Posted on 02/19/2005 10:17:00 AM PST by The_Eaglet
America Not Among Top Ten Freest
By Chuck Baldwin
February 11, 2005
In a recent column, I noted how Americans have lost numerous freedoms since George W. Bush became president. Of course, the reality of the situation is, the federal government has been increasingly encroaching upon the liberties of the American people for decades. Unfortunately, that trend only seems to be escalating.Now, a new report states that the U.S. is not even among the top ten freest economies.
According to the Heritage Foundation, "The United States is tied for 12th place with Switzerland in the 2005 Index of Economic Freedom. The world's second largest economy, Japan, ranks 39th in the survey. The United States has dropped out of the world's top 10 'freest economies.'"
The Heritage report also said, "Perhaps the greatest surprise in this year's index is the failure, for the first time, of the United States to make the top 10."
Most Americans would probably be stunned to hear that their country is not even among the top ten freest nations. However, this should not come as a surprise.
For all intents and purposes, neither major party in Washington, D.C., gives a flip about securing God-given liberties. Both Democrat and Republican administrations (including the current one) have consistently led the charge against the Bill of Rights.
Furthermore, Congress and a majority of federal courts have been trampling constitutional protections of our liberties for most of my adult life. Therefore, how can we be surprised to learn that the United States is no longer anywhere close to being "the land of the free" that it once was?
In fact, an American missionary to China recently told me that America's laws and regulations are, on the whole, more restrictive than the laws and regulations of Communist China. That is an astounding statement to make, but he insists that it is true!
Then again, when one considers the innumerable permits, fees, federal taxes, state taxes, local taxes, property taxes, assessments, zoning laws, land-use regulations, building codes, animal protection laws, environmental laws, ad nauseum, ad infinitum that are part of America's everyday life, it becomes easily apparent that the American dream has become an American nightmare!
America can only be "the land of the free" as long as it is also "the home of the brave." Unfortunately, bravery is one thing that appears to be absent from the character of most pastors, businessmen, fathers, and politicians today!
Until God raises up some modern day Patrick Henrys and John Witherspoons, it seems that the United States will continue its collapse into ever increasing servitude. Therefore, don't be surprised if when the next Heritage report comes out that America is not even among the top twenty freest nations on earth. The only surprising thing would be if anyone noticed.
© Chuck Baldwin
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And the top ten are . . . ?
The freedoms liberals fear we are losing are only the constraint of their unencoumbered failure to restrain themselves within the greater group. Privilege has its rewards and the rights taken only propose to rein in those who would harm society at large. It is not the individual rights of normal people lost but rather the right to be wrong when harm is the result.
I agree. This post would have more interest if the top ten were included. Also we could all make plans to emigrate to where it's really "free"/sarc
BTTT
Hong Kong
Singapore
Luxembourg
Estonia
Ireland
New Zealand
United Kingdom
Denmark
Iceland
Chile
It's odd that Hong Kong was up there, but given Dr. Baldwin's missionary friend's findings (above), it's plausible.
Bull! Misleading headline...............
This is a ridiculous article. At its core, it makes a good point -- America isn't as free as it should be. But to say that the U.S. is "collapsing into servitude." is ridiculous. And where does he get off insulting American businessmen and fathers for a lack of bravery?
Want to be #1? It's simple. Close the IRS.
What is the criterion used for this rating system?
I've lived in New Zealand. Yes very free but a 39% marginal tax rate that kicks in very early, and 12.5% GST. Puts most folks well over the 50% tax rate, not counting property tax. Health care through the public system is free though.
And prostitution is legal.
I guess "freedom" is in the eye of the beholder.
WHAT A BUNCH OF CRAP!!!
"the 2005 Index of Economic Freedom"
Economic Freedoms.... Are only one aspect of a society. Lets weigh in on others, like freedom of religion , the right to bear arms, etc...
While I am not surprised that the US ranking on Economic Freedom is so low, I would also like to see its rankings on other "freedoms".
You mean the UK is freer than the U.S.? Don't they have some crazy P.C. speech laws over there and higher taxes?
Obviously, it doesn't include the right to keep and bear arms.
Do I detect a whiff of Dopertarian in this?
Exactly! The article is totally misleading. What does the list of Social Freedoms look like?
Does he really mean, "America Not Among Top Ten Freest Economies?
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