EDITORIAL: Louisiana, Land Of The Less Free
The Daily Advertiser (excerpt)

As Americans, we live in the land of the free. According to a study by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, however, Louisiana residents live in one of the least free of the southern states. Only West Virginia and Maryland are less free.

The authors, William Ruger of Texas and Jason Sorens of New York, say, "The idea is really that policymakers will take a look at the data we've compiled, take a look at the individual policies, and the fact that citizens are leaving states that are less free for states that are more free, and figure out ways to improve their state."

Tax measures are robbing us of our freedom, according to the study.

Louisiana's sales taxes are the highest in the country, as calculated as a percentage of the corrected Gross State Product.

The report criticizes Louisiana on its punishments for drug offenses and its health- insurance mandates.

"Asset forfeiture needs reform," the report stated. "The liability system is among the very worst in the country. Arrest rates for victimless crimes are extremely high."

An important aspect of the study is the determination that economic and personal freedoms are factors in where people decide to live. The out-migration in Louisiana and other "less free" states from 2000-07 was 4 to 5 percentage points greater than other states, the report said.

Authors of the report say Louisiana can improve its economic future by embracing fully the knowledge economy of the 21st century.