New Hampshire free, New York not

[Keith and stuff]

Jason Sorens and William Ruger, the authors of the study, talk about the study on Reason.TV

 

[Rael]

This study is highly flawed in a few key respects. Don't get me wrong; I know NH is a beacon for freedom, especially compared to the surrounding states. But, for just one example, they have South Carolina listed as less free than North Carolina, and North Carolina even less free than Virginia. I can tell you as a native North Carolinian who's spent a great deal of time in SC and VA that this couldn't be further from the truth. Taxes are outrageous here compared to SC, gun laws are stricter (heck, we're not even "allowed" to have fireworks), and if charged with a felony here (charged, not convicted), you can have your DNA collected and put in a state database.

South Carolina is enviably, gloriously free in comparison (though certainly not as free as it could be). Whoever put this graph together also failed to note the amazing legislative successes that have happened in Wyoming and Idaho since the state nullification movements there have taken hold. You can now legally conceal a firearm in Wyoming without a government concealed carry permission slip. That's pretty darn amazing from my East Coast frame of reference.

Yeah but IIRC stores cant even open before noon on Sunday in SC which is really bass akwards and no alcohol sales on Sunday at all. Also, NC allows open carry of firearms and SC does not. VA bans radar detectors. I guess the state that's more free depends on which freedoms you value more.

 

[scottditzen]

The study is really interesting.

But yeah, it's very subjective dependent on what freedoms you value more.

Personally, I think they gave smoking bans far too much weight.

edit: I know you can visit their website and plug in your own criteria to get rankings more accurate to your beliefs. Haven't done that yet but will tomorrow.

 

[IDefendThePlatform]

Any updates from the potential NH movers in this thread?

 

[Keith and stuff]

Any updates from the potential NH movers in this thread?

Sorry, I am not sure I understand your question.

The 2009 Report used 2006/2007 data. It said NH was the freest state. The 2011 Report used 2008/2009 data. It said NH was the freest state. In 2009 and 2010, NH lost freedom. In 2011 and 2012, NH gained freedom. I think a new report will come out within a few months using 2010/2011 data.

As for NH, I'm loving it here. Do you have a question about NH or something?

 

[John F Kennedy III]

Freedom is also good for you health.

NH ranks six in greatest life expectancy by state.

http://www.npr.org/news/specials/longevity/


Good for your personal safety:

NH has lowest US violent crime rate:

http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/nhcrime.htm


Good for your economic well being:

NH has third lowest unemployment rate nationwide.

http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm


Freedom works, it's good for your body, mind, soul and bank account, statism kills, physically and psychologically.

It's no more difficult than that.

Amen bro.

 

[IDefendThePlatform]

Sorry, I am not sure I understand your question.

The 2009 Report used 2006/2007 data. It said NH was the freest state. The 2011 Report used 2008/2009 data. It said NH was the freest state. In 2009 and 2010, NH lost freedom. In 2011 and 2012, NH gained freedom. I think a new report will come out within a few months using 2010/2011 data.

As for NH, I'm loving it here. Do you have a question about NH or something?

I just saw a few "I'm considering moving to NH" posts from my fellow RPFers and was wondering if they had pulled the trigger yet. With Ron retired now I think the FSP is about the best chance we've got to actually make any gains.

 

[Keith and stuff]

I just saw a few "I'm considering moving to NH" posts from my fellow RPFers and was wondering if they had pulled the trigger yet. With Ron retired now I think the FSP is about the best chance we've got to actually make any gains.

OK, cool. I also like the FSP, as if you couldn't tell. If someone is considering the FSP, I recommend checking out NH. Don't just take what some of us pro-FSP say on this forum as the truth. IMO, the best time to visit NH is during Liberty Forum if you are just going to check out southeastern NH (where 80% of the people in NH live). Porcfest would be best if you want to check out other parts of the state. I like Liberty Forum because it happens during winter. Some people think the cold my be too much for them, they can find out during Liberty Forum. With Liberty Forum, you don't even need to rent a car as long as you stay at the hotel that hosts the event. The hotel will pick you up and drop you off at the Manchester airport as long as you tell the hotel when you reserve your room.

Liberty Forum February 21-24, 2013 - Crowne Plaza, Nashua, NH
http://freestateproject.org/libertyforum $99 if you order now. $199 if you want 5 buffets includes with your ticket. $99 plus taxes per night at the hotel. Some other motels in NH are as low as $50 plus taxes. There are 3 res truants within walking distance of the hotel, plus a restaurant at the hotel so you don't have to buy the meals package (though I recommend it for the networking).

Porcfest Roger's Campground Lancaster, NH June 17–23, 2013
http://porcfest.com/ I think it costs b/t $30 and $50 to attend. Plus $30 per campsite (you may share with up to 1 adult and your kids at no extra charge, a 3 and 4th adult each cost $5 extra per day) per day. The onsite motel and cabins are usually full. However, you can stay at the motel across the street or in town. However, there is a $5 per adult day fee that the campground charges to enter the campgrounds.

 

[WilliamShrugged]

I just saw a few "I'm considering moving to NH" posts from my fellow RPFers and was wondering if they had pulled the trigger yet. With Ron retired now I think the FSP is about the best chance we've got to actually make any gains.

Haven't moved yet but i am saving up to... be there hopefully in late 2013. no later than fall of 2014.

 

[Pauls' Revere]

I noticed that the states with the majority of the population were listed some of the least free. They also carry a large weight of the voters as well. No wonder were in the mess were in. No wonder every election becomes more meaningless.

 

[Keith and stuff]

In Remembrance... of the LIVE FREE STATE

New Hampshire Primary, both McCain and Romney had gambled much on the state. McCain had staked much on his grassroots efforts in the state he won in 2000, as well as the state with one of the most independent voting blocks which was McCain's favor. Romney, coming from neighboring Massachusetts, was known by many in New Hampshire and even owned a home in the state of New Hampshire. Pre-Primary polling showed McCain with a slight edge (32%-28%)with Huckabee leading Giuliani for third (12%-9%).

Primary results: McCain won 37% to Romney's 32% Ron Paul took one county.
McCain lost New Hamsphire in the Presidential general election to Obama 54-45%

What a difference 4 years makes

Results by town. Orange indicates those won by Romney, gold indicates those won by Paul, crimson those won by Huntsman. White indicates towns where there were no votes cast.

From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election_in_New_Hampshire,_2012

In 2012, Ron Paul took both towns Huckabee took in 2008. He also took several towns that were shaded white in 2008. Paul took several towns Romney won in 2008. He took dozen and dozens of towns McCain won in 2008.

More about the election in NH.
http://freestateproject.org/intro/ron_paul

 

[fr33]

^^ That's a pretty big improvement there.