<p><strong>To the editor:</strong></p><p>We used to work hard, play hard and pay our own way in pursuit of the life we wanted.</p><p>We used to treasure the freedom to do, say and support whomever we wanted without fear of being shouted down, locked out or censored.</p><p>We didn’t used to believe we had a "right" not to be offended.</p><p>We used to talk politics with our neighbors without screaming at each other.</p><p>We used to appreciate the protection of the police and living in quiet, safe communities.</p><p>We used to protest without property destruction and violence.</p><p>We used to form our own opinions without Facebook and twitter.</p><p>We used to conduct elections, count votes and declare the winners in a process that was the envy of the world, not a corroded, third world cesspool of embarrassment.</p><p>We used to have an IRS that wasn’t weaponized to punish free speech.</p><p>We used to have an FBI that was trustworthy, lawful and celebrated.</p><p>We used to have a Justice Department that actually prosecuted corrupt politicians and FBI officials.</p><p>We used to have a news media that reported the news instead of creating it.</p><p>We used to have sports figures that just played and race drivers that just raced.</p><p>We used to have patriotic TV and movie stars that actually loved their country.</p><p>Big business used to like political figures that universally improved business.</p><p>We used to have schools and universities that taught the sciences and formed minds, not social warriors.</p><p>We used to have a belief in something greater than ourselves.</p><p>We used to have a Constitution that insured a level playing field in life.</p><p>We used to proudly call ourselves “American’s.”</p><p>Now we can’t even do that.</p><p>What happened to us?</p><p><p><strong>Mike Pflum</strong></p><p><p><strong>Martinsville</strong></p>
