I’ve just returned from a two-week road trip across America with my kids—a journey that rekindled my deep love for this country… and also stirred a quiet ache I couldn’t ignore.
We didn’t stick to the usual tourist spots. Sure, we saw the Statue of Liberty and wandered through New York and Boston.
But we also went deep into the heartland—driving across South Dakota, visiting the cowboy town of Cody, WY, camping under the stars in Yellowstone, standing beneath Mount Rushmore, watching small-town rodeos, and even learning to shoot guns.
It was beautiful. Awe-inspiring. A window into the raw soul of this nation.
One morning, I was about to post a photo of my kids and me standing under the American flag—captioned “The Land of the Free.”
But my thumb hovered. Because something inside me whispered, That’s not entirely true anymore.
And that’s what today’s email is about.
It’s about freedom—what it really means, why it’s vanishing, and why we should all be concerned. Not just Americans, but all of us.
Where does America actually rank in freedom?
I was shocked to learn that America no longer ranks in the top 10 freest countries in the world.
In fact, not even the top 15.
According to the 2024 Human Freedom Index, America ranks #17—and it’s still falling.
Recent events, growing surveillance, media consolidation, and the erosion of civil rights are accelerating the decline.
Many experts now warn: the U.S. is on the brink of autocracy.
Why do Northern European and select Asian countries consistently outrank America in freedom?
Because they have:
- Strong protections for civil liberties
- Public education systems that teach critical thinking
- Universal healthcare that actually works
- Transparent governance
- Independent media (not owned by six conglomerates)
- Smart regulation that keeps corporate influence in check
Meanwhile, America continues to erode its democratic foundations.
Let’s break it down—with four global indexes that reveal the full picture.
#1: Human Freedom Index
Measured by the Cato Institute and Fraser Institute.
This combines personal freedom (speech, religion, and movement) with economic freedom (property rights and regulatory fairness).
Top countries: Switzerland, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, Estonia
America? Ranked #17—tied with the UK.
Why?
Because of increasing political polarization, declining rule of law, and growing restrictions on bodily autonomy and protest rights.
#2: Press Freedom Index
Measured by Reporters Without Borders.
Evaluates media independence, transparency, and journalist safety.
Top countries: Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands
America? Ranked #57.
Why?
Because six corporations own 90% of U.S. media.
Because cable networks profit from division.
Because journalists are threatened and discredited.
Because truth is no longer profitable.
#3: Democracy Index
Published by The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Measures the electoral process, civil liberties, political culture, and government function.
Top countries: Norway, New Zealand, Iceland, Sweden, Switzerland
America? Labeled a “flawed ”democracy”—currently around #28.
The country that once exported democracy… now struggles to protect its own.
#4 Internet Freedom
Measured by Freedom House.
Assesses censorship, surveillance, and digital expression.
Top countries: Iceland, Estonia, Canada
America? Not even in the top 10—and declining.
Why?
Policies like requiring visa applicants to hand over social media accounts are undermining digital privacy — and global trust in U.S. tech.
Each index tells the same story:
America is falling behind.
So what does this tell us?
The idea that America is the freest nation on Earth does not hold up against the four global freedom indices.
It’s a myth—one we must lovingly but urgently dismantle if we are to build something better.
What real freedom actually looks like
Real freedom isn’t fireworks and an anthem.
It’s not red, white, and blue—it’s truth, agency, and dignity.
Here’s what real freedom looks like in a modern, awakened society:
Real freedom means…
Freedom from fear
You can walk down the street without fearing bullets, badges, or bills.
Freedom to learn truthfully
Your education isn’t censored by political agendas or banned books.
Freedom to heal
You can access affordable, evidence-based healthcare—without bankrupting your family.
Freedom to vote—and have it count
Your voice isn’t silenced by gerrymandering, voter suppression, or money in politics.
Freedom of thought
Algorithms don’t control your beliefs. You think for yourself—not how the algorithm trained you to.
Freedom to be who you are
Regardless of your race, gender, sexuality, faith, or background—you’re treated with dignity, not suspicion.
Freedom online
The internet is a tool for empowerment, not surveillance, manipulation, or corporate censorship.
Freedom to roam
You can travel, work, and live across borders without bureaucratic chains—as a citizen of the Earth.
Freedom to rise—together
Economic mobility is real. Success isn’t reserved for the zip code you were born into.
