Well, it depends on what you call freedom.
I have been in countries, in latinamerica for example, where, if you so desire, you can ride on the bed (I guess that's what it's called) of a pickup truck without the police saying anything. Or you can ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet and the only problem is if you fall and kill yourself, but it's YOUR decision, not the law's.
On the other hand, I have been in europe in countries where you can walk naked on the street and it will not be a huge problem. I mean, it could be that you are admonished not to do it, but you will not be charged anything because there is no law against it. That's one type of freedom. I mean, people can walk on the street with a bottle (no paper bag) of beer and nobody would actually care. Drink on the train, subway, bus, tram, etc. no problem.
The same thing goes in terms of thinking. In most countries, even in the third world, if they are not ruled by a dictator or somebody with dictatorship aspirations, you actually have enough freedom and can think and say almost anything you want. I think the same goes for the US. In some places you actually have so much freedom that it can hurt. Because your neighbors ALSO have the same freedoms. Freedom to have a loud party in front of your house until the next morning when you have to get up early and work.
I mean, what is actually freedom? I think it is an illusion. NO COUNTRY has TOTAL freedom. They may have FREEDOM principles in their constitution but the reality shows a different story. You know, the SECURITY vs. FREEDOM issue is not only an american thing. It's a world thing. But it is something that REALLY affects people's lives and curtails their freedom in several ways.
Anyway, I am of the opinion that true freedom doesn't actually exist. In no country on this world. And it's getting worse!
My 2 cents!
Vivalavida