> I feel like a 1950's traditional conservative when I suggest that...

I wouldn't argue that America's moral standards haven't declined (significantly) but I also think it's a romanization to suggest that 1950s America was the pinnacle of morality.

Lying, misleading, and exploiting people for financial gain has been a part of the fabric of American society since the country was founded.

If we're being honest, humans everywhere have demonstrated a high capacity for this behavior since the dawn of civilization.