Freedom from war
You don’t have to fund invasions while schools crumble and families go hungry.
That’s what freedom looks like.
Not something you claim.
Something you create.
But here’s what Americans still aren’t free from…
Freedom from poisoned food
Michelle Obama planted vegetables. Conservatives shouted, “You’re taking away our freedom!”
Now RFK Jr. echoes the same message—and it’s patriotic.
The hypocrisy is wild.
But at least now both sides agree: America’s food system is broken.
Americans now die five years younger than their European counterparts.
Freedom from gun terror
You want a handgun? Fine. A hunting rifle? Cool.
But why the hell are AR-15s on the streets?
Kids are doing active shooter drills in kindergarten.
That’s not freedom. That’s national PTSD.
Freedom from mass incarceration
America is 4% of the world’s population, but holds 20% of the world’s prisoners.
Over 1% of Americans are behind bars.
Private prisons profit. Minorities suffer.
Land of the free… unless you’re poor, Black, or unlucky.
Freedom for your vote to actually count
Wyoming: 580,000 people. California: 39 million.
Same number of senators. That’s not democracy—that’s dilution.
And Puerto Rico?
3 million American citizens.
No vote in Congress. No vote for president.
How? Puerto Ricans are American citizens. They just don’t get to vote.
Make it make sense.
So what if we flipped the script?
Young Americans chant: Free Gaza. Free Palestine. Free Cuba. Free Iran.
But what if we said: Free America.
- Free America from propaganda disguised as news.
- Free America from the grip of Rupert Murdoch.
- Free America from billionaires who can buy elections.
- Free America from a system where corporations are people, but people are disposable.
- Free America from mass shootings—and the 25+ million assault rifles still circulating.
- Free America from the impact of foreign lobbies, like the Israel lobby, which spends over $100 million/year influencing U.S. politicians.
- Free America from racism disguised as patriotism.
- Free America from cruel policies that tear undocumented families apart.
But mostly…
Free America from the illusion of freedom.
Because here’s the truth:
When America is free… Gaza will be free. So will the world.
When America sneezes, the world catches a cold. And we, the rest of the world, are sick of suffering the consequences.
This isn’t about red vs. blue
It’s about truth vs. illusion.
It’s about reclaiming what “freedom” really means—beyond slogans, beyond partisanship, beyond the BS.
And it starts with us—speaking up, seeing clearly, and refusing to settle for myth over meaning.
In love, the American spirit of rebellion, and deep respect for what this amazing country could still become,
— Vishen
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below—tell me what freedom means to you, what you’re standing for, or what this stirred in you.
Next: Join us live at Mindvalley X this Aug 9, 2025
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294 Responses
This is very profound and how the rest of the world and some of us in the States feel. We’ve been asking for 80 years how the Germans let Hitler do what he did. We’re watching it happen…slowly, making excuses for why it’s okay, just as long as I’m not being directly impacted. A little more freedoms taken, more quieting if the press and those who speak out against the atrocities. Sprinkled with enough fear to keep good, resonable people quiet. Turn their back and their eyes and believe those people deserve it…until we’re those people and there’s no one there for us.
Thank you Vishen – all good points. We though should not forget how the USA has been built and became the way it is now – colonised and “freed” from native population. And this “colonisation” approach still applies with all its “good intentions” across the globe. It is deeply rooted in human nature and this is why Mindvalley is so important to pave the way for mankind’s evolution into free and fair future.
Hi Vishen
A combat vet for Vietnam. I was a career naval officer. I thought I was fighting for the kind of freedom you’re talking about. Back then, because of a near death, I was able to see that we were the enemy not liberator. And I realized we were there for power and money. Your comments are beautiful, powerful, and 100% accurate.
I don’t think Americans realize that we lost World War II. We defeated Hitler and the Japanese but after Roosevelt died the American Nazis took over the Truman administration. Govi doll, who was there observing it in the administration, has written articles about it. Since it’s all been downhill. I’m not gonna to bore you with all the details.
I have a friend, student, client whose father was a real estate developer in New York when Trump was starting. He used to answer the phone and it would be Trump calling his father. His father told him that trump had already been chosen to become president. Trump’s father was a very dedicated Nazi.
