrat ... No surprise there. You demand politicians to create laws for marriage, pregnancy or even what words you can & can not say ... you get a prison.
@j0eg0d where did you get that falsehood from? Red states are the ones trying to prevent the poor, the minorities, and seniors from voting. There's nothing less libertarian than that.
@GrannyTenderstone "where did you get that falsehood from? Red states are the ones trying to prevent the poor, the minorities, and seniors from voting."
And you did a great disservice by not creating an appropriate choropleth map showing the states based on their rankings? Dark Blue for the states with the higest Freedom ranking transitioning down to white for the least. This data screems to be mapped.
For whining about "freedoms" you guys sure seem to wear conservative and boorish outfits. Prove your freedom of expression by not wearing that which was passed down to you.
Also, I call bullshit on this study. The states themselves might have regulations; but I know for a fact that I would be soundly rejected for my lack of religious belief were I to move to misery... er.. Missouri. That, my friends, is not freedom.
Now let's see maps colored by your breakdown! Let's see the E and :D map.
@jovtheamazing Huh? I'm from misery... er.. Missouri. The people there could care less. I doubt anyone would even ask you about your lack of beliefs. As long as you aren't out lighting flaming pentagrams in people's front yards, I think you'd be fine. (Not saying that that's what you do because you lack religious belief)
@jovtheamazing And what would you prefer these guys to be wearing? Neon jogging suits? Sequined ice-skating leotards? Dressed as members of GWAR? While that would be awesome, I think it may have distracted from the point they are making.
@jovtheamazing Why do you associate conservative dress with lack of freedom? They have the freedom to CHOOSE how they dress, and maybe they CHOSE to dress conservative. Has that occurred to you? Or are you a slave to the hippest fashions that are dictated by the entertainment industry? Just because you have the freedom to look like Lady Gaga doesn't mean that you are required to.
"The people should be free to do as they see fit as long as they're not directly harming others". That's exactly what I believe in, which is why I'm going to vote for Ron Paul.
Yes, if I had to pick between Obama, and Palin, I'd pick Obama. I'm indifferent toward a political party. I support who I believe is the best for the long-term benefit for the country, and people's personal and economic freedoms.
@chivenyc Vote for anyone you want - they're all controlled by the real Ruling Class behind the scenes. You know, the ones who Finance this diversion/division charade called politics. Humans don't need governments, we lived peacefully for millions of years (99.7% of human history) w/out them. You are Sovereign. why beg to be Ruled Over by the most violent/rich 1%? Check out a book called Culturequake by Chuck Burr and those he references. The old ways are OVER or we are extinct .Pick one.
It's true that the upper elite class controls everything, and we are here to work and pay all the taxes so they can be bailed out, and the poor get on welfare.
@chivenyc You got that right, governments funnel money from the workers to the rich. The best option now is for the working class to walk out on "their" system and start working for ourselves, toward self reliance & interdependence with the good people we know & trust. A new economy is rising under their noses & will be their undoing. Check out a video called "Twilight of the Antipodes" by Dmitry Orlov. He has a great way of laying things out in a clear manner & with much needed humor. Cheers!
And are you referring to the whole "second hand smoke"? I'm not a smoker, but I don't care if you want to smoke, and I don't care where you smoke. I was exposed to "second hand smoke" pretty much from the day I was born until I was 22, and I'm perfectly healthy. Hence, I'm a prime example that 2nd hand smoke is nonsense.
I don't agree with the listing of Georgia. Georgia is definitely NOT free. I would say no state is free if they arrest you and call you a terrorist over quoting song lyrics/imaginary speeche combos on the freaken internet. I thought freedom of speech was a part of the first amdenment for a reason!
I have lived in the higher rated state of Virginia, and the lower rated state of Illinois. The states are similar in that the closer you live near the population center, (in Illinois, Chicago, and Virginia's center being Washington. D.C.,) the taxes and regulations are more concentrated. It's not just what state one lives in, it's also each city and county, and region of the state.
flilguy 3 months ago
The Mercatus Center is a Libertarian think tank that's founded by the Koch brothers and ExxonMobil enough said. Their spoon feeding u bullshit propaganda and ur buying into it because it has the word "freedom" written all over it. This subjective trash is just as deceiving as anything produced by conservative or liberal think tanks.
wangsta25 4 months ago
@wangsta25 "The people should be free to do as they see fit as long as they're not directly harming others." Yeah, that's some evil Koch brothers bullshit right there.
vakeraj 2 months ago
Alaska at 44 is ridiculous, this study is funny at this point.
