"If people in the U.S. think they are free..."

Dewey...nobody in any modern state is free. Not anywhere. We are all under the hand of some Big Brother. We all put up with many unpleasant restrictions on our freedom. The only thing you are absolutely free to do is think your own thoughts, because no one else knows what they are! (unless you offer to openly tell them...if so, be prepared for some more attacks on your freedom)