Vishen,
I was a fan and member of Mindvalley, inspired by your teachings. But your recent post felt like a left-leaning political lecture, not the growth I signed up for. You say it’s not about red or blue, yet you made it political. Your own lessons call for personal responsibility and love, not hate or bias—this missed that mark. I’m disappointed and stepping away from Mindvalley. Look at the division you have created!
Wishing you well,
Thanks – will address your comment in an upcoming video.
One of the more annoying things about entertainment these days is the agendas that TV and movie companies push into our homes. Whether it be political or social they want to get you onboard with their moral compass or ways of thinking. I loved that MindValley was a place of exploration and learning. It always felt loving and nourishing. I never thought it would be used by the founder as a platform to push agendas and personal views via emails to its members.
There are plenty of social media platforms that you can post your feelings on for personal use, and if you so feel inclined, you should do so. People can choose to follow you if they want to read about your views. But when I see an email from MindValley, I usually think it’s about something going on with MindValley and make an effort to open up those emails. Please don’t take advantage of that.
Please stop preaching about America!
You have accomplished an extraordinary feat with Mindvalley. You are admired by many, but that does not make you an expert on America’s politics or what you consider their problems. Your comments in this and your previous “letter to America” mirror the propaganda/lies spewed by CNN and our legacy media. I expected you to be smarter than this and perform more research if you insist on giving us your opinions on non-Mindvalley issues.
Whaaaat? What propaganda – what lies? Be specific!
I see nothing from Vishen here that hasn’t been said many times before elsewhere. But it is said well again here.
What’s with the “Straw Man” arguments? He’s not claiming to be a political expert.
You do not have to be a political expert to talk about the many inconsistencies, lies, fallacies & injustices in the world, for goodness sake!
So Vishen is only allowed to comment on Mind Valley issues?
Funny! Sounds like censorship, once again, “in-the-land-of-the-free.”
If you don’t like it – don’t come here and read it, surely.
It’s like you are almost looking for a reason to TAKE offense, when none was ever even OFFERED.
Thank you for speaking up! I agree with you and appreciate your being upfront about the ways that the US has sadly spiraled down. I hope that the changes that are needed will come to pass.
Vishen thank you so much for this, i have been a mindvalley follower for many years but the last few years I’ve fallen off following you and your company , why ? i though that it was becoming more shallow, it didn’t seem to follow my values as before, it somehow seemed watered down. However reading this piece this morning I’m like ….. YES….. spot on. Your views here are so in line with what i perceive to be going on and with what i believe to be wrong with the world, with just a 5 minute read i feel reconnected to you and your mission.
Thank you for this Vishen and free.. free … America
Beautifully written, Vishen, but I have to lovingly call out the other layer.
I agree that freedom is under threat, not just in America, but everywhere we’ve traded truth for comfort, systems for sovereignty, and noise for discernment.
But this issue didn’t start with a single administration. It’s been growing for decades, quietly, persistently, while both “sides” of politics played their part.
I believe we’re in the midst of something far bigger than politics:
A planetary shift in consciousness.
We are not just witnessing systemic breakdowns We’re witnessing the energetic unravelling of the old Earth as a new one begins to rise.
And while many voices now speak of truth, we must also stay discerning because some are simply repackaging rebellion into marketable narratives.🤔
For those of us walking the path of deep inner freedom, this moment is sacred.
Not to stir division.
Not to sell awakening.
But to remember who we are without the noise.
So yes, let’s redefine freedom.
But let’s also be honest about who’s profiting from the performance of it.
Hi Liz, absolutely resonating with your words. This is indeed a moment of sacred remembrance—beyond politics, beyond noise. As the old structures unravel, it’s up to each of us to anchor truth from within, with discernment and deep integrity. Thank you for expressing this with such clarity and heart.
Indeed! 🙂
Thank you, Liz. There have been many comments here. Some wiser than others. I think this was definitely one of the better ones. Well done.
When I first became aware of Mindvalley, I was thrilled to find a place where all of us could learn to love and accept each other while learning other wonderful things like the Silva Mind Method, and Quantum Leaping and methods to train our minds to remember better. I was a rapt student of yours, Vishen, as you would speak about many great things.
But your recent left leaning political stance, and this error-filled condemnation of America is both appalling and tragic. Appalling, because many of the things you say about America are blatantly false. And tragic because an intelligent man like you doesn’t bother to dig down and find the truth.
You seem totally unaware that the people you hold up as “heroes” of America are the same ones currently being investigated for funneling billions of dollars of US taxpayer money into their own pockets. Who are they? Do some serious research. But don’t expect the usual news outlets to tell you the truth, as they are part of the problem.