GlobalEquities 5 months ago
@GlobalEquities
politics as usual
GlobalEquities 5 months ago
@GlobalEquities Alaska’s big problem is fiscal policy. Over a quarter of the state’s workforce is employed by state or local government, and that figure does not include federal employees. Alaska has the highest debt and government spending to personal income ratios in the country. However, Alaska does extremely well on personal freedom, scoring fifth on the ranking. It is funny nonetheless.
baihbalm 4 months ago
Anything that infringes on my free will to determine what I do, so long as I do not physically harm another is a nuisance. All of the motor vehicle codes, executive orders, statutes, treaties, acts, constitutions etc... have no force or effect upon me because I have not contracted to be subject to them. And NO, the Social Security # and/or driver license do not bind me either because they are impossible, adhesion contracts gotten through coercion without full disclosure. They are void.
AceOfHeart2012 6 months ago
Excellent. Liked and saved. Great work here-
From Ohio, state of the unfree and exorbitant licensure fees.
KillBaddBugz 6 months ago 2
HAHA I live in California and I'm moving to Texas next year! Our policies here are a big reason why I'm moving. This is a great study!
UncleSamSpeaks 6 months ago
its true I hate California, ive always lived here and its such a beautiful place but holy crap this is a commie state, its a shame
MAFsoldier 6 months ago
@MAFsoldier Thats why I Call it Commiefornia, lol. Ive been kicking around moving to Oregon, Texas, or Arizona.
Eaks2215 6 months ago
watch?v=RTckFl0jPN8&feature=channel_video_title
claim the right of the security of your person !
free humanity here we come love you all !!
it's all common law U.C.C code all commerce law look it up, free information free your mind ! free the WORLD !!!
demented669 6 months ago
I live in NYS. We pay extremely high taxes & the politicians change laws without seeking input or vote from the people. Plus, too many illegal aliens collecting welfare along with non-working New Yorkers. In a few short years I will be eligible for retirement, then I'll move back to the southeast!
ggbluebf 6 months ago
I will leave NJ asap. Not just because of this study, because it confirms what I suspected. NH does have the "Free State Project". Hmmmm.
iannetta11 7 months ago
The problem with encouraging people to move out of these far left, nanny states is that they will move somewhere more free and then they begin elected people into off who will provide them with the same nanny state they hated so much they left! But for some reason, once these liberals get used to sucking off the government teat they can't seem to return to a state of freedom. So perhaps a better idea is to contain these far left nuts in one large state like CA and just keep them there!
sortathesame 7 months ago
The good news is you can live free as a bird. The bad news is you have to live in Indiana. no thanks.
flicker4545 7 months ago
You gotta love Missouri!
AmericanPatriot333 7 months ago
Californian here moving tech business to AZ.
GunsOfThePhoenix 8 months ago
The point here is obvious: When government expands, Freedom & Liberty contract.
joekiddone 8 months ago
No surprise California is in the bottom 5. They have been running businesses out of the state for a couple of decades. Almost the entire SEMA manufacturers have left for less regulatory states like Nevada, Arizona and Texas. It corresponds directly with the more democratically controlled the state has become, the more regulations and taxes were enacted, the faster businesses left the state.
growerofweed 8 months ago
NH rocks
freestateproject org
ThndersRage 8 months ago
Exactly. Why should there be laws restricting what adults wish to do when it harms no other person?
Suldog29 8 months ago
I'm in the 49th freest state. F**k.
MooseOfReason 8 months ago
To New Yorkers, CA'ers, et al. -- If you can, MOVE! Screw those asshole regulators!
furyofbongos 8 months ago
Live free or die, bitches. New Hampshire owns!
audiohoxo 8 months ago 4
Fine. Legalize Marijuana.
Thorshammer9 8 months ago
Here:
freekeene(dot)com/2008/02/07/the-market-for-liberty-pdf/
here:
freekeene(dot)com/2007/12/26/free-audiobook-the-market-for-liberty/
or here:
amazon(dot)com/Market-Liberty-Morris-Tannehill/dp/0930073088
This book will show you how REAL liberty works.
strych97 8 months ago
The Mercatus Center was founded by Rich Fink, former president of the Koch Family Foundations, which funds a network of market-oriented think tanks and advocacy groups. Originally called the Center for Market Processes, it moved from Rutgers University to George Mason in the early 1980s before assuming its current name in 1999. The Mercatus Center is entirely funded through donations, including from energy company Koch Industries, individual donors and foundations.
