Returning to the actual thrust of the OP …
To me the response comment “It’s a free country” is usually used to convey “I don’t control whatever it is you’re asking about. Further I think it’s between pointless to downright un-American for you to even think you need permission for [whatever] you intend to do. Just do it.”
And if I think the [whatever] is especially stupid / foolhardy my attitude may include a hint of derisive “Yes, I will hold your beer and watch while you do [whatever]. I bet it’s gonna hurt”.