[Little Ray]

With all the regulations, taxes, and whatnot we live under, and our huge prison population, it could be argued that the US isn't very free, either. Especially in places like LA, Detroit, Chicago, etc.

In GA, I know of a fellow in Cobb county that has been under house arrest for 3 years on a child molestation charge. The charge was made out malice and is almost certainly false; the DA can't prove anything so he keeps it from coming to trial. The guy is bankrupt, and was beaten half to death and permanently injured by a prison guard in a "training exercise."
That doesn't sound like a free country to me...

I think one fellow once described our current state as "anarcho-tyranny." The laws are only enforced against the law abiding or the folks trying to abide by them.

[technochick99]

"Useless laws weaken the necessary laws. – Montesquieu"

More laws, less justice. – Marcus Tullius Ciceroca (42 BC)

I suppose that we can discuss the nitty gritty all day, but I believe in the above. Each new law and each regulation (imposed by unelected, virtually unaccountable bureaucrats) which is given the power of law gnaws away at freedom and liberty. Just because it doesn't impact you (plural) in any way, doesn't mean that it is harmless.

Are some new laws necessary? Of course. However, I believe that they are far and few between.