In your post here @joshman, while not stated in this way, I read of the strengths that defined America in its founding and early history.   The value and powerful influence of self determination and the rugged individualism that was once a hallmark of much of this country's view of our personal life and the responsibilities which came with it.

As a result, some have referred to America as a "[City upon a Hill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_upon_a_Hill)" that served as a beacon to the rest of the world ...

How much of that America exists today, in what some might call a "remnant" of the people still holding to this view or something similar philosophically?  While I do not have any way of knowing, I think we can both agree the prevailing "noise" from the constant drone of the news, social media, etc. is "at war" with this philosophy of life.  And that those of our countrymen (I would like to think you are "hearing" from one of them now ...) who are trying to "hold the line" against it are in the minority.

A shrinking minority?  Again, I have no way of knowing ...