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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283 Responses
Your post is spot on… You’re seeing things and making the connections… America only has the “illusion of freedom” and you named all the things that we think are free but are not. So here’s the question that stirred inside of me – How do we create real freedom for ourselves? How do we beat the system?
At last! And what a GREAT and timely question!
Barring a blood soaked revolution – which will probably never happen in America – the so called solutions will be probably personal as the governments around the world can pretty much call the shots. Pun intended, if seen.
I mean with just 1 signing of an Presidential Executive Order, your whole nation could be forced into Martial Law, as just 1 example…with FEMA camps being used as concentration camps for “undesirables.”
But don’t worry.
It’s all for your protection…lol.
I love your thorough and fact-based blog posts. It’s been a long time since I’ve read something you’ve written that I didn’t agree with.
We all have a responsibility to speak up and raise awareness about the genocide which most of us are indirectly funding. Mindvalley members and those that share an interest with Mindvalley’s mission are compassionate people – this should extend around the world. What is happening in Gaza is undeniably an ethnic cleansing and a violation of human rights. I am glad that this post highlighted this issue, and I hope for many more.
FREE PALESTINE! We all have a responsibility to speak up and raise awareness about the genocide which most of us are indirectly funding. Mindvalley members and those that share an interest with Mindvalley’s mission are compassionate people – this should extend around the world. What is happening in Gaza is undeniably an ethnic cleansing and a violation of human rights. I am glad that this post highlighted this issue, and I hope for many more.
Amen! Thank you for your email. What a welcomed and thoughtful message composed with love, research, courage and heart. If this is the first of many messages like this-count me in! If this is the beginning of a specific call to action- count me in! If this is a manifesto to start a movement COUNT ME IN!
Absolutely brilliant! Vishen has captured what true freedom IS and how USA is crumbling. Sad but true…
Vishen,
This is a fantastic, inspiring letter!
So true and so needed.
We need unity and community to change the direction our country is moving.
From,
– Immigration defense lawyer and former immigration judge
So thoughtfully summarized, outlined & supported with citations! Best content in my in box in months. Resonate highly with pillars of freedom for a global community. Please continue to dive deep, stay hopeful & inspired so we may be touched by your wisdom and call to think/act for the collective best of humanity,
thank you for speaking out, for having the numbers that tell it like it really is, for saying the things I would like to say. I am old enough to have grown up in a country that really was free here in the United States of America. I look back wondering when the turn began. Was it with the assassination of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Junior? I think so. And what can I do to return to that democracy? I have actually gone to chat GPT to ask for practical advice for myself, but the advice still seems rather puny: write a letter to the editor, talk to your grandchildren, stay healthy yourself. Etc. we definitely need a free press to hear the truths, even if they break our hearts. we need to listen to and to find truth tellers with courage and ability to stand up and take back our democracy. I think we need to talk about it and not hide from it which is so much easier to do. Thank you again. Let us work for a better tomorrow.
Spot on! A sharp and clear analysis of America as it is today. Written with clarity and so much love and respect. Let’s all take off that veil, that illusion of freedom and being the best country in the world. Only when we face the truth and are willing to accept the truth can we start the work of becoming what we aspire to be.
Thank you for this post. I am a 79 year old Canadian woman living in Mexico. I worked in the Canadian political system for 20 years before I retired. It gave me a bird’s eyeview of government, more than I ever learned in school. I say with confidence that it is the political system that is broken. It was set up and influenced by those who wanted control. Puppet masters behind the scenes. Many were geedy elite, often funding both sides of wars. They had much to gain by creating chaos and poverty. Keep people in fear and they are easier to control. Dumb them down with TV and powerful media. I say all sytems need to collapse so we can start over and build with consensus, cooperation and collaboration. However before that can happen people need to wake up and see that what we have been doing is not working. If they keep living in denial it won’t happen soon. Kudos to the system breakers. There is a movement to wake up the whole World. It comes from those who have the courage to speak up and express what they see and know in their heart.
Thank you for speaking your truth. I have been a fan of Mindvalley since you started. Your words will encourage and inspire others. I truly believe Mindvalley is successful because it is heart based. Keep up the good work Vishen.
Vishen, I’m so glad you posted this. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing this. Wow. It reminds me of something I wrote earlier this year
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6BcXsYS/
Those in power don’t want silence. What they want is us all singing their song
And they’re willing to threaten us with violence if we don’t shut the hell up or sing along.
They want us wandering around in darkness so we don’t see the dawn
And they wish we didn’t even exist like the voices of a generation gone.
But the words that I’ve been getting have been given from on high
And I was afraid of being seen but now I can’t deny
Precious blessed truth that has been given unto me
Freedom was meant to be free.
The free will that I had was broken by the Bible belt
That beat me down when I stood up for what’s right.
