Check out this site from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, which gives rankings and assessments of the level of “freedom” in each state in the union. According to these findings, New Hampshire (“Live free or die!”) is the state with the most freedoms, while New York is the most oppressive. See
Now what is interesting is the way the study factors in both “economic freedom” (low taxes, minimal government regulations on business, limited government, etc.) and also “personal freedom.” This category includes both things conservatives like, such as openness to homeschooling and minimal gun control, but it also puts a premium on gay marriage and lax drug law enforcement. Nevada scores big (at #6) because of its legalized gambling and because it allows localities to legalize prostitution.
Freedom in the 50 States | Mercatus.
Today conservatives tend to want economic freedom but decry this version of “personal freedom.” While liberals demand this version of “personal freedom” while decrying “economic freedom.”
My prediction: The new political and cultural consensus will demand both, with libertarianism reigning supreme. Right now, this kind of libertarianism is opposed by both the left and the right, but for different reasons. But I suspect a realignment may be in the future. It’s already happening among some in the Republican elite.
So if you are a “freedom loving American” opposing government intrusions into the economy, how can you also oppose “personal freedoms” such as the liberty to use drugs and go to prostitutes?
Conversely, if you are a liberal who believes that gays should have the freedom to marry and that women should have the freedom to get an abortion, on what grounds would you deny a business owner the freedom to make money without government interference?
Or are you willing to accept libertarianism if it would give you whichever kind of freedom you find most important, even at the cost of the kind that you do not approve of?
HT: Jackie
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