Human Freedom Index

Human Freedom Index (Full Version)

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KenDckey -> Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 5:26:10 PM)
The Human Freedom Index presents the state of human freedom in the world based on a broad measure that encompasses personal, civil, and economic freedom. Human freedom is a social concept that recognizes the dignity of individuals and is defined here as negative liberty or the absence of coercive constraint. Because freedom is inherently valuable and plays a role in human progress, it is worth measuring carefully. The Human Freedom Index is a resource that can help to more objectively observe relationships between freedom and other social and economic phenomena, as well as the ways in which the various dimensions of freedom interact with one another. The report is co-published by the Cato Institute (US), the Fraser Institute (Canada), and the Liberales Institut at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (Germany). The index published here presents a broad measure of human freedom, understood as the absence of coercive constraint. It uses 76 distinct indicators of personal and economic freedom in the following areas: Rule of Law Security and Safety Movement Religion Association, Assembly, and Civil Society Expression Relationships Size of Government Legal System and Property Rights Access to Sound Money Freedom to Trade Internationally Regulation of Credit, Labor, and Business The Human Freedom Index (HFI) is the most comprehensive freedom index so far created for a globally meaningful set of countries. The HFI covers 152 countries for 2012, the most recent year for which sufficient data is available. The index ranks countries beginning in 2008, the earliest year for which a robust enough index could be produced. This preliminary report will be updated (using data for 2013) and subsequently presented and updated on a yearly basis. On a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 represents more freedom, the nonweighted average rating for 152 countries in 2012 was 6.96. The level of global freedom stayed about the same compared to 2008, but almost all countries experienced changes in their ratings, with about half of those increasing their ratings and half decreasing. The top 10 jurisdictions in order were Hong Kong, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The United States is ranked in 20th place. Other countries rank as follows: Germany (12), Chile (18), Japan (28), France (33), Singapore (43), South Africa (70), India (75), Brazil (82), Russia (111), China (132), Nigeria (139), Saudi Arabia (141), Venezuela (144), Zimbabwe (149), and Iran (152). Out of 17 regions, the highest levels of freedom are in Northern Europe, North America (Canada and the United States), and Western Europe. The lowest levels are in the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia. Women’s freedoms, as measured by five relevant indicators in the index, are most protected in Europe and North America and least protected in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa. Countries in the top quartile of freedom enjoy a significantly higher per capita income ($30,006) than those in other quartiles; the per capita income in the least-free quartile is $2,615. The HFI finds a strong correlation between human freedom and democracy. Hong Kong is an outlier in this regard. The findings in the HFI suggest that freedom plays an important role in human well-being, and they offer opportunities for further research into the complex ways in which freedom influences, and can be influenced by, political regimes, economic development, and the whole range of indicators of human well-being. http://www.cato.org/human-freedom-index More detailed information is available for download at the bottom of the link.

Real0ne -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 5:40:03 PM)
it examines systems, not 'actual' freedom experienced. not everyone has equal access to take advantage of the systems. That and they always use the word democracy when the correct word is plutocracy. the only democracy we have in america is the ability to vote for our plutocracy. neither is wealth a gauge of freedom.

Sanity -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 5:49:28 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: KenDckey Countries in the top quartile of freedom enjoy a significantly higher per capita income ($30,006) than those in other quartiles; the per capita income in the least-free quartile is $2,615. The HFI finds a strong correlation between human freedom and democracy. Hong Kong is an outlier in this regard. Viva la capitalism

Real0ne -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 5:51:52 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Sanity Viva la capitalism [8\|] The top 10 jurisdictions in order were Hong Kong, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The United States is ranked in 20th place.

KenDckey -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 6:08:20 PM)
Did anyone besides me see that the US was ranked low in Rule of law - Procedural - Civil - Criminal Political influence on media content There were other markdowns, but these 4 are the largest. No country was found perfect.

Real0ne -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 6:58:44 PM)
sure did, and 20th over all. we SUK but have great propaganda ministry and a nation of dumb americans. its 100% consistent with the complaints I have leveled time and time again. The judicial and legislative are corrupt to the core. Just look at all the myths americans believe. Reality is far too depressing for their glass houses to withstand the strain! Besides they did their party and elected the next group of plutocrats!

KenDckey -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 7:03:22 PM)
I think you forgot the administration which enforces the laws.

