WI Gets Poor Ratings on Respecting Freedom

And it's too damned cold

MADISON – Wisconsinites' level of freedom grew slightly throughout the first decade of the millennium yet compares poorly with most other states, according to a new report from the Mercatus Center.

Mercatus is a free-market think tank based at George Mason University near Washington, D.C.

That doesn't mean, however, that it only gives a thumbs-up to staunchly conservative policies.

"While the United States has made great strides toward respecting each individual's rights regardless of race, gender, age, or sexual preference, certain other groups face growing threats to their interests in some jurisdictions," according to the report. "These include smokers, people who want to build or buy affordable housing, people who want to practice a trade without paying onerous examination and education costs, and so on."