[Blueflag]

Thomas Jefferson foretold the task before us -

Paris Aug. 30. 1787.
“the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants. it is it’s natural manure.”

[Smittie]

Actually, it was mortally wounded 9/11/01 and lingered on life support until 6/26/15.

I think its' soul departed in 2004 when President Reagan left us and the downward cycle increased its' speed ever since.