Reader: How can states be called free when they frown on abortion, gay marriage and pot?

Last week, we shared analysis from George Mason University's Mercatus Center about the ten freest American states; Colorado took a significant fall in the annual study, finishing nineteenth. Our readers had plenty of questions about researchers' attempts to balance personal and economic freedom. Here's one example...

By Michael Roberts

September 30, 2013

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Last week, we shared analysis from George Mason University's Mercatus Center about the ten freest American states; Colorado took a significant fall in the annual study, finishing nineteenth. Our readers had plenty of questions about researchers' attempts to balance personal and economic freedom. Here's one example.

steven.pfefferle writes:

Anyone notice these are all heavy GOP states.... states that frown upon abortion, gay marriage, have the strictest laws on alcohol and marijuana.... but they have guns and little other regulation, so I guess they are free.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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