There was some great progrss made in the midst of all the tireless periods of inhumanity. Such as ,as you have said, the feminist movements, the civil rights movements, education has soared, and world wide communication keeps us much more into the full spectrum of world events. Of course, the elitist controlled government still tries to keep us blind to their exploitations, but we have a lot of power compared to what we once had. Basically, every bit of progress made in the world is due to the breaking of some tradition, and all of the liberal movements. I can't think of a single good thing that I have today that is due to a conservative ideal. Of course, the idea that the world is getting progressively worse is an idea that we are constantly fed. This idea is good for the conservatives, it makes the world look like its in a downward spiral, in which the only answer is to stick to the oppressive traditions of the past. I say we have a lot of power if we stick together and keep the movements coming. This entire post may just be a ramble, but I think I have a point in there somewhere.