What happened to my America?

Walking home from work today I was thinking about life and such when I began to think, what happened to my America?

I grew up in a blue collar family that was made up of down to earth folks who were from Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, and Indiana. The men in my family were farmers, tradesmen, and soldiers. They were my role models as a child and taught me how to be a man and, more importantly, how to be a good American.

How I learned to be a man was taught to me by their words and by their actions. It all boiled down to respect, honesty, loyalty, working hard, stand up for what is right, take care of your family, and take care of your country. I believe in these principles and they make up the core of my beliefs.

Well, what happened to my America? Where is the America my elders had spoke of and prepared me for? If anyone has seen it, please let me know. I would like to know it still exist somewhere.