While the concept of freedom may be in the eye of the beholder, there's no question that each state has done their best to codify what actions
they do and do not leave up to their residents' choice. But which states give their citizens the most leeway, and which have them on the tightest
leash? A study entitled "Freedom In the 50 States: An Index of Personal And Economic Freedom," published by the Mercatus Center of George Mason
University, sets out to answer this question.
The study, conducted by William P. Ruger and Jason ReSorens and released earlier this year, explores what the authors claim is the "first-ever
comprehensive ranking of American states on their public policies affecting individual freedoms in the economic, social, and personal spheres." To
create this ranking, Ruger and ReSorens outline three categories into which freedoms fit: fiscal policy (which covers spending and taxation),
regulatory policy (which refers to such issues as labor regulations and health insurance), and Paternalism (which includes such categories as gambling
and alcohol regulations).
America's Freest States
Not surprisingly, conservative states tended to rank better than liberal ones overall. However, the article does say this:
However, it is important to note that the study's findings do not all fall along these predictable party lines. Alabama, Georgia, South
Carolina, and Louisiana, for example, all fall in the bottom eleven among states with the most Personal Freedom. Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri,
meanwhile finish fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively in that category. According to the authors of the study, while conservative states do perform
better than liberal ones, it is moderately conservative states which are in fact the freest.
While the definition of "freedom" is definitely subjective, I do basically agree that moderately conservative states are probably the way to go. My
question to those out there who believe that the Republican party should shed its moderates is: in light of these findings, do you still believe that
it's best to alienate the moderates in the party, when evidence shows that centrist-right policies create a "freer' state?
To liberals who believe that hard left policies are the way to go: how do you reconcile the fact that moderate conservatism seems to guarantee more
personal freedom? Do you think that enacting liberal policies might just lead to an over-regulated police state?
Thought the article was pretty interesting and applied especially to the politicos of ATS, so I figured I'd share it with you guys and pose a
question for both sides of the spectrum to ponder.
