The Cato Institute has compiled freedom rankings for the 50 states, based on a large number of legal and regulatory aspects, both for economic freedom and personal freedom.
They rank New Hampshire as the most free, and New York as the least free.
The Cato Institute is a Libertarian think tank, originally founded by the Koch brothers. Their idea of “freedom” would mean corporate tax breaks, and weak corporate regulation. Additionally, I wouldn’t visit their website if someone held a gun to my head.
Which pretty much shows…absolutely nothing. Compare those “freedom” ranking to Forbes’ list of best and worst economies of the 50 states and you get zero correlation. New York, California, New Jersey and Maryland are all listed in the “Bottom 5” in freedom, yet rank 8, 3, 22 and 12 in economies. In the “Top 5” (Alaska, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Indiana, New Hampshire) you get Forbes rankings of 25, 40, 43, 37 and 11. In fact, if there is any correlation to be found it seems to be that regulation fuels economies, not freedom.
Epic Fail, OP.
Also no real correlation to happiness rankings. Alaska is #2 in happiness, but Oklahoma is #48. California is #10, although New York is #40.
That’s because the wind is always sweepin’ down the plain. And they have to call it Maria for some reason. :dubious: 
Alaska - free and happy?
Good points.
The biggest payroll in Alaska is from the federal and state governments. The people who bitch the most about the government there are the ones with their hands out every two weeks for a paycheck.
Yeah, any “freedom” poll that says Texas gun laws are “moderately above average” in terms of freedom is hallucinating somehow. (and I’m generally a pro-gun person).
It’s a strange ranking system; it values things like “Tobacco freedom” and “gambling freedom”, which most places think SHOULD be regulated and less free.
Yeah, it’s basically a billionaire’s ant-taxation hate list.:dubious:
New Hampshire 1? Where if you cover up the “Live Free or Die” on the license plates you get a ticket? Right.
Oregon 37? California 49? Puhleeeze.
The Supreme Court ruled that unconstitutional back in 1977. It was a stupid law when it was enacted, but I’m not sure how it relates to NH today.
Most people do, too, I bet.
:eek:
Why that wouldn’t be very free at ALL…
And actually get one…
Gotta love it.
Yeah, the OP really screwed the pooch with this one. No wonder he hasn’t been back. Too embarrassed.
Financial regulations that prevent me from losing my house because the bank gambled recklessly and lost make me freer. It’s all a matter of perspective.