Then and Now

It has occurred to me a number of times, that people of a certain age are not aware of the continual and relentless loss of freedoms.  The reason being that they do not have a long enough memory of the before time.  So for these folks, and for those others who have forgotten, here is my list of Then.  If you like you can provide the now equivalent.

1. There was no indefinite detention
2. Air Travel was pleasurable
3. The air in the Western US was clear and crystalline
4. Our magnificent forests were not burning up
5. Most of our food was safe to eat
6. There was habeous corpus  
7. Congress was not bought
8. People honored the truth
9. Church and State was separate
10. Education was supported by the population and the politicians
11. Public Schools were publicly owned and run
12. Unions were strong and vital
13. Public servants were honored
14. The oceans were still savable
15. Peace was a possibility
16. The US engagement in unjust wars was challenged
17. People were not afraid to protest injustices
18. Protests attracted huge numbers
19. People were not arrested for peaceful assembly 
20. Corporation were entities that produced stuff, not owned the government
21. The music business was not completely commercialized
22. Movies were not all violent 
23. Our paychecks covered out expenses plus some savings
24. Banks were not completely corrupt
25. The United States Mail was supported
26. Social Security was a given
27. Medical services were affordable
28. The Constitution was honored
29. The Supreme Court was respected

I do realize that the past was not utopian, that there were political and social issues.  However I do feel that the above list is accurate.  I also realize that there has  been positive change over the last 50 years.  Perhaps I will make a list of these changes in a future post.  

I would really like to know what you think of this list, and see any additions you might have.   Please comment.

Thanks,