The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[Alex]

Poking in the data (available here) is interesting.

Idaho is a freer state than New Mexico because they have compulsory education from ages 7-16 rather than 5-18. By Libertarian definitions definitely true. But many people wouldn't think this is an issue of "freedom" at all.

Kansas is freer than New Jersey because it allows students to be home schooled but has no curriculum requirements.

Arkansas is freer than Alabama because it allows you and your passengers to sit around with open beers while driving.

Any form of civil union, domestic partnership, or same sex marriage are considered equally "free." Obviously there are plenty who disagree that one is just as good as the other and others who disagree on whether this is an issue of freedom at all.

Not letting you get married because of closeness of genetic relationship has no bearing on freedom but actually requiring a blood test to prove it does.

Anyway, I have libertarian inclinations so many of the things they measure I agree with on a philosophical level. But so far I'm not buying into their relative measurements.

They ignore abortion access, for example. As well as age of consent (it is a restriction on freedom to require a 16 year old to go to school but not one to criminalize sex with a 19 year old). Death penalty is also excluded though many would consider that a significant abrogation of rights. Nothing about border control or illegal alien services (open borders being a libertarian ideal).