Real0ne -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 7:06:17 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: KenDckey I think you forgot the administration which enforces the laws. administrations [8D]

KenDckey -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 7:09:03 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Real0ne quote: ORIGINAL: KenDckey I think you forgot the administration which enforces the laws. administrations [8D] :D

Zonie63 -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/30/2015 9:20:48 PM)
Another survey to measure freedom is the one provided by Freedom House. This was their report for 2015. While the Cato Institute puts Hong Kong as the most free in the world, Freedom House's ranking puts Hong Kong as only partly free. quote: Hong Kong received a downward trend arrow due to restrictions on press freedom and freedom of assembly surrounding protests against a Chinese government decision to limit candidate nominations for future executive elections. Another anomaly is Singapore, which is also considered Partly Free by Freedom House, yet the Cato Institute puts them at a ranking higher than many other nations considered Free.

bounty44 -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 4:51:42 AM)
the kicker here is conservatives/libertarians and liberals do not share the same definitions or understanding of "freedom", or we don't place it on the same level of values, so im going to guess the lefties see something like this and if they are not saying "so what?" then they are at least not saying "oh, we need to rethink what it is we are doing!"

Tkman117 -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 5:01:02 AM)
That's true, cons see it as a rules exempt free for all where you do whatever you want regardless of the consequences, wheras liberals see it as you being free to do as you'd like as long as it doesn't negatively impact another person.

KenDckey -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 5:34:16 AM)
Hence the study was made up of both liberal and conservative groups. quote: TKman117 That's true, cons see it as a rules exempt free for all where you do whatever you want regardless of the consequences, wheras liberals see it as you being free to do as you'd like as long as it doesn't negatively impact another person. That is not quite true. but if you think so then cool. So since you do believe this, why is it that liberals can tell us how to spend our paycheck? What to eat? etc.

Tkman117 -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 5:54:50 AM)
Well then enlighten me then. And we dont tell you how to spend your paycheque, if you wish to live in the country and state you do, then you're expected to contribute to the overall maintenance and well being of said country and state through taxes. If you don't like that then emigrate to a country with lower taxes. Not to mention, I've been to the USA several times, and the sheer number of pay gates on highways where you need to pay money to continue driving in order to help maintain the roads is idiotic. You people still have taxes it's just dressed up to look like free market capitalism, and you're probably paying much more for it than you would in taxes anyways. In terms of eating, I'm not sure what you're talking about, but if you mean changing school lunches to be healthier, the I dont understand how that is a bad thing? Why would you want to perpetuate a culture of obesity, diabetes and heart disease? Simply put, we rarely deviate from the habits we establish as children, so how is it a bad thing to try and instil good, healthy habits in children? Just because they're not allowed to have pizza and burgers every day through the school system, it does not restrict their freedoms, since their parents could easily send them with those food in a lunch box. If you're so upset that liberals are trying to ensure the maximum number of people are better off in your country, then how can you be proud to be a conservative? Liberals work to make the lives of everyone better by making sure everyone pays their own share. If you earn more, you contribute more, if you earn less, you contribute less. No one is trampled, no one is oppressed, and the top earners aren't being forced into poverty because they're still making millions. I'm not saying everyone should make the same income, since that's straight up socialism and that demonstrably doesn't work. But a social government mixed with a capitalist economy works, just look to the dozens of western nations in Europe who do it oh so better than you.

tweakabelle -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 6:28:57 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: KenDckey The index published here presents a broad measure of human freedom, understood as the absence of coercive constraint. It uses 76 distinct indicators of personal and economic freedom in the following areas: Rule of Law Security and Safety Movement Religion Association, Assembly, and Civil Society Expression Relationships Size of Government Legal System and Property Rights Access to Sound Money Freedom to Trade Internationally Regulation of Credit, Labor, and Business While I haven't taken a look at the index in more detail, the broad headings listed above seem to have some serious omissions and biased weightings, which I suppose is to be expected as the Cato Institute a well known right wing institute appears to be one the prime movers behind the index. Notably absent is any measure of physical health and health care systems. One may also detect an abundance of economic factors some of which are questionable. For instance, it seems to me that "Size of Government" is a measure that might enjoy a right wing monopoly - its usefulness is not immediately apparent to many who don't share the right wing/libertarian ideologies. Funnily enough one might expect these biases to boost the USA yet the index rates it 20th, well behind such 'High taxes/Big Govt' countries such as Sweden Denmark and Finland. Despite using measures such freedom of assembly, expression association Hong Kong, which has a less than impeccable reputation in these areas, scored highly. All up the biases, questionable criteria and rankings contribute to an impression that the index fails to accurately reflect the state of freedom in today's world. So I for one won't be putting a lot of faith in its findings

