nancy chisholm - January 14, 2011

very disappointed and angry.. this should not be coming from a once great nation, people need to stand together and fight for a turn around today. We need strong , moraled leaders with backbone, courage and integrity. How about some TRUE GRIT like my father and grandfather…They would lay there lives down for this country with out a second thought.

Charles Seip - January 14, 2011

It’s not just the Federal Govt that takes big steps and has a big impact on our future.
All the State and local government’s each passing new rules regulations and taxes are just as devastating to the future of America as we used to know it.

Wanda L Whitney - January 14, 2011

I’ve never seen US citizens who willingly want our country to take a back seat to any other county. It’s not in our nature and hasn’t been since this country/nation began. I can only believe that the Democrats actions in the last two years has depressed our economy, and ultimately our way of life. We need to get back to our norm and never willingly give it up.

Rose Gobbel - January 14, 2011

It is our out of control mania for spending and crushing debt. Add to that all the regulations that we’re being buried with and you have a declining country. We’re told we “need” all the things the government is providing but the truth is they have the “need” to buy votes.

Lana - January 14, 2011

It seems that enviro-statists have facilitated policies that make it all but impossible to create and function as a business in the U.S., e.g. San Joquin Valley; infiltration of “sustainable development” on local levels, etc. They are largely responsible for the destruction of our economy. We need a Common Sense Conservation coalition that respects the environment, but negates the Collectivist agenda to hold them accountable and counter their lies.

Jerome D. Paulick - January 14, 2011

America’s economic and polical freedom are two sides of the same coin. They both are everything and without God they are nothing.

John Stankowich - January 14, 2011

Our present state is due to following the wrong principles for the last 100 years.
We must return io 18th century economics and political science. Everything since then has been a waste of time.

Virgil Evans - January 14, 2011

This is unnnecessary, yet preventable. Worst of all, it is reprehensible that we are represented by those who clearly do not have our best interests placed before all other considerations.

Rick & Linda Carnivale - January 14, 2011

Reclaiming economic freedom started with the Nov.’2010 elections. The ideologies of progressive leftist liberalism has diseased our Capitalistic culture for a century. The “rape” of taxpayer dollars is directly attributed to both political parties that have completely forgotten that politicians work for WE THE PEOPLE & not for the benefit of themselves. Under this corrupt Democrat Administration, the decline of our Nation towards Socialism has been shown for the destructiveness it truly is in a free society. STOP THE CRIMINAL DEFICIT SPENDING & ROOT-OUT THE SOCIALIST & COMMUNISTS THAT INHABIT OUR CONGRESS & PROSECUTE THEM FOR “ABUSE OF POWER” AGAINST THE WILL OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

Greg Holtzapple - January 14, 2011

Very, very sad. Such a great country going to hell because of lost, misguided politicians (including the president) . Our founding fathers are surely turning over in their graves. Our heritage and feelings of patriotism are being stolen and thrown away by the very people elected to protect them..

ron gawlitta - January 14, 2011

Freedom is most realized at home, in our towns, counties and staates. It is here that I see the most intrusion into the freedom, liberty, and property rights that we’ve long considered our birthright.
Baby bureaucrats, invested with “a little bit of power” are finding daily ways to expand and nourish that power until something as simple as building your home has become in many cases a year-long frustration. Zoning issues, while serving a useful purpose are subordinated to “Use permits” for enterprises that fit the zoning ordnances but the elusive “someone” decides we need to make this a bit more restrtictive, etc. etc…
Bottom line ; we’ve got to get serious about scaling back the restrictions we’ve put on the people that make our country go and grow and take to power out of the hands of the commisars!!

Kenneth Carter - January 14, 2011

There are two simple reasons why our ranking has fallen so low: 1) the despicable spending spree of the last several years. (2) Government at all levels regulating people and business into ill health. It is long past time to take a budget axe to every government entity. Eliminate czars and at least two cabinet level agencies; Dept. of Education and the D.O E. That is just a starting point.

Kerry Nipp - January 14, 2011

The policies of this administration are to destroy our country’s economic system to put more people in need of government assistance! so that the government can control more of our lives, taking away more of our freedoms! after all dictator’s like Hugo chaveze, Achmadinajad are who Obama looks up to, he wants to emulate them! Obama wants us to be a third world country!

