50 State overall Freedom Ranking...

[slyc_willie]

Ah.. You've explained yourself.

 

[Liar]

All nice and familiar.....it's been done...it's being done. The problem is that the people don't really elect leaders anymore. They rubber-stamp the choices given them. And those in power do what they feel like, without fear of the masses.

I'm not evil. I'm just running out of patience with these bozos, madam.

Maybe it's just that some here find it curiously convenient that you run out of patience now. It may not be your intention, but you choose the very same time to come out of the woodworks and bang your chest about saving your country from the corrupt fatcats at the top of the foodchain as the hordes of faux born-again right wing constitutionalists, who were quite content gagging on Washington's collective balls until, oh a little over hundred days ago. Hmm, I wonder what happened then.

Like I said. You may not be like that. But that's how it sounds.

 

[Liar]

Freedom is not about pissing in the woods like a bear. Which I love to do.

Naked and on all fours, with a salmon in your mouth?

 

[rgraham666]

My experience with Texas is if you want to be a damn fool, and you wave a big ol American flag while you're being a damn fool, you're probably going to get away with it. If your foolishness harms other Americans, there might be some repercussions, but if you only kill a Mexican you might get away with that.

What's the line about Texas I heard from a comedian yesterday?

Oh yeah.

"Other states are trying to do away with capital punishment. We're putting in an express lane."

 

[Liar]

And to say something on topic:

Freedom without opportunity, is fraud.

 

[NoJo]

Naked and on all fours, with a salmon in your mouth?

Shit I musta left the cam on again

 

[amicus]

"...We develop and justify our ratings and aggregation procedure on explicitly normative criteria, defining individual freedom as the ability to dispose of one’s own life, liberty, and justly acquired property however one sees fit, so long as one does not coercively infringe on another individual’s ability to do the same.

This study improves on prior attempts to score economic freedom for American states in three primary ways: (1) it includes measures of social and personal freedoms such as peaceable citizens’ rights to educate their own children, own and carry firearms, and be free from unreasonable search and seizure; (2) it includes far more variables, even on economic policies alone, than prior studies, and there are no missing data on any variable; and (3) it uses new, more accurate measurements of key variables, particularly state fiscal policies.

