Here and abroad, fewer see Americans as decent people

Speaking to her hometown constituents last month, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) made a startling admission: “We are all afraid. ... I’m often very anxious about using my voice because retaliation is real.” 

Murkowski’s confession illustrates a profound change in who we are. Following World War II, Americans took pride in themselves — seeing those who served, and the country they represented — as generous, good and decent.  

While there were exceptions to that glorified image ...