Kathy Bessler - January 14, 2011

I believe many things and many people are responsible for our current plight and it thas been in the works for decades. Many have been asleep for generations and have failed to stand up and say enough! We have been in the process of a progressive takeover since nearly the turn of the 20th century. We nearly nullified state’s rights with the passage of the 17th Ammendment, allowed our educational system to become federalized, socialized and consequently–dumbed down. The press (our so-called watch dogs) are mostly bought & payed for and have let us down with one-sided bias. Almost all of mainstream media is the same. Shame on these last ones for it was in their power to be otherwise. We have lost millions in wars to hang on to and promote freedom in the world and yet we have been so manipulated that a good part of our nation doesn’t understand how much of that freedom we’ve lost and how very close we are to losing it all. If we’re to survive as the land of the free, we need to seek the truth of what’s been and is still being done to us. Capitalism is not a bad word. It’s what made us the envy of the world. It’s the only system that can provide indivdual freedom.which produces ingenuity. Progressive socialists abound in our schools, the media and sadly, our government at all levels. Many refuse to seek the truth and many more don’t want to know. We need a great awakening of ALL Americans & the will to face the painful truth.But truth we must have and a true knowledge of what we stand to lose for good.

D Fayette - January 14, 2011

Pretty simple–high taxation and over regulation.

L. George - January 14, 2011

Over the past fifty years, we have allowed our elected officials to undermine the Constitution of the United States. The purposes of the Federal branch of government is clear. Most laws passed have in some way usurped states rights. Even the courts have been stacked by progressives, who consider the Constitution nothing more than a document to change to societies whims. The has had a dramatic detrimental impact. Many of these decisions have divided Americans, because they were not based on the Constitution. We need a Congress and Senate who really understand the reason for an America, its values, and understands why so many people wanted to come here from their home countries.

William F Neal - January 14, 2011

I think our Government, Oil companies, the Central banking organization and all major Multi Billion Dollars Corporations have sold our once great nation out. There are far to many special interest groups in this country which only further fragments this nation. People from all walks of life are fighting against each other while our Federal and State Governments continues to destroy our Constitution and everything it stands for. Outsider nations are now deciding the fate of Americans with the full blessing of Our leaders. Our Leaders no longer wish to secure our borders,stabilize our economy, strengthen our nation or to even create jobs to shore up this collapsing nation. The new EPA standards that are being forced upon us will drive out all major manufacturing companies. This alone will have disastrous effects on all production oriented facilities. We need cleaner air no doubt but this is not the time to force already dwindling manufactures to relocate to other countries. Its almost impossible to even find American made products that have been designed manufactured and produced here in the USA. A free nation can only exist when the people control the Government by maintaining limited Government. People fight to defend either Democrats or Republicans and do not question what each state representatives agenda might be. Politicians say that they are here to represent us but ignore the voting polls, demonstrations and numerous rally’s by Documented Citizens demanding change. Closed door policies are enacted so the people have no voice in the legislation being passed.Buying voted through the passing of sweet heart deals for States, special interest groups and foreign entities have become common place. Our Government is so crooked and our nation of people are so fragmented that we can no longer function. People better resolve their differences and form a solid core to stop out of control Politicians. Financially it would probably take every dime that everyone in this country makes to put this nation back in the green. We are at the mercy of all the nations that have helped bail us out including the biggest one ( China) and although it is no longer politically correct to say this God Help Us. Look at world history and you will see that fragmented nation always destroy themselves.

Joanne E. Langdon - January 14, 2011

Without a second thought, I believe the Progressives/Liberals, working for decades, have brought the US to its knees. The average American did not see the stealth of it’s coming. The dependency created by Progressive policies will make it hard to relinquish our grasp of the sugartit the administrations have held out. The out of control bureacracy, creating power unto themselves in regulations and enforcement policies is frightening to this septuagenarian. I pray for this nation.

Susanna Pyron - January 14, 2011

Dear Heritage Foundation Researchers,
Thank you for the indepth study on Economic Freedom. I agree that confidence or the lack of it, in our government is a big influence on our downward direction. I also believe that the stimulus and TARP injections was poor action. Hoover and FDR prolonged the other great depression with the same kind of meddling.
I hope this information continues to substantiate the fact that government help is best held at bay. Let the Laissez Faire guys get it repaired faster.
Sincerely,
Susanna Pyron Florence MT

bob figley - January 14, 2011

I have been saying for 20 years that we should vote against the incumbents each election until we get someone who will look out for us, the US of A and not for there self perpetuation. Make these guys accountable and put the “public” back into public service. Why not term limits for congress and the senate, or better yet also get rid of the 18th ?? amendment and let the states elect the senators again???
the time has come for real change we can believe in. expose the lies about progressives and who they really are. Communists, big government elitists. Baaaa go away!! let real people run the government again!!! bob figley

george peckham - January 14, 2011

I would like to see heritage with a sharp agricultutist on
staff to comment on effect of tariffs, taxes,subsidies,
quotas. Cover land use, land treatment,productivity-
(long and short term) and economic effects.
Lets not lose sight of a major source of our productivity.

john uhrhammer - January 14, 2011

The government is thee problem! Czars ought to be fired! Let the 3 branches of government function. Quit paying for thing to NOT be done, grown, wasted. Reduce regulation by a vast amount! Erase “Obamacare”!

