The United States was founded on certain fundamental values. The Founders believed that self-government was an experiment that would succeed only if certain qualities were nurtured in the American character. These included self-reliance, public spiritedness, responsibility, honesty, charity, respect for the rights of others, and a willingness to comply with the law. In the last 40 years or so, our democratic republic has strayed from these values. Parents struggle to raise children who will respect others and themselves.
Fewer people seem to know much about or participate in government.
A President was impeached for dishonesty. Americans are more worried about the erosion of our moral fabric than anything else. Surveys show that ethical and spiritual concerns have surpassed economic fears as a cause of anxiety. Between 1973 and 1996, the rate of abortions increased 40 percent. Citizens are ready to take back responsibility for themselves and their communities, as they had before the era of big government.