Yes our civil liberties have always been screwed up. And just when you think their about to get better we get neo cons in the mix who want to ban everything like stem cell research, abortions, gay rights, some even contraceptives.
And with the neo conservatives in power and their close ties to the religious right, its making religion more popular. And the fundementalist.... I won't even get started. The US is a mess currently. It could be worse, though surprisingly.
Congrats to the Swedes, hopefully the rest of the world looks at them for an example!