Janice Taylor - January 14, 2011

I think this is very sad.

carole boddicker - January 14, 2011

The dumming down started with the Dick and Jane reader. In the 60′s It was said that those who can-do. Those who can’t teach. Now those who couldn’t are running our universities. But of course the first duty is with the parents.There should not be a unionized teaching force and administration should be cut in half.

John Edwards - January 14, 2011

..Thank you for the information..It doesnt surprise me that our ranking has sank so low…It seems like the old communist countries are learning that communism just doesnt work…Now they are heading towards capitalism, and we are headed for socialism…It just doesnt make sense..This country grew in leaps and bounds since about the late 1800s, but now we have these so called “progressives” that want “change”…I pray to God that most of our citizens wake up before 2012…Its beginning to look better since Nov. 2010…Hopefully good will overcome, as it eventually always does, and real freedom and prosperity will come with it……Sincerely, John Edwards

Richie - January 14, 2011

The trouble is there is not enough truth in this
country. Congress has been lying to the American
people for so long its just normal to them. They
do not deal with the basis problems which would
stop a lot of the big problems. This need to have
a billion dollars to run for president is absurd.Getting
elected through the money you have to raise is more
important than doing the right thing. All of you should
join together now that you have the internet to reach
people. This is the only way we can force people
to make them change things in congress or
we will just have this democrat republican bull
going on for ever. They need the truth.

arnold cox - January 14, 2011

As long as the government continues to regulate trade and business our country will never grow only decline. Why should manufacturing and other business operate in the US when they can pay less tax elsewhere, which is a snowball effect on the economy. Our economy was built to depend on each part. One fails then another and so on till it all falls apart. No one working no sales, and no service companies because no one can afford them.

Robert Finkel - January 14, 2011

Clearly our government is responsible for our falling rank in the 2011 Index of Economic Freedom. But in a larger sense, we, the people of this country, are responsible. To paraphrase Mark Twain when he was asked why there were so many idiots in Congress, he replied, “You forget, sir, that we are a representative democracy.”

Joan McDaniel - January 14, 2011

The world banking community has been slowly strangling the USA since the Civil War. They have left the other parts of the World alone. We have had the effects of a systamatic destruction by the slow destruction of Freedom. But Freedom can not be destroyed.

S Rubicon - January 15, 2011

One thing is certain… unless & until organizations like Heritage begin to compile & public factual reports that show the details on economic freedoms, truthful accurate affects of legislation on our economy, and the fallacies of liberal socialist style policies, we will have liberals attempting to confuse the public with data designed to deflect responsibility onto others so their tax & spend ways can continue. We know taxation is not the answer. There is plenty of history to support this. So Heritage & others must consistently & constantly public reports showing why our free market is the solution. And we must refute those erroneous claims that the free market caused the recent economic collapse. That lie is being used while policies like the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) are glossed over. Fannie & Freddie still get a pass although anyone who has reviewed our financial mess knows they are responsible for the housing crisis. Simple political differences do not fully explain why some keep trying to hide the negative affects of bad financial policies that caused this crisis. If liberal or socialist ideology trumps what some think we should be doing, then we all should kow those same people really do not have the best interests of America in mind when they have acted or will act in the future!

L.Claudia Hanlonj - January 15, 2011

For the past decade, the U.S. has had a philosophy of consumer spending leading to personal debt and the government has a spending philosophy which has made the United States the greatest debtor nation the world has ever known. How intelligent people can be convinced that this will lead America to prosperity is a total mystery!!! America needs to take drastic steps on the personal and government level to get out of debt. Government is killing businesses with regulations, with Obama Care and taxes. Repeal Obama Care and get rid of IRS. Have a consumer flat tax. Educate our children (and their parents) about the connection between money and freedom to choose and we will all save more. Put more money in the hands of the people. I have faith that Americans ….if they are told the TRUTH…..they will do what is necessary to restore fiscal responsibility to our country. President Obama, you must learn that the government that governs the least; governs the best!!!!!!!

George Barker - January 15, 2011

This decline doesn’t really surprise me. The voting public keep electing officials who give them more benefits/entitlements. When people take less responsibility for their own welfare they abrogate that power to the government. Until people take responsibility for themselves our decline in economic freedom will continue.