KenDckey -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 6:44:36 AM)
I don't argue with the goals for the most part TK. I argue with the implementation of those goals. American's should have healthcare. Emphasis on should, however now they have no choice, well they do, they can violate the law. Then there is "you can keep it" and "it isn't a tax" lies. Not only do they mandate us to have it but they tell us what we must have. Doesn't matter what we want. And SCOTUS affirmed it was a tax. BTW I also have problems with insurance companies using non-medical personnel to make medical decisions over riding what doctors with first hand knowledge say. I have a problem of banning foods because they cause obiesity. If I choose to be obese (not those that have a medical condition that makes them so), then it is my choice, not the governments. Educate me yes, but the choice should be mine and not the governments. Mandating anything will cause consternation within the community. Taking over the educational system, food, insurance, doesn't matter which. And opposition is good. The forefiture laws were created by Reps for the most part. I fight against that. Why, because the Constitution, at least in my opinion, doesn't allow it and it violates due process. That is like do I support Gay Marriage. The answer is no. Not that I oppose gay legal unions, but solely the term marriage which has been around with the meaning man/woman union for so many hundreds of years. Don't change the meaning, create a new term that has a similar meaning that encompasses both. Again, I support many of the leftist goals, but not the implementation process, where personal choice and responsibility is taken away and given to government. I also oppose calling people names because they don't like the implementation process.

KenDckey -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 6:46:53 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: tweakabelle quote: ORIGINAL: KenDckey The index published here presents a broad measure of human freedom, understood as the absence of coercive constraint. It uses 76 distinct indicators of personal and economic freedom in the following areas: Rule of Law Security and Safety Movement Religion Association, Assembly, and Civil Society Expression Relationships Size of Government Legal System and Property Rights Access to Sound Money Freedom to Trade Internationally Regulation of Credit, Labor, and Business While I haven't taken a look at the index in more detail, the broad headings listed above seem to have some serious omissions and biased weightings, which I suppose is to be expected as the Cato Institute a well known right wing institute appears to be one the prime movers behind the index. Notably absent is any measure of physical health and health care systems. One may also detect an abundance of economic factors some of which are questionable. For instance, it seems to me that "Size of Government" is a measure that might enjoy a right wing monopoly - its usefulness is not immediately apparent to many who don't share the right wing/libertarian ideologies. Funnily enough one might expect these biases to boost the USA yet the index rates it 20th, well behind such 'High taxes/Big Govt' countries such as Sweden Denmark and Finland. Despite using measures such freedom of assembly, expression association Hong Kong, which has a less than impeccable reputation in these areas, scored highly. All up the biases, questionable criteria and rankings contribute to an impression that the index fails to accurately reflect the state of freedom in today's world. So I for one won't be putting a lot of faith in its findings DId you notice in your more depth analsys that the liberal side was represented, not just CATO.

Thegunnysez -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 8:45:52 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Sanity Viva la capitalism quote: Hong Kong, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The United States is ranked in 20th place. If one considers that Hong Kong is not a country but part of China and looks at the rest on this list one finds they are socialist not capitalist. The U.S. comes in a dismal 20th.

Thegunnysez -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 8:48:40 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: bounty44 the kicker here is conservatives/libertarians and liberals do not share the same definitions or understanding of "freedom", or we don't place it on the same level of values, so im going to guess the lefties see something like this and if they are not saying "so what?" then they are at least not saying "oh, we need to rethink what it is we are doing!" The op did not post data from a liberal site.

NorthernGent -> RE: Human Freedom Index (8/31/2015 9:46:04 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Real0ne quote: ORIGINAL: Sanity Viva la capitalism [8\|] The top 10 jurisdictions in order were Hong Kong, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The United States is ranked in 20th place. That's four English inspired cultures of the top 10. Americans, you should have stuck with us - you'd be as free as birds at this rate! In all seriousness, not convinced with this study. Had a read and I'm still struggling to understand how and why they've arrived at these scores.

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