Actually we should both be a little more precise and say that we lost a republic and in the losing became a democracy. Which brings up a question. Are our leaders promoting democracy around the world as a way to sow the seeds of socialism rather than freedom? It has struck me for some time that we have never heard our dear leaders suggest that other countries should adopt constitutional republics based on individual liberties. It's always 'democracy.'
Maybe I am nit picking semantics but lately I wonder if it's not a more intentional thing they do.