I do feel for everyone having to or had to endure government's attempt to take away rights and freedoms in the name of covid. A lot of freedom here in USA comes from the state we live in rather than the federal government. If it were up to federal government there probably wouldn't be any freedom anywhere on the entire planet.

Because this country is more like a union of states combined to form a country, each state retains a lot of power to protect its citizens from the federal government but not every country is designed to allow individual states, provinces, territories, etc to have much power.

Like here in Florida, this state isn't dependent on federal funds like some states are. I believe Florida being a major tourism destination probably helps the state generate more revenue especially from sales taxes. It also greatly depends on what county you live in and what city you live in also within a state.

Some cities and counties spend tax dollars from sales tax to actually benefit citizens but some cities and counties don't spend that tax money to benefit its citizens. Freedom begins locally though and that is why people struggle to have freedom because too many believe we have to care about who is at the top of the power in our countries.

Local and state level officials can protect its citizens from federal government if they choose to. The governor here in FL one time said he'd go to war with the federal government if ever needed to protect citizens in FL but most states either won't stand up against federal government or side with federal government.