Sate of the Country

I look around and am disheartened by what I see happening in the US of A. Don't ask for directions, unless you want to drive in circles. A country that once prided itself with words like liberty, hope, charity, honor, and bravery has somehow lost it's definition. Freedoms are being stolen faster than they can be restored & people almost eagerly cede them over. I have asked many people if they would recognize freedoms lost, and I have been dismayed by their answers.
Freedom for most seems mean wealth, & they just want a nice home, car, money in the bank, and the latest & greatest of material substance. Locked in their home watching TV, playing video games, & stuffing their face is freedom.
The pursuit of happiness is redefined as the pursuit of riches, fame, and power. A video game controller in one hand, a slice of pizza in the other, and a sexy girl sitting on their lap is utopia for most young men today.
When Hilary was still in the presidential race & I ask who people liked the answers I got were troubling. Some wanted Hilary because it was time a women was at the helm, others liked Obama because he is black, still others liked McCain just because they didn't like the other two. People like this one or that one because they were charismatic, they liked or didn't like their laugh, their expressions, how they dressed, and many other superficial reasons. Then of course their are those that always vote all democratic or republican for various reasons, such as because thats how my dad did it. The problem I have with this is, not one of these reasons qualifies anyone to be president.
I can see why many Americans are confused. The mud slinging & character assassinations are the smoke & mirrors on the campaign trail. People are so enthralled with these antics that they don't notice the real issues are being avoided. Most people think the real issue is the economy, but I see greater issues than economy.
We are thought to be the greatest country in the world. We have some of the finest minds anywhere, then why in hell are these the best candidates our country can come up with.
Freedoms lost! Who is protecting our freedoms? Would you notice when another piece of freedom taken?