"Are we to remain a Republic, or should we turn the Republic into an Empire?" The question operates on many levels from the political to the religious. The original argument was won by those who had an uniquely American agenda, i.e., the spreading of Truth, Justice, and the American way, which included Christianity (Protestant), Democratic Government (eventually), Sanitation, and Education.
Of course, our export version of civilization and the righteous way of life didn't automatically appeal to every one, and we had to do quite a bit of "Civilizing'em with a Krag." Our showcase project: The Philippines. Did it work? There's a book right there!
The Libertarians (and Beck) are beginning to question the sanity of this, not to mention its constitutionality, as did many sincere patriots when this school of thought predominated.
Now that democrats won in two landslides Levin is suddenly concerned with lack of freedom. But for 7 years while Levin promoted a holy war at any cost (and listen to his drumbeat), anyone questioning our loss in freedom was called a traitor (effectively) . Truth is, Him and GWB destroyed our #1 world power status through bankruptcy of both money and of public opinion, electing democrats. He acted like his drumbeat will somehow change majority opinmion of Bush/McCain/Republicans.