What We Have Lost

The belief in fair and free elections

A wall of separation between Church and State

The feeling of safety from foreign attack within our borders

The confidence that we can freely criticize our own government without reprisal

Freedom of speech that is truly free and not for sale to the highest bidder

The belief that preemptive war can only be justified by an imminent threat of
attack or a clear and present danger

The belief that our government wouldn't blatantly lie to those who give
the last full measure of devotion

Usury as a negative, and the belief that a person who plays by the rules but
meets with financial disaster deserves a second chance

A fair day's pay for a fair day's work for too many

The ability to pay for even basic healthcare for too many

Too many local, independent choices/voices in newspapers and radio and
television stations

Too many reproductive freedoms for women in too many states

Scientific and research reports issued by our government that aren't
thoroughly soaked in politics or influenced by religious beliefs

The belief that our government can be counted on to respond forcefully
and competently to natural disasters

The belief that our personal phone calls and emails are private

Any real check or balance to the executive branch

A belief in habeas corpus

The ability to state that America does not torture

Our good name and reputation, and the goodwill of much of the rest
of the world