Accountability Versus Deniability

[Strut&Rut]

When did the switch take place in America, from actions of atoning for one's actions---ie. accountability, to passing the blame onto another---ie. deniability?

Was it the aftermath of WWII?

Was it Vietnam?

Was it during Carter's horrendous term as President?

I simply ask, because this seems to be a relatively new phenomenon. Ancient civilizations throughout history fought and conquered lands, as did American settlers in the West. We fought tooth and nail for this country, and then during the last century the attitude of Americans changed?

When & why?

[knifemakerbill]

IMHO--i saw it really come to light during the Viet Nam war era. young men refused to do their duty, and suffered no ill thoughts by the rest of the country. we had presidents that refused to take accountability of their actions, from Nixon's--" i am not a crook.", to Clinton's--"i did not have sex". when our youth see these as examples, what can we expect? till we as adults start reacting differently and taking responsibility for our own actions, we can never expect the younger generations to change.

[CalHunter]

I think Knifemakerbill has pretty much nailed it. Somewhere between the Vietnam war and the me generation of the 80's, we started slipping. nixon and Clinton certainly helped this downward slide along though.

[Aught Six]

I think Knifemakerbill has pretty much nailed it.

Don't forget about the entitlement/welfare culture that sprung up about that time.

[Tazman]

Knifemaker nailed it, Nixon started it, then when Ford pardoned him to save the party it really put the nail in the coffin of accountability in America!

[Deleted User]

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