Weekly Opinion Editorial
LIBERTY & FREEDOM!
by Steve Fair
A recent study conducted by two George
Mason University
professors on freedom ranked Oklahoma as one
of the top five states in the U.S.
in overall freedom. The study evaluated
the fifty (50) states in three broad categories: Fiscal policy, Regulatory Policy,
and Personal Freedom. Using thirty eight
(38) sub categories, they complied the results and ranked the states
overall. The study has a definite liberal/libertarian
slant, but the scholarship and research appears to be fair and in most
instances accurate.
The two individuals who conducted the study provide their definition of
freedom. They write, “In our view, individuals should be allowed to
dispose of their lives, liberties, and property as they see fit, so long as
they do not infringe on the rights of others. This understanding of freedom
follows from the natural-rights liberal thought of John Locke, Immanuel Kant,
and Robert Nozick.” The two Profs
obviously lean libertarian and in some of the sub categories, they give high
scores to liberal states on social issues and low scores to more conservative
states, but the study is worth looking at.
In Fiscal Policy, Oklahoma
ranks third nationally, down from second in last year’s rankings. Tennessee
moved ahead of us this year. Fiscal
Policy includes the sub categories of tax burden (we rank second), state
government spending and debt. It appears
Oklahoma is
doing better than other states on government debt and spending, but we are
still at least eleven (11) billion dollars in debt in unfunded pension plan
liability. Before state leaders start
congratulating each other, they should ask themselves the simple question: Should state government be in debt at
all? Does our state constitution forbid
lawmakers borrowing money without a vote of the people? Should state government
be mortgaging our children and grandchildren’s future income? While Oklahoma
is doing fine vs. other states, we should heed the admonition of scripture
which says comparing ourselves with other states concerning debt- it’s just not
wise.
In Regulatory Policy, Oklahoma
ranks seventeenth (17), down from twelfth (12) last year. It would appear the study took into account
the ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court concerning tort reform. This sub category includes tort policies as well
as occupational licensing freedom. Indiana is the state
ranked first in this category. Not
surprisingly, California
is last.
In Personal Freedom, Oklahoma
ranks #28, same as last year. Alaska is first, Illinois
last. This category includes victimless
crime freedom (legalized prostitution/drug use) gun control (conceal/carry),
access to gambling, and educational freedom.
Good news for homeschoolers- Oklahoma
ranks #2 in the country in freedom for homeschoolers. In gambling access, the study ranks the
Sooner state at #28. What? I demand a recount. The state did jump four spots from last year.
The index did not include matters that fell squarely within the control of
the federal government, such as immigration and homeland security. While those
things do affect the experience of freedom in all 50 states, they do not fall
within the control of state and local governments.
What the index does show is that Oklahoma
is a state that has more liberty comparatively than most other states across
the nation, but it does reveal we have opportunities to improve.
President Lincoln said, “Those who
deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.” While Lincoln was talking about
the issue slavery, it certainly applies to other areas of freedom. Senator Tom Coburn said essentially the same
thing when he announced his intention to resign from the Senate at the
conclusion of this year’s session. “I’m going home to live under the laws I
supported and opposed while in Congress,” Coburn remarked. He
recognized that what he did in Congress impacted every American’s life.
So much of our personal freedom depends on who represents us in the state
legislature and Congress. Americans
should understand that with every governmental giveaway program, tax, fee, or regulation,
a portion of your freedom is sliced away.
Vet the candidates who are running this year. There will be many seeking your vote. Make sure the one who earns your vote will
stand up for your freedom.
As Patrick Henry famously said, “Is
life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and
slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but
as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
To view the study, go to http://freedominthe50states.org/
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