And then patted me on my head when with folded hands I knelt
And prayed up to a God beyond my sight.
But they didn’t hear the prayers that I was praying
To break the foundation they were laying down
I now know damn well those words that I was saying
In my heart and in my head
And I’m hearing them right now.
I’ve been following the light and leading down the path it led
They’ve been giving me new life. I ain’t been living just on bread.
We’ve been listening to that divine voice and doing what it said
The powerful tried to erase our voices but we’re raising them instead.
We are raising our voices
We don’t have a choice. This is
Not what Freedom was meant to be.
You might keep right on saying
We ought to keep on paying but
Freedom was meant to be free
They say Freedom isn’t free
And if it was they’d find a way
To take it from us all
And hatch a plan to make us pay.
So they can charge us for it
Or else charge us with a crime
If we don’t pay for freedom one more time.
We are free to pay our taxes
Or not I do suppose
We’re just not free to find out where it is that money goes
The military industrial complex take’s its cut
And prays that we keep quiet, but I’ll tell you what…
We are raising our voices
We don’t have a choice. This is
Not what Freedom was meant to be.
You might keep right on saying
We ought to keep on paying but
Freedom was meant to be free.
They say freedom isn’t free and then, even if it was
They would find a way to charge us for it or charge us with a crime because
The men who take our money pay the ones who make the laws
And they seem to think it’s fine because
They say freedom isn’t free.
But we ought to be
As free as fresh air, sunshine, and cool, clean water
Before corporations captured it and then trapped it in a bottle
And then sold it in a market that they told us they made free
But it’s broken as can be. And all of us can see so…
We are raising our voices
We don’t have a choice. This is
Not what Freedom was meant to be.
You might keep right on saying
We ought to keep on paying but
Freedom was meant to be free
They say Freedom isn’t free
And if it was they’d find a way
To take it from us all
And hatch a plan to make us pay.
So they can charge us for it
Or else charge us with a crime
If we don’t pay for freedom one more time
I feel you man, the American spirit is awesome, but the rogue churches and apocalyps tv programs supporting Israel because there is a stupid narrative about an end of the world and the role of Israel in it, almost wishing an apocalypse into reality is really crazy! What’s happening in gaze is already an end of the civilized world in Israel.
It’s cool if you wanna support Isreal, go volunteer in the farms there if you want to, but war is not normal. Israel should know that considering their past.
I really wish for Donald Trump to get some sense into Putin and let them stop this 19th century war in Ukrain also.
Really looking forward to Mindvalley Univeristy in Amsterdam with only positively minded ppl this year, that’s my vacation this year! 😀 😛
Good to see and hear you’re enjoying yourself Vishen! Been following Mindvalley since 2017!
WOW! Was this powerful, on MANY FRONTS!!!
I am an American Jew. I do feel that Gaza should be free though there needs to be land for both to live freely and enjoy what I also believe every human on this planet deserves, and that is – PEACE!
We can always choose happiness as so many do, even in dire circumstances though when government and corporations and the ultra wealthy start to infringe on all of these freedoms, you so eloquently spoke of, it’s not only mind blowing, IT IS ASTONISHING and moves me to my core! Though what does that mean? How can Americans stand up for themselves? It use to be that “voting” would shift the status of our laws for the betterment of the people. We CAN NOT count on that from any and ALL sides!! I vote for YOU VISHEN! Let’s all pull together and fight for what is truly our right as HUMAN BEINGS HERE ON EARTH! For any and ALL countries that are spiraling out, I say they deserve to be as free, as how we think we are!
It is TIME TO SAY
“FREE AMERICA!”
No. It’s time to say “FREE THE WORLD.”
America is only a part of the world.
Sorry – that must have come as a terrible shock!
LOL.
You look pale all of a sudden!
Yikes! Better consume something QUICKLY!
Bury that sudden pang of awareness/national self doubt!
Sit down and have a Coke.
And maybe a sugary donut with some “French” fries.
And a Big Mac, naturally.
You’ll recover. Eventually. LOL.
Great post ! Thank you ! It’s worth spreading.
There is only one thing that bothered me and sounds somewhat contradictory: being proud of learning to shoot guns on the holiday, while showing deep concerns about mass-shootings and guns in the hands of kids. Guns are designed to kill. When everyone has the ‘freedom’ to own a gun, chances grow people use them. It creates a vicious cycle where fear is a big catalyser and with a big chance of escalation. That’s not real freedom. Real freedom is living without fear of being killed because it is so easy for people to get their hand on a gun. And statistics prove that gun violence is significantly lower in countries where guns aren’t considered as a basic or constitutional right.
