There were certainly a lot of virtuous people in that age, but there were also commies and anarchists galore. A 28 year old anarchist shot McKinley earlier on, remember. And tens of thousands are volunteering today for service knowing they will go to combat zones.
Now, I am concerned about the future of the republic, but I don’t think any particular time was uniquely virtuous. Every age had its patriots and traitors.
You're quite correct in what you say. No generation has a monopoly on vice or virtue. Lately however I see so much of this...
...too much perhaps, but they seem to be everywhere. I fear for the future of the Republic as you do, but more and more I find myself embittered that the brave and noble amoung us pay such a terrible price for the likes of this fine citizen of Berkeley, and our bicyclist in New York.