But, then again, are we really that independent?  Would the Founding Fathers look at us and be proud, or would they bow their heads in sorrow at what our nation has become?

Most of the citizens of the United States are now like the victims of an abusive relationship. People try frantically to avoid breaking laws because they don't want to be penalized.  They sacrifice their own well-being and happiness in order to avoid getting into trouble. I know that I personally get a little burst of adrenaline and say, "Oh crap!" every time a police car happens to be behind me, and I drive a little more carefully, signal a little bit sooner, and make certain my full stop lasts for a count of 5 Mississippis. Our right to defend ourselves with firearms is at risk, you can't grow vegetables in your front yard in many places, and in some states, you aren't even allowed to collect the gift of rain to water your garden in dry times. The vast quantity of ever-multiplying statutes are so plentiful even the most law-abiding citizen cannot get through a day without unwittingly breaking one.