I agree with the concerns. And, it is curious to me that people are still clamoring to move to America. Do those 10 plus countries who are apparently so much better have issues with folks trying to locate there? I am blessed to live in Hawaii and on this great planet at a time when there is electricity, running water, and sewer systems to name a few. There is a new system being created called “My Present Challenge List”. It is a journal and starts with my current challenges. As they are resolved new ones replace them. It is fascinating to notice the changes as life moves on. Love your thoughts!!
My father was born in the USA, I was partly educated in the USA including university, and someone who used to respect and admire American ideals, I wholly endorse your ” The Myth of American Freedom.” You are saying what I see and believe as a Canadian. It is terrifying, sad, demoralizing, stressful, and so much for so many people including Americans who object to what is happening in the USA now.
Thank you for speaking out. More people need to do it.
While much of what you said is very true, there are some points that are based on media-led bias. I will make my statements on each you presented there at the last of your article, which I enjoyed, by the way:
But what if we said: Free America.
Free America from propaganda disguised as news. ~ Absolutely agree
Free America from the grip of Rupert Murdoch. ~ Again, agree
Free America from billionaires who can buy elections. ~ This one needs clarification on which elections and who you are speaking of. But, in the sense of one administration influencing votes and working to destroy another duly elected administration, then yes, this needs to stop and those who are part of such treasonous acts should be met with a traitor’s consequence.
Free America from a system where corporations are people, but people are disposable. ~ Those people also need to be respectful of the jobs afforded them. There is no loyalty from those (mostly) under 40 toward having and earning a well-paid job with the ability to move up. The younger employees have zero sense of commitment toward or responsibility for getting or keeping a job. They don’t understand high benefits with slightly less pay is far better than high pay with low or no benefits. They’re only in for the instant gratification. Others (people or employers) be-damned.
Free America from mass shootings — and the 25+ million assault rifles still circulating. ~ Ok, HERE you’ve fallen for the media garbage bias! Literally, a ten-second search for “assault rifle” will give you this:
Many myths surround assault rifles, particularly the AR-15, often leading to confusion about their classification, functionality, and use.
“Myth 1: “AR” Stands for “Assault Rifle”
One of the most persistent myths is that “AR” in AR-15 stands for “Assault Rifle.” In reality, it stands for ArmaLite Rifle, named after the company that developed it in the 1950s. The AR-15 is a semi-automatic rifle, not a fully automatic assault rifle, which is a significant distinction.” ~Survival World
Are mass shooting horrendous, of course. But those who do these (and all criminals) do not care about the public, personal property, life in general, or the consequences of their actions. There are thousands of gun laws, more than necessary, honestly because they’re redundant. The 2nd Amendment is a brilliant piece of law. But it has been twisted by liberals over the centuries in attempts to subvert it. Those who want power know that an armed populace hell-bent on keeping their freedom is more dangerous to their control – or attempted control – than any paid army. It’s why we have yet to be invaded by land. Instead, it’s being attempted via cyberattacks and biological warfare (i.e. covid, etc.).
Free America from the impact of foreign lobbies, like the Israel lobby, which spends over $100 million/year influencing U.S. politicians. ~ Absolutely!
Free America from racism disguised as patriotism. ~ Again, this inflammatory type statement needs further clarification. Because patriotism does not have racism. It is by definition, “the devotion and rigorous protection of one’s country”. There is nothing racist about that! Racism is “prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism by an individual, community, or institution against a person or people on the basis of their membership in a particular racial or ethnic group, typically one that is a minority or marginalized”.
Free America from cruel policies that tear undocumented families apart. ~ Tell this one to the liberals, as it is their policies that started this. Obama had illegals in cages and separated families, deported millions without due process (which they are NOT afforded because they are NOT citizens or legal residents of this country), but it was ‘crickets’ from the media or the left about it. But Trump does this and all of a sudden, it’s heinous and criminal. The double standard is despicable and disgusting…and with the subversive actions coming to light that they’ve done, it is treasonous and needs to be dealt with appropriately. I would say the same if the role players were reversed, so don’t go down that road.
There are other points to be made, but I will stop with these. Thank you for the opportunity to post.
Viktorija Briggs
Owner/Editor/Publisher
The Sheridan Sentinel
Hoxie, KS 67740
Not bad, but a bit sloppy, Viktorija. America is “racist” in the sense that it, politically – no matter whether it’s the Democrats or Republicans – views the rest of the world as basically it’s “toilet.”
Like here in Australia, we have 2 American military bases. One is Pine Gap, which no Australian EVEN AN AUSTRALIAN POLITICIAN – is even allowed to set foot on – or actually know in any detail what actually goes on there.
“For our own protection.” Naturally.
That would never EVER be allowed to happen the other way around.
Would it? ie. Like Australian military bases in USA that Americans pollies couldn’t access. The uproar would be defeafening.
Wow Vishen! I love each and every word that you have written and I could not agree more. Thank you for standing up and pushing back against these evil acts.