Whatever happened to conversion to the metric system, this country's feeling of unity and respect for police after Sept. 11, the free meal center, having children only after marriage with parents financially responsible without government intervention, supermarket baggers, a baker's dozen, being too proud to accept government assistance, children walking to and from school without parental supervision, kids "knocking up" for friends and then choosing sides and playing a sport without a coach, church on Sunday, presidential candidates who feared voters enough to at least give the appearance of being honest?