TCMO99 8 months ago
@TCMO99 And your point is....?
mcv47 8 months ago
Move to New Hampshire, the Freest State, as part of the Free State Project!
FreeStateProject (dot) org
FreeStateProject (dot) org
FreeStateProject (dot) org
realrockvince 8 months ago
@realrockvince If a lot of people move there, then it won't be a free state for long.
ValisFan3 7 months ago
@ValisFan3 No, we want LIBERTARIANS to move here, not statists. Did you check out the website?
FreeStateProject (dot) org
realrockvince 7 months ago
WHO THE HELL WOULD DISLIKE THIS BESIDES THE LEAST FREE STATES OF COURSE.......
Bkelley456 8 months ago 2
Towards the end of the video they talk about not directly harming others yet are picky about smoking bans. Pretty sure cancer directly harms others.
Coldbrand 8 months ago
A question to ask is when legislators have fulfilled his or her duties, and should their service remain necessary. Americans will always have a free spirit, and if they continue to create laws to govern us then wouldn’t it seem logical that at some point in time we would all become criminals?
rickybrown327594 8 months ago
Was this done before or after Indiana supreme court ruled the against the 4th amendment?...The one where Justice Steven David says," if a police officer wants to enter a home for any reason or no reason at all, a homeowner cannot do anything to block the officer's entry."
Zoritsa 8 months ago
I'm from California, Rules/regulations & ordanances are freakin rediculas !!!
I have seen & experience its gradual but steady increase over the years as I was born here, I know it may not sem important to some, but now ya cant even drink a beer or puff a cig. on the beach. WTF, so many fond memories of even me as a 11yr old watching the family & causins loosin up a lily a campfire on the beach having fun, not to drunk, but great buzzes & lots of laughter, no more free parking either 50$ if 5day
ncwdane 8 months ago 2
maybe america has 2 many state's..why the hell do u need 50?.. australia has only 6 states.
chadberry75 8 months ago
@chadberry75 heck, lets just have one state, amirite?
I'd rather have a lot of smaller states with more say by the local people, than a few big states trying to govern a lot of people.
boxant 8 months ago
I'm not really surprise that New Jersey and New York are last in the rankings. Both states are connected together so I consider both to be dead last.
hstone39 8 months ago
oh.. this is a right wing propaganda
xadam2dudex 8 months ago
@xadam2dudex Because you have no concept of the difference between a nanny state and freedom?
mcv47 8 months ago
i lived in jamaica for 5 years ,,the basic rule of life is you can do whatever you want ,drive drunk ,drink a beer anywhere ,get your dick sucked ,anything as long as nobody gets hurt ,drive drunk and kill someone you will be killed there on the spot vigilante justice ,but as long as nobody gets hurt ,,have at it
mathue7433 8 months ago
@mathue7433 jamaica does not have a second amendment.
1s23d 8 months ago
The trouble is that the people move from the "less free states" and still vote for Democrats. That's what has happened to Colorado over the years. You've wrecked your own state; please don't come over here and wreck ours.
chessdude111 8 months ago
Lowest freedom in the States that commonly vote Democrat ... No surprise there. You demand politicians to create laws for marriage, pregnancy or even what words you can & can not say ... you get a prison.
j0eg0d 8 months ago 37
@j0eg0d where did you get that falsehood from? Red states are the ones trying to prevent the poor, the minorities, and seniors from voting. There's nothing less libertarian than that.
GrannyTenderstone 7 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@GrannyTenderstone "where did you get that falsehood from? Red states are the ones trying to prevent the poor, the minorities, and seniors from voting."
Not a single shred of evidence to back that up.
itachi705 5 months ago
And you did a great disservice by not creating an appropriate choropleth map showing the states based on their rankings? Dark Blue for the states with the higest Freedom ranking transitioning down to white for the least. This data screems to be mapped.
Woody615 8 months ago
Fantastic study and video. I'm in NY now but I'm moving my family to NH via freestateproject[dot]org
See ya there! =) Ron Paul 2012
tmcstevethomas 8 months ago
For whining about "freedoms" you guys sure seem to wear conservative and boorish outfits. Prove your freedom of expression by not wearing that which was passed down to you.
