[Lazamataz]

They have largely been reduced to ceremonial props that politicians and bureaucrats pay lip