Ross writes - January 15, 2011

I long for the days when the President’s job was to guard the shores and the borders, regulated interstate commerce BETWEEN states, and go golfing. The day when government employees were understaffed, underpaid, nonunion and appreciated. Days when members of congress had businesses and farms to run because they were underpaid and politics was a duty, not a career of the meddlesome and the priviledged. The American people made America great, not the federal government. Commerce made America great, not unions. Local education made Americans great, not the federal Department of Education and teachers unions. Maybe congress meets to often and too long. I think it was said by Thomas Jefferson, ” When the Legislators(also Congress) are in session, our liberties are at risk.”
What made America great IS American exceptionalism and a inherit belief in God. And it can be again when the federal government is reined in and made to uphold the United States Of America’s Consitution. Afterall the people are the soverigns of this nation.

John Hyde - January 15, 2011

Obviously the current administration has contributed greatly to this situation, but Pres. Bush didn’t help matters. It’s largely due to liberal efforts to wreck the country.

Dale Krause - January 15, 2011

The reason for the decline in economic freedom here in America can be stated in one word: GOVERNMENT. The myriad of onerous rules, codes, regulations & laws enacted and enforced by various local, state & federal government agencies puts shackles on business activity & growth, and with that has stifled prosperity. We have a case here in the States of “Government Gone Wild”. where the imbiciles in Government (lawmakers & bureaucrats, etc…), or “Big Brother”, believes it knows better than us “lessers”, and must, by way of thousands upon thousands of rules, codes, regulations & laws control as many of our activities as possible, for we are too stupid in their eyes to manage our own lives. This mind set of our “betters” is a direct result of the disease infecting our country called Progressivism.
The first thing we as a Nation must do is to elect representatives who believe that freedom of the individual is paramount in this country, and who believe that, to paraphrase, “that government which governs least, governs best”. We need to start handing out pink slips to hundreds of thousands, if not millions of government employees who are nothing more than a drain on private enterprise & hence, individual prosperity; if there is a need for “services” these people once performed, then let the private sector, which can perform those tasks much more efficiently, fill those jobs.

Carol Muise - January 15, 2011

This downhill started with the Clintons. It had been planned for years while he was governor. Those same corrupt people are in the White House today. It is the trialateral group,at least30 of them are in the white house today.
Actually I think it goes wayback to Alan Greenspan
CM NY
e today.

Jill Garber - January 15, 2011

With the addition of “violent rhetoric” as their latest assault on American freedom, I fear this administration, unions and the political left are almost done bringing this country to its knees. Destruction which at the worst is irreparible, at best will take generations to unwind..yet, look at how they have masterfully flooded ( it seems ) everything, everywhere with their values entitlement and hatrid. People who just months ago were debating what is happening, are suddenly whispering and cowering in fear. They are almost done and I wonder, with our voices, unreported or silence, how, who, when and where will this ever end? God Help America.

Susan LeBlanc - January 15, 2011

You talk about present events that have caused and do cause our Economic woes. But, most importantly, the past inability of leaders to lead, people to use common sense, greed, money and no thought of tomorrow have caused our sad fate. You could not continue on such government wasteful spending, with no oversight and not go into debt. Allowing of people to buy over-priced homes way over their head and not reach an empty pocketbook. It is no surprise we are in this mess. Did no one see immigration as part of a deep welfare cost? We have people on welfare now because they can’t handle their lives because they tripped out on drugs and didn’t learn a thing through their orgy of life. Our children in school learning more about the goodies instead of the three R’s, while they can or can’t say the Pledge of Allegience. The government throws money at all these earmarks, whimsies and wonder why. I am thorougly disgusted.

James M. Hendris - January 15, 2011

This is a copy of a email I just sent this AM and from it all can see that I want OUR Country back. “We The People” know our country is in a huge financial mess and I know that our Debt Bomb started to get out of control over 100 years ago and that we need to reverse course immediatly.
My email
To all my friends and family across America,

Just wanted to send you a copy of an email I just sent to my 2
state Senators and my Rep in the House. Whether you agree with
my attitude on what OUR government should be doing with the
taxpayers and future generations of taxpayers money; I urge you
to contact your Sen. and House Rep. and let them know your
concerns and what you expect of your Employees.

For those that feel that this email is me Spamming them; I
apologize. Please let me know and I will remove you from my
address book.

My Email

Whereas the US federal government has raised the debt ceiling ten
times in the past ten years; and

Whereas there is no time like the present to stop recklessly
raising the government’s credit limit; and

Whereas the federal debt now tops $14 trillion and is larger than
the entire economic output of the United States; and

Whereas nations around the world are experiencing economic
collapse due to pursuing the same course of overspending and
borrowing;

Therefore I do hereby petition my members of Congress to vote
“NO” on any attempt to once again recklessly increase the federal
debt ceiling.
The Federal government must learn to live within our means before
it’s too late to recover from crushing debt and unsustainable
spending.
For the sake of our nation and our children’s’ futures I urge you
not to add to our nation’s staggering debt.