Also, I call bullshit on this study. The states themselves might have regulations; but I know for a fact that I would be soundly rejected for my lack of religious belief were I to move to misery... er.. Missouri. That, my friends, is not freedom.
Now let's see maps colored by your breakdown! Let's see the E and :D map.
jovtheamazing 8 months ago
@jovtheamazing Huh? I'm from misery... er.. Missouri. The people there could care less. I doubt anyone would even ask you about your lack of beliefs. As long as you aren't out lighting flaming pentagrams in people's front yards, I think you'd be fine. (Not saying that that's what you do because you lack religious belief)
BrandonBrendel 8 months ago
@jovtheamazing And what would you prefer these guys to be wearing? Neon jogging suits? Sequined ice-skating leotards? Dressed as members of GWAR? While that would be awesome, I think it may have distracted from the point they are making.
BrandonBrendel 8 months ago
@jovtheamazing Why do you associate conservative dress with lack of freedom? They have the freedom to CHOOSE how they dress, and maybe they CHOSE to dress conservative. Has that occurred to you? Or are you a slave to the hippest fashions that are dictated by the entertainment industry? Just because you have the freedom to look like Lady Gaga doesn't mean that you are required to.
jimsdun 8 months ago
I'm from Westchester, NY.
"The people should be free to do as they see fit as long as they're not directly harming others". That's exactly what I believe in, which is why I'm going to vote for Ron Paul.
chivenyc 8 months ago 57
@chivenyc It really is that simple! Well, it should be...
smith45acp 8 months ago
@chivenyc what if he doesnot get the endorsement?
Paul91384 8 months ago
Comment removed
chivenyc 8 months ago
@chivenyc so obama over palin?
Paul91384 8 months ago
@Paul91384
Yes, if I had to pick between Obama, and Palin, I'd pick Obama. I'm indifferent toward a political party. I support who I believe is the best for the long-term benefit for the country, and people's personal and economic freedoms.
chivenyc 8 months ago
@chivenyc Obama is not good for this country in the smallest!
Paul91384 8 months ago
@Paul91384
He may be not good, but it definitely could be worse.
chivenyc 8 months ago
@chivenyc Vote for anyone you want - they're all controlled by the real Ruling Class behind the scenes. You know, the ones who Finance this diversion/division charade called politics. Humans don't need governments, we lived peacefully for millions of years (99.7% of human history) w/out them. You are Sovereign. why beg to be Ruled Over by the most violent/rich 1%? Check out a book called Culturequake by Chuck Burr and those he references. The old ways are OVER or we are extinct .Pick one.
kingofthebrittains 8 months ago
@kingofthebrittains
It's true that the upper elite class controls everything, and we are here to work and pay all the taxes so they can be bailed out, and the poor get on welfare.
chivenyc 8 months ago
@chivenyc You got that right, governments funnel money from the workers to the rich. The best option now is for the working class to walk out on "their" system and start working for ourselves, toward self reliance & interdependence with the good people we know & trust. A new economy is rising under their noses & will be their undoing. Check out a video called "Twilight of the Antipodes" by Dmitry Orlov. He has a great way of laying things out in a clear manner & with much needed humor. Cheers!
kingofthebrittains 8 months ago
@chivenyc I'm glad you agree with banning smoking in public places. God bless America.
DearyLeary 8 months ago
@DearyLeary
Where exactly did I say that?
And are you referring to the whole "second hand smoke"? I'm not a smoker, but I don't care if you want to smoke, and I don't care where you smoke. I was exposed to "second hand smoke" pretty much from the day I was born until I was 22, and I'm perfectly healthy. Hence, I'm a prime example that 2nd hand smoke is nonsense.
chivenyc 8 months ago
@chivenyc AMEN
tgvas 6 months ago
Thanks for posting this...everyone should watch this video.
ShaddapPlease 8 months ago
States/federal government could make voting a national holiday.
bigjohnson9687 8 months ago
Well done!
rightarmofwyoming 8 months ago
Wait. Why would Georgians and Alabamans move to Texas (which is the 14th most free) when Florida and Virginia have higher rankings and are closer?
RobyBang1 8 months ago
I don't agree with the listing of Georgia. Georgia is definitely NOT free. I would say no state is free if they arrest you and call you a terrorist over quoting song lyrics/imaginary speeche combos on the freaken internet. I thought freedom of speech was a part of the first amdenment for a reason!
14sJakeB190 8 months ago