You are correct about the medical services here. You are correct about the crap they put in our food. Why are you so against the ones that are trying to fix this? The previous administration certainly wasn’t giving it any thought.
But it doesn’t really matter, now. Your failure to tell your audience about how AI’s can hallucinate and even tell outright lies (about health treatments, for example) and instead implying that it’s all safe and good and wonderful, was in itself a lie by omission. I can no longer trust you or your organization now that you have shown this side of your personality. And, apart from the ones on here who simply take your word for everything… I think you will see fewer people with opposing political views staying with Mindvalley.
We thought it was a safe place where we could use our brains and learn things to help us in our lives. But now we just see more of the same old leftist rhetoric and hate toward us that we’ve seen for the last 12 years at least. I wish you well, Vishen. But I won’t be listening to you trash my homeland any longer.
Was going to write something along these lines but you said it’s so eloquently right on brother! Mine valley used to be such a cool place with amazing cool courses. And quite honestly, do we need one more person adding to the political rhetoric? Puke!
“But your recent left leaning political stance, and this error-filled condemnation of America is both appalling and tragic. Appalling, because many of the things you say about America are blatantly false. And tragic because an intelligent man like you doesn’t bother to dig down and find the truth.”
But you are doing pretty much what you accuse Vishen of!
So EXACTLY WHAT are these so called “blatantly false” things Vishen is supposedly talking about?
Facts, please?
And I do not see anything particularly “Lefty” here – just a basic iteration of the facts.
Where is the “Lefty” bias you see? The questioning of guns?
“We thought it was a safe place where we could use our brains and learn things to help us in our lives. But now we just see more of the same old leftist rhetoric and hate toward us that we’ve seen for the last 12 years at least. I wish you well, Vishen. But I won’t be listening to you trash my homeland any longer.”
So Vishen iz trashing zee Fatherland! Sheizer!
Vishen! Why do you not click your heels together and raise your right to salute your Fatherland! (Lol)
Stop bleating, James. LOL. Really! You thought Mind Valley “was a safe place” until Vishen had the guts to actually openly talk about the many ills of good ‘ole USA?
What is it about sooooo many Americans {but not all} that you guys seem to flip out/totally lose it when someone dares to say-it-like-it-is?
Don’t you realise he says these things because he cares about America?
And I am not even American.
Darn! So I guess I should be burnt at the stake as well. Meh!
Vishen, I agree with many of the points you made about what true freedom should look like — safety in our communities, access to affordable healthcare and quality food, and the ability to live life with agency and opportunity.
That said, I hope you’ll consider another perspective from someone who has lived in America their whole life. Many of us see freedoms being eroded not from a lack of government but from too much government control. Growing bureaucracy, policies that chip away at individual rights, and a justice system that often seems to protect criminals more than victims are real concerns.
I also think it’s important to understand how your message lands. When patriotism or policing are spoken about the way they were in your email/post, it can come across (even if unintentionally) as dismissive of the everyday Americans who value those things deeply. For many of us, patriotism isn’t blind allegiance; it’s gratitude for the freedoms we’ve had and a hope to preserve them for future generations. And while America has real challenges, people still risk their lives to come here — that says something powerful about what we still have.
The data you shared is real, but the way forward isn’t by vilifying our own people or concentrating even more power in government. It’s by restoring accountability, protecting individual rights, and rebuilding trust in our institutions.
On a personal note, I’ve seen so many changes in this country over my lifetime — and not all for the better. Many of us are deeply concerned about where we’re headed, and that concern comes from love of country, not division.
So you think engaging in social criticism of one’s country is is vilifying it?
And “but the way forward isn’t by vilifying our own people or concentrating even more power in government.”
Well, no.
But where does Vishen actually SAY that the government needs more power, actually? He suggests ACCOUNTABLITY, not NECESSARILY more centralized control. As I read it, at least.
Gee, you Yanks sure get touchy about anything considered un-patriotic!
So “God Bless America” the rest of the world hears, like a tired, worn out mantra, while you bomb us, spy on us, and take whatever you can, and whenever it suits you.
Ok, OK. Maybe not necessarily, on a personal level. Yet I have seen that, too.
How come I never seem to hear the phrase “God Bless the World?”
Winston Churchill had American diplomacy worked out.
