Did you complain about bogus child molestation witch hunts 20 years ago?
Did you complain about Ruby Ridge?
Did you think only liberals and minorities were offended by Rodney King's beating?
Were you in the majority who applauded showing those nuts in Waco to respect law enforcement?
Were you in the majority who applauded showing Elian and those nuts in Miami to respect law enforcement?
Were you in the majority who think only liberals oppose torture and warantless wiretapping?
Have you ever thought that Rudy Giuliani had any redeeming value?
My FRiend, this is what happens in democracy. People don't want freedom. They want LEADERS and at heart, all people want fascism. You think we are more "exceptional" than the poor Germans or Russians who'd just survived the slaughter WWI? HA! Nobody ever won an election campaigning for fewer laws and weaker government. It's only gonna' get worse. The dogs are the proverbial canary in the coal mine for all of us. Place your faith in your family, not the remnants of the USA.
Yes, canaries in the coal mine. The people may not be exceptional; they have had an exceptional Constitution thrust upon them and have not been able to appreciate or maintain it for all the reasons and experiences implied in your questions and analysis.