I am for a government that is rigorously frugal with the
taxpayers money. Limit the size of government, federal and state.
Roll back all unfunded mandates to the states. All federal
employees and elected officials easily make 3 to 6 times more
income than average taxpaying citizens, help by tightening your
belts, take at least a 10% pay cut and hold off on taxpayer
funded pay raises. This does not include the U.S. Military.
“We The People” have made our choice and we choose Economy and
Liberty over Profusion and Servitude.
The Federal budget should be as easily understandable as our
own household budgets are; it is NOT !! Get serious and guard the
General Welfare of our country and “We The People” will take care
of ourselves. Stay on the same ruinous necessity of adding to our
debt and not reducing our debt and the America you have Sworn to
Defend by following OUR Constitution will be lost and absolute
tyranny will follow.
DO NOT RAISE THE DEBT CEILING. All monies left over from the so
called Bail Outs should immediately be applied to paying off the
Principle of the National debt.
From this point forward NO MORE PORK SPENDING; if this type of
spending is required have it in the open for all taxpayers to see
and “We The People” will let OUR Government Employees ( That’s
You ) know if OUR MONEY should be spent on it.
Our Federal and State Governments need to read the Constitution
of The United States and on “every question of the Constitutions
construction” you should read the Federalist Papers which
explained in detail the meaning of the various parts. In this way
our governments can learn to stop “trying what meaning may be
squeezed out of the text, or invented against it and conform to
the probable one in which it was passed.”
Thomas Jefferson 1823

Mike

Robyn - January 15, 2011

OBAMA is DESTROYING OUR COUNTRY!!!

Herman Day - January 15, 2011

The American veersion of capitalism has been undermined by basic factors: A punitive oppressive lawyer driven tax scheme; a corrupt and greedy hierarchy that is short sighted and short-term profit driven; a blood-sucking group of labor organizations; an ignorant and complacent populace; a “progressive” trend that is focused on creating crises so severe that the public will ultimately despair and beg for bigger and bigger government to save them. Saul Alinsky, Cat Sunstein, Obama and his anti-American cohorts are conspiring to destroy this nation and we, like sheep, are allowing them to succeed. If these are not the End Times, they are a precursor thereto.

gil pallen - January 15, 2011

I would not put all the blame on politicians but rather on corporate america that have transferred all the jobs to a communist country (China) and have grown so big that they can bribe our politicians and for this I blame them. I hope you read and comment as I am not going to give to non-responding organizations.

Laurel - January 15, 2011

Obama is a very dangerous man to be our president. And he ignores what he doesn’t like in the Constitution and is stonghandedly pushing his agenda to level the playing field worldwide. Especially bringing up third world countries, as we are seeing first hand. Need to get him out! He terrifies me. Respectfully submitted.

Sol Pitchon - January 15, 2011

The party responsible is indeed the Obama Administration that promotes decline of America’s Exceptionalism, subject America to United Nations jurisdiction, loss of Sovereignty. Our suggested solution is in the following message:
11/2/10
WE THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN. WE MEAN IT
The Obama Administration had forgotten that the State is composed of PUBLIC SERVANTS, not PUBLIC BOSSES. They had forgotten that all PUBLIC SERVANTS had sworn to UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION and had passed laws turning their back to it.

WE THE PEOPLE repeated time and again that we are not LEFTISTS. WE WANT THE GOVERNMENT TO UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION, and this applies also TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT that had also obviated it.
Most of the Government cleansing has already been done. The rest will take place in 2012. We promise.
In our opinion: since we intend to uphold our CONSTITUTION, the new Administration’s job should be to repeal ALL LAWS AND APPOINTMENTS MADE VIOLATING THE CONSTITUTION. As long as those are still implemented the newly elected will have their hands tied. We believe that these are the first actions that should be taken:
- dismissal of all czars and illegal appointees
- repeal of Obamacare and all illegal executive orders
- banning of closed door legislating
- repeal all laws that had been passed without Congress having any knowledge of it. Obamacare was first “passed” in order to learn what it contained. No more “Chicago style politics”
- Dismissal of the 300,000 new Federal employees that are unnecessary.
- Reinstate THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE in all Public Schools. Ban all Pledges to individuals.
- Return the Education decision to the States, not the Executive
- Ban the teaching of alien unauthorized religions in Public Schools.
Remind all 3 BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT of their oath to uphold the CONSTITUTION. Any effort from any member to block any reform by using unconstitutional maneuvers will be remembered at the 2012 election.
We will enhance our EXCEPTIONALISM and our SOVEREIGNTY as well as regain the whole world’s respect recently tarnished.