He famously said:- “You can always rely on Americans to help you. When it suits them.”
Thank you for speaking up about so many important concerns. I’ve heard that recreating our broken systems will take the kind of ideas that we haven’t yet dreamed of. AI may open door, but lets not discount the divine creative wisdom within each of us.
Freedom to me is exactly how the founding fathers meant it to be.
It is sad that the world we are in seems to be moving in the wrong direction where it is okay to still invade countries (i.e. Russia invading Ukrane) and even more “normal” and “ok” for Israel to slaughter so many people, but mostly babies, children, toddlers, young adults, etc. Military presence in a country ought to be present for “democracy” but that word has lost its meaning since the UN cannot veto Russia nor Israel and young children are the pawns in a game to win land and resources. Zelenski was disrespected publicly and a zionist was welcomed with open arms onto US Soil even though it was quite apparent that there were people around him that were there by force.
Democracy means that no matter what a person’s cultural background is, everyone is treated fairly and there is more communication, collaboration and respect between every person’s beliefs. I wonder that the reason why all governments spend so heavily on military resources has less to do about keeping the peace, and more to do about keeping the businesses that profit from the sale of those resources “in business”.
Freeing the human race, no matter the country of origin, will only be achieved by education of the population. Learning not to stay in familiar territory but to do more, and to do better. It will come about through changing behaviour from critical and judgemental to compassionate and empathetic, and helpful.
We ought to all feel grateful that we’re alive every single day, and more grateful for how we can learn from one another to be better people so that has a greater impact and will flow around the world, eventually.
Yeah. Russia surely did invade the Ukraine.
I do not support that.
However, things are never in reality as they actually sold to us by the mass media.
And if you haven’t worked that out you are potentially in very deep trouble.
I wonder how many Americans have actually asked themselves if there is more to THAT story – and countless others – than they are being told?
Like where is the deep questioning, the deep analysis?
I see even otherwise seemingly intelligent Americans just suck the simplistic idea – just as one example – but in no way limited to – that Putin is just an evil tyrant.
That’s it. Full stop. No more questions allowed.
For to do so would be to commit the ULTIMATE EVIL.
And that is – to be un-American! {Which means WHAT exactly – anyway?}
Dear God forbid! Blashemy! Bring in the lynching mob!
I love much about America, and Americans, actually.
As i do most peoples, and most countries, bar repressive, fascist regimes.
And therein lies a can of worms…
Amazing reflection 👏🏽👌🏽
Let’s each one of us speak up!
Yuki
Thank you Vishen! I lived in America for 15 years, and married an American. The deal was that I did NOT want to live in America. He agreed to come back, and live in New Zealand. Our marriage has since dissolved (we are friends). I am a nurse, and worked in critical care. It was a heap of fun, as the responsibility we had was huge. But I worked nights, so I didn’t get involved in the politics of the health system! I always felt that I was being ‘watched’, and felt very small! In New Zealand I feel I am valued and my heart sings! I love this wee nation! I am on the spiritual path, and feel that I am closer to God being here (NZ is nicknamed ‘Gods Own’!!! Because there is nothing predatory here…..but I say I am closer to God because she sees me here!) I empathise with America, and what you have pointed out, is 100% true. Much Love, Pam
I do not like your left wing ideology. I could make some very good arguments, but it’s not worth my time to do so. I am not ever renewing to this platform again because you have single handedly politicized it.
Do you even know how the number of house representatives and number of senators works? You throw out an argument against one of them without mentioning the other. House reps are based on a state’s population while the senate elects 2 members from each state. It’s that way by design and always has been. Good grief..
Like I said, it’s not even worth my time, but I can tell you, the fact that you’ve waded into these politics twice in the past couple of months, I’m an done with supporting anything you are a part of.
I am Brazilian, and by Friday the country is to be taxed at 50% on its exports to the United States just because Trump is not happy that Bolsonaro is facing legal action for the events of January 8. As if he could interfere with Brazilian laws and were the great and untouchable boss of the whole world… Freedom is something that is not part of the North-American vocabulary anymore.
I’ve been a fan of yours since the start of Mindvalley, and reading this, even more so. Thank you for speaking these words so clearly and boldly. I’m an Aussie and watching the US is horrifying and downright scary right now.
Thank you Vishen! Really appreciate you putting this out there and using your influence for truth and positive societal change.