I think the question of 'freedom' is problematic and creates a set of contradictions. Freedom from individual suffering may be found in the bosom of the state - someone being domestically abused may seek refuge with the police and with social services - I am not being domestically abused, so I see freedom from the machinations of the state as more important. That's why my inner libertarian and inner socialist do battle on an almost daily basis. I want children to have the freedom to have a good education, but I'd like to have the freedom to shape that education too. I cannot regulate and deregulate at the same time, I can only find a balance point. My balance point is tilted towards the chaos of de-regulation and whatever anarchy that entails, but I am a little concerned said anarchy will result in political shifts that, by their nature, rapidly curtail personal freedoms at the barrel of a gun. Democracy is a hedge.... it's not perfect, but it's the best hedge we've got at the moment :o/