Mama Grizzly-Tea Party Leader - January 15, 2011

The news that America’s “freedom” rank has dropped to 9th in the world is more than distressing, its diappointing. I am a 12th generation descendent of Captain Miles Standish, of Mayflower fame. Freedom, America and all things liberty-driven are in my blood. As just one woman, an American Woman, the past two years have been more than frustrating–as more often than not, I’ve not had representation in DC. The elections in Nov. 2010 were a good start, but we have quite a long way to go to actually get the ship turning away from the iceberg. What I don’t see is a hunger, a thirst, a desire for excellence in our elected leaders in Washington. Where are the entrepreneurs, the innovators, the creators, the leaders of business, energy, automotive, technology, medicine, education and why have they been so silent? Is there really such an underlying fear that these men (and some women) are afraid to speak up for truth, justice and the American way? Where is Superman? Well, I’ve seen Superman and it resides in the hearts of every liberty-loving Patriot and tea party member in this great country. The cavalry is coming America. I just pray that she can hold on until the reinforcements get there. May God bless us and go before us to make the path toward prosperity, liberty and a spiritual renewal that will enable us to not just tackle that challenges that lie ahead; but conquer the tyrannical element within our ranks who seek to destroy the foundations that make this country excellent.

ufosrreal - January 15, 2011

At the present time I beleive the reason for loss of economic freedom in America is due to the greedy political class running government and creating punishing, confiscatory legislation.

Marie Rash - January 15, 2011

I’m not an economist, but I don’t think that the decline in our economic freedoms and prosperity can be blamed on any one person or events. It has been years in the making by many who want to see this country become a socialist nation and by the rest of us who did nothing to oppose them, starting at the local level of government and on up. It is encouraging that many citizens are waking up and becoming involved. Thank you, Heritage Foundation, for your efforts and leadership in promoting freedom in all areas of our society and in the world.

James Clark - January 15, 2011

The growing Government regulation, controls, bureaucracy and invasions of privacy.

David Tilley - January 15, 2011

Until members of congress, senate and the president understand economics 101, we will continue to drop. Instead of following the examples of the top rated nations, our government strives to be more like the lower ranking nations and appears to not understand why we are dropping unless that is the intent. Lower taxes and less regulation would turn us into an investment climate like Hong Kong.

Clayton Bean - January 15, 2011

Unfortunately, our slow economy is due, in large part, to our enormously high tax rates (of all kinds), the multitude of new regulations, the new Health Care bill, suppression of developing our natural oil, gas, and coal resources, the gargantuan increase in our national debt, and the resultant uncertainty of the direction of our country. All of these are directly attributable to President Obama’s policies and actions. Americas’ future would be restored with the reversal of the above sources of actions/policies.

kim - January 15, 2011

The Heritage Foundation played a key part in the downfall as they know. Ain’t seen nothing yet, right folks?

Ken Hamburger - January 15, 2011

You guys need to get a grip. Look at your own data: The first two ‘countries’ are really cities, and the rest are socialist countries that have everything the loyal and patriotic Right Wingers think would be so awful for America.
Try this thought experiment: try to envision the USA adopting the political and economic policies of, say, Denmark or Switzerland or the health care policies of Canada.
And, get a reality check at the same time.
Are you really promoting Ireland as a model for the US? Go Google ‘Ireland’ and ‘d\economy’ and check out your recommendations.

SEANNACHIE ERINNACH - January 15, 2011

And, of course” the following had absolutely nothing to do with the decline :
– One stupid and ill-thought out war totally “off the books” and unpaid for. (Or paid for with borrowed money)
– Another war, also unpaid for, characterized by massively poor decisions and world class corruption.
– massive tax cuts favoring the very top of societal elites at the expense of fiscal soundness
– A morally bankrupt governmental/financial system geared only towards its own self preservation at whatever cost to the nation as a whole.
– The hollowing out of American industry by exporting jobs and technology offshore to insure profits for the few at the expense of the many.
-The decline of our legislative and judicial institutions in face of a pervasive “pay to play” mentality – “the best government money can buy” is now a reality.
I could go on “ad infinitum” but what’s the use?
Keep it up. With cheerleaders like Heritage it will not be long before the old cry “U.S.A. Number One”
will be a sad international joke.
I weep for my country and what i fear must befall it.

Eldon S Wright - January 15, 2011

The USA has let the size and control of Bureaus grow to massive status. The congress has not maintained control; and and fails to assert oversight in the rule making of Bureaus. We have thousands of unelected officials writing rules that the country is expected to follow. We cannot even buy a light bulb that we want or plumbing for our homes. Also, it is not fair for taxpayers and buyers of power to be required to pay for cars and transmission lines desired by others.

