Beginning? You guys do really think you are free lol? Just because you can choose one of gazillion same bubble gums is not freedom! Try to change important things (like your government) and you will see that you already live in tyranny.
I don't entirely disagree with you. (I am not from the US, by the way). The developments in the US when it comes to justice, liberty and surveilance frighten me. From my point of view, the United States is fullfilling more and more of the requirements of a totalitarian regime.
I should probably be keeping my mouth shut regarding my opinions on US politics, since I'm visiting in a few months. Would be embarrassing to be confronted with this stuff at the border.
P.S. Intended to be brutal, think about it.