You Though Maryland Was the “Free State”

March 9, 2009 by Cato  
Filed under Conservatism, Economics, Fiscal Policy, Taxes

Not according to a new study by George Mason University’s Mercatus Center.  This is their snapshot of the the not so free state:

Maryland is the fifth least free state in the country. The state is 34th in economic freedom but a distant 50th in personal freedom. Maryland’s impositions on personal freedom include the second-strictest gun laws in the country, and marijuana laws are fairly harsh (except that the first offense of high-level possession is a misdemeanor, and there is a weak medical marijuana law), motorists’ freedoms are highly restricted, gambling laws are tight, home schooling laws are burdensome (curricula must be approved by the government), centralized land-use planning is very advanced, eminent domain abuse is totally unreformed, victimless crimes arrest rates are high, and civil unions are not recognized. On the plus side, taxes on beer, wine, and spirits are fairly low, and overall Maryland has one of the least restrictive alcohol control systems in the country. Surprisingly, the state has not enacted complete smoking bans yet. On economic regulation, the state has the usual left-of-center failings on labor law, but more strikingly it has the second-most health insurance mandates in the country (they add 67 percent to the cost). (my emphasis)

This study is well worth reading.

If Maryland is such an enemy of liberty why does it rank so high in personal income?  The answer is real simple.  Federal installations, overpaid government workers, federal contractors and no shame when it comes to suckling on the federal sow.  There is no doubt that BHO will continue to enjoy widespread popularity in this neck of the woods.