Robert DiNicola - January 15, 2011

Our country has too many liberal-socialist activist groups in charge and in our Gov’t. They are the ones holding us back from more free-enterprise, by over-regulating, over taxing, and stunting jobs & growth by mandating—no drilling, etc. The more economic freedom—the more individual freedom.

Richard Schwan - January 15, 2011

Get rid of the unions and lower wages . lower prices
stop government spending . We are buying cell phones for people now . and union workers are making 40.00 dollars an hour and more . I wonder why the car industry has to barrow money from the government. Maybe the unions have taken to much?

luana - January 15, 2011

I don’t understand why folks are so surprised or upset about America dropping in the economic world. I am no expert and I could tell what we have been doing and not doing for the last 100 years. We created a culture of entitlement; removed personal, government, educational, and professional accountability; removed the foundation of principle, which is Judeo-Christian worldview; transferred all manufacturing to other countries; sold ourselves to the devil with mega-debt. Too bad, so sad. The country is now divided and not inclined to receive a dose of humility so as to repent. Wish I were president or a federal judge. No one listens to preachers, because they don’t preach the truth any more. Too bad, so sad. On my knees…

Johnnie dickerson - January 15, 2011

The cause is “sinovus”. Simple and plain.

Sharilee Roper - January 15, 2011

I feel cheated by politicians who think they know better than the people what is good for us. I feel that Obama has done more damage to this country than any other U.S. president in history, and in only 2 years. Let’s replace him and get back to the Constitution that gives us the freedom to thrive under our own power to create and produce. Repeal Obamacare and stop spending our Children’ future.

B.D. Warren - January 16, 2011

To borrow General Schwatzkopf’s phrase, spare me the bovine excrement. The gov’t's “spending spree” caused the current economic distress?!? Please! I may not be as smart as Edwin Fuelner, but I’m not a complete idiot. It’s pretty damn obvious that the banks created this mess through greed and avarice, and they got away with it because the government had no way to stop them. Now, just maybe, we think it’s better than banks have the latitude to get us in trouble because that means they also have the latitude to make exceptional profits, and, as a society, we’re willing to take that risk. But let’s be honest about it. This happened because we chose to accept risk to get profits, not because of any “spending spree” that oure less ethical brethren might try to use as a cowardly excuse. As a retired military officer, I learned early on… NO EXCUSES, if you screwed up, OWN IT and move on. C’mon conservatives – let’s get honest with ourselves. The sooner we do, the sooner we can REALLY move on to succeed.

Gene Haberstock - January 16, 2011

The Democrrats actions by executive order and by Congress to take away our liberty and freedom are responsible for this decline and the lenght of this recession.

Hank Pearson - January 16, 2011

In order to reduce the size of government, we have to eliminate many of their “chosen” responsibilites, consequently, eliminating entire programs, jobs, related expenses and regulations. the only negative here is the job loss, but no doubt, these people can find something more productive to do. congress persons will then have more time to consider less, but more important programs.

since the Feral government created the department of education, have our children’s scores gone up or down? Since we formed the Dept. of Energy in the early 70s, have we become more or less dependent on energy in the US? shall I go on?

Dan Rudolph - January 16, 2011

Lack of invovement of good people is why we continue down this path. Our situation is not hopeless but it is a wake up call that I need fulfill my duty as a citizen of this country and get involved. It must begin at home and locally with each of us living our lives in obedience to God’s word; the rest must follow.

Richard H. Irish - January 16, 2011

What else would one expect? Obama promised that he would destroy our country so he could “CHANGE” it and he, with the aid of a compliant Congress, has been extremely successful!

Pamela Penar - January 16, 2011

I agree with the comment from nancy chilsom also. We are not we the people anymore government needs to back off and downsize. They should have to tighten their spending. Also if you say you are going to do it, do it. We need leaders not followers or people who play suck up to please their pocket book. If you are looking for a hand out go live in a different country where you are told what you can and can’t do. We have just begun the fight for our freedom and liberty!

Dr. Henry D. Sinopoli - January 16, 2011

As long as we promote the same politicians and enable them to continue re-election without consequence they will continue to tax & spend OPM = other peoples money, No pay increases, pensions and term limits needed…immediately

nancy r. henderson - January 16, 2011

O’Bama, Reid, Pelosi and all the paid-off dems
are responsible for this debacle and we need to
get rid of all of them. We also need to activate the passive American citizens who are just letting this happen and not voicing their opinions re: loss of our freedoms and devastation of our economy.

Peter Palecek - January 16, 2011

What is at fault? A cleverly masterminded peaceful communist revolution which deliberately destroys our freedoms, American and family values, morality and ethics, religion, 1st and 2nd Amendments, free enterprise, and our military. Have seen this all in my birthplace country and experienced evils of communism for few decades. We have no more democratic party as we have known it, it has all been hijacked by world causes of communism.