We find that the freest states in the country are New Hampshire, Colorado, and South Dakota, which together achieve a virtual tie for first place. All three states feature low taxes and government spending and middling levels of regulation and paternalism...."

~~~

The above from the link provided. Also searched the site for some statement that concisely outlined their basic philosophy, but found nothing definitive.

From the tone of some of the commentary, especially the Canadian parasite, it seems that many are at odds with the basic nature of America as expressed in our founding documents concerning individual freedom and responsibility for ones' actions.

One wonders if perhaps Cloudy and others might feel more at home in an European styled social state, but the Siberian outback, is probably not hospitable to those desiring a tribal existence, "in fact it's cold as hell' (Elton John lyric, Rocket Man)

I find it mildly amusing that more discussion of actual human individual rights and liberties is taking place now that we have a Socialist in the White House and a government hell bent on Nationalizing everything from Banks to Auto Companies to Labor Unions.



Ami

 

[slyc_willie]

My experience with Texas is if you want to be a damn fool, and you wave a big ol American flag while you're being a damn fool, you're probably going to get away with it. If your foolishness harms other Americans, there might be some repercussions, but if you only kill a Mexican you might get away with that.

What's the line about Texas I heard from a comedian yesterday?

Oh yeah.

"Other states are trying to do away with capital punishment. We're putting in an express lane."

Yeah, we're all a bunch of flag-wavin', truck-drivin', tabacuh-chewin' rednecks over here. I'm surprised no one's asked me how many rifles I have in my gun rack, or how many horses I have on my ranch.

Hey, Zeb! Pass me 'nother Kers Laht, will yuh?

 

[rgraham666]

Sorry slyc. I apologize for that. I'd take it down but it's too late.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Well, how many, huh?

We once took a look at Austin, thinking about moving there. We drove east from there, got caught in a speed trap, and, because we had CA plates, the two sherrifs tried to tear the car apart, looking for weed. Then they wanted us pay bail to to be arraigned, or pay the speeding fine of $2,000.00 dollars right then and there. Yes, two thousand dollars. No, we weren't driving a million miles an hour-- in an older Ford Escort, we couldn't possibly have driven faster than 80 MPH.

Glad we weren't black and from CA!

 

[slyc_willie]

Well, how many, huh?

We once took a look at Austin, thinking about moving there. We drove east from there, got caught in a speed trap, and, because we had CA plates, the two sherrifs tried to tear the car apart, looking for weed. Then they wanted us pay bail to to be arraigned, or pay the speeding fine of $2,000.00 dollars right then and there. Yes, two thousand dollars. No, we weren't driving a million miles an hour-- in an older Ford Escort, we couldn't possibly have driven faster than 80 MPH.

Glad we weren't black and from CA!

Yeah, Gosh, cuz we just so racist in Texas.

 

[Stella_Omega]

Yeah, Gosh, cuz we just so racist in Texas.

I hear an awful lot of racist news coming out of that freedom state. Your mileage may vary-- depends on who you are listening to.

Those guys sure were statist. They made it very clear they hated us. And they were purely availing themselves of their freedom to molest Californians.

Cuz we all of us is degenerit hippie dope smokers, and easy money for a local police force.

That was 1993.

 

[slyc_willie]

I hear an awful lot of racist news coming out of that freedom state. Your mileage may vary-- depends on who you are listening to.

Those guys sure were statist. They made it very clear they hated us. And they were purely availing themselves of their freedom to molest Californians.

Cuz we all of us is degenerit hippie dope smokers, and easy money for a local police force.

That was 1993.

The same could be said for just about any state you go to. I lived for six months in Torrance and saw no less racism there. I'll grant you that Texans are very proud of their state -- we have a lot to be proud of. And a lot to be shameful of, of course. There's no shortage of pros and cons anywhere you go, in Texas, California, or New Hampshire.

I have to say, though, that I find it more amusing than anything else how quickly non-Texans are to attack Texas.

 

[DeeZire]

I have to say, though, that I find it more amusing than anything else how quickly non-Texans are to attack Texas.

I find it amusing how quickly Texans are to attack intelligence, (or anyone who looks at them funny in a bar.)

http://rumanddietcoke.blogspot.com/2009/03/texas-debates-teaching-ignorance

Texas debates teaching ignorance or evolution

This week, the Texas Board of Education is debating whether to teach science in science classes, or to let all of the state's students grow up to be idiots.

More specifically, they are deciding whether to allow teachers to teach evolution--which is one of the most important scientific theories EVER, and has been accepted as fact by all natural and physical scientists for over 150 years--without also teaching its "weaknesses."

Some Texas citizens think they know better than teachers and scientists, and many are arguing that Texas should continue teaching the "strengths and weaknesses" of scientific paradigms like evolution, which allows for local school districts to quietly slip Creationism into the curriculum.

The AP reports on the high level of intelligence of those in favor of keeping the current law:
"'My grandfather was not a monkey!' one woman shouted at a crowd before the meeting began."

Definitely, we need to hear scientific testimony from people who think that evolution means that one's grandfather was a monkey.

Thankfully, the Board of Education did the right thing and voted to reject the "strengths and weaknesses" provision, and to allow teachers to teach evolution without having to include Creationist critiques of the theory. However, the vote was 7-7, with half of the board (all Republicans) wanting to continue to teach evolution as if it were some ridiculous idea full of holes and flaws.

People who think God should be taught in science classes may not have monkeys for grandfathers, but they do have shit for brains.

 

[sr71plt]

Yeah, we're all a bunch of flag-wavin', truck-drivin', tabacuh-chewin' rednecks over here. I'm surprised no one's asked me how many rifles I have in my gun rack, or how many horses I have on my ranch.

So, how many guns do you have in your gun rack, Slyc?

 

[Stella_Omega]

The same could be said for just about any state you go to. I lived for six months in Torrance and saw no less racism there. I'll grant you that Texans are very proud of their state -- we have a lot to be proud of. And a lot to be shameful of, of course. There's no shortage of pros and cons anywhere you go, in Texas, California, or New Hampshire.

I have to say, though, that I find it more amusing than anything else how quickly non-Texans are to attack Texas.

Abusing non-Texans isn't quite the same thing as "being proud of your state."

I don't recall that happening anywhere else in my travels, not even Alabama or New York.

 

[cloudy]

Abusing non-Texans isn't quite the same thing as "being proud of your state."

I don't recall that happening anywhere else in my travels, not even Alabama or New York.

Well, we're notoriously hospitable here.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Interesting...for all you freedom lovers.

In "Democracy in America," Alexis de Tocqueville anticipated people being governed by "an immense, tutelary power" determined to take "sole charge of assuring their enjoyment and of watching over their fate." It would be a power "absolute, attentive to detail, regular, provident and gentle," aiming for our happiness but wanting "to be the only agent and the sole arbiter of that happiness." It would, Tocqueville said, provide people security, anticipate their needs, direct their industries and divide their inheritances. It would envelop society in "a network of petty regulations -- complicated, minute and uniform." But softly: "It does not break wills; it softens them, bends them, and directs them" until people resemble "a herd of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd."

I myself do not want to end up being someone's industrious animal, nor do I want my grandchildren too.

And our current administration is hell bent on doing just as Alexis prophesied.

 

[Dragonlipz]

Yeah, Gosh, cuz we just so racist in Texas.

I got pulled over outside Arlington (about 12 years ago) with my coworker, a very, very, nice looking black woman. We both worked at Lockheed and had been out to dinner in Dallas. The two white cops actually asked me how she was, if she was hot, etc.
I told them to ask her themselves....

 

[Dragonlipz]

Interesting...for all you freedom lovers.



I myself do not want to end up being someone's industrious animal, nor do I want my grandchildren too.

And our current administration is hell bent on doing just as Alexis prophesied.

As opposed to the last administration.....Get a clue dude

 

[Zeb_Carter]

As opposed to the last administration.....Get a clue dude

Get a clue...I'm not defending the last administration...dude. Just saying the messiah isn't the dude to hang a hat on to solve any problems but his...expanding the scope of government to wrap you in a nice comfy blanket that you can pull over you head when the bogyman comes to get you and get your cake and cookies from.

 

[amicus]

]Interesting...for all you freedom lovers.



I myself do not want to end up being someone's industrious animal, nor do I want my grandchildren too.

And our current administration is hell bent on doing just as Alexis prophesied.[/I]