Macky Patton - January 16, 2011

Stop the spending and regulation from the admin istration for more growth.

forrest Meeks - January 17, 2011

One can do the history of a Liberal Government, Look to the past 30 some odd years of Liberal Government, even futher that 30 some odd years one can see the way things have been handled. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out where things have been upside down in American History We may ask why? There is no easy answer! Liberal control has meant to spend and remain lacadasical about their actions. It won’t be an easy task to turn things around at this point either

Rick - January 17, 2011

The leftest contiune to wrench control from the freedom loving people of the country. We need to rise up and protect our freedom and follow the rule of law. We are fighting a delusional few who control the entire spectrum of political thinking in this country. When will we step up and take back
our country.

Rachele Richards - January 17, 2011

We need to be engaged now, call, write, fax your
representatives, stay on top of it…don’t falter! We have
our country, our lives, our freedom to save. Make sure
the new house stops BO until the next election when we
will take both houses!

Patrick Kofmehl - January 17, 2011

It’s through the incremental good intentions and the lack of confidence in a free enterprise system, of our legislators, that inhibit and suppress business activity.

Marlys Nunez - January 17, 2011

We cannot be economically, or otherwise, free as the federal government usurps more and more power from the states and expands its jurisdiction way beyond constitutional authorization. The President legislates by executive order and dictates our lives through appointed, NOT elected, “czars”. The courts legislate by executing their proclamations when it is clear in the Constitution that only the Congress can rightfully legislate. The Congress legislates in areas that are not authorized by the Constitution.

The Federal Reserve Board steals our wealth by inflating the money supply and providing unlimited credit to the federal government which increases our debt daily.

If we are indebted to China and other countries (?) then we are not free. If we must depend on countries for our energy supply then we are not free. If Americans must bow to the world’s dictates through world potitical bodies such as the United Nations, then we are not free. If Americans must pay taxes to subsidize or provide for other foreign nations then we are not free. If our government will not enforce our immigration laws and secure our borders then we are in grave danger of violent or gradual invasion and erosion of our freedom.

America of all nations has the outline for freedom as its constitution. We can again be the freest of all peoples if we agree to submit to the limits and boundaries for our government that are set out in this document.

My prayer is to better understand our constitution, to support representatives that will honor and obey our constitution, and to vote in accordance with constitutional principles. May God help us to look to Him and not to any human government to come up with solutions to our problems. I believe that individuals and voluntary private organizations can find solutions to our problems more effectively and inexpensively than any government entitlement program.

Tom Hayes - January 17, 2011

I think it is a terrible situation our country is in at moment and I’m afaird it my get worse before it gets better. Our country need leaders who put the country before themselves or their parties.
The majority need to start standing up for the country and quit letting the minority have its way on everything. Hopefully the new House can get us back on track, but they will need a lot of support and pushing from us all.

Eric Benedict - January 18, 2011

When President Obama announced this and also announced that we had fallen to 12th place in education in our country,I could see the pride in his face. We are failing because of him and his economic agenda to destroy our country economocally. His goal is to make the other countries rich at our expense and thus cause us to fail. Obama sees us as the bad guys in the world so therefore we are going down and the sooner the better from his view point. I hope the Tea Party continues its efforts to hold the Republican’s feet to the fire and return this country to what the founders intended it to be. Obama came to office to fulfill a dream from his father and day by day he is doing everything he can to destroy this beautiful country.

Maurice Ford - January 19, 2011

We have to term limits and get these professional politicans out of Washington and get people who truly care about this country not thier personal power. We also need the Fair Tax and get rid of the IRS!!!

Hugh Nowak - January 19, 2011

Congress and the administrative regulatory agencies, including those at state and local levels have out-sourced U.S. capital, plain and simple. Too often it has become too expensive and burdensome for companies to continue doing business in this country.

tom in texas - January 22, 2011

Union Labor, backed by vote-buying “D” party, combined with a complete unwillingness on “R” side to do anything to protect US workers.

Unions price US labor out of the world market, and Neo-Con Free Traders allow for outsourcing of every possible US job. What’s left? Lawyers and house painters.

Daniel Baerthel - January 23, 2011

When will Heritage question specifically why this administration has taken the steps it has rather than those that would fix our economic issues? Why is it actively seeking our economic destruction – an interpretation support by the data? Just who and what does this administration stand for? Look at the Index results! These are not academic but necessary practical issues to resolve to know just what needs to be fixed first. The recent feint toward a more “moderate” stance is not going to improve our position on the Freedom Index.