~~~

Thank you for that excerpt, Zeb, well worth remembering as is the work itself, for many reasons.

Musing here, as I do not recall, but this concept concerning Democracy in general, seems appropriate in the here and now, it seems.

Although I am much maligned for my opinion, women in the voting mix and in office, have pretty much legislated feminine issues and thus corrupted the intent of an independent democracy serving ideals codified in our founding documents.

But, closer to the point, it seems the inevitable conclusion to democratic rule is that sooner or later those in power will corrupt the concept to serve themselves. Perhaps we are fortunate to have survived this long, with the social democrats nipping at our heels, and I have no doubt that revolution is and will be the only means to regain individual freedom.

I am currently viewing a History Channel program, "Russia, Land of the Tsars", and revolution, the advent of the Industrial Revolution and change afoot in Europe, led to a great change in Mother Russia. A very interesting series if you haven't seen it.

Amicus

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Your welcome...

No I haven't seen it as we don't get the History Channel on our sat. package.

 

[sr71plt]

Get a clue...I'm not defending the last administration...dude. Just saying the messiah isn't the dude to hang a hat on to solve any problems but his...expanding the scope of government to wrap you in a nice comfy blanket that you can pull over you head when the bogyman comes to get you and get your cake and cookies from.

You have cake and cookies? Did they come to you on a road and without mold on them and/or delivered by a Taliban insurgent? Think about it.

 

[WRJames]

My experience with Texas is if you want to be a damn fool, and you wave a big ol American flag while you're being a damn fool, you're probably going to get away with it. If your foolishness harms other Americans, there might be some repercussions, but if you only kill a Mexican you might get away with that.

Hadn't seen your post about Austin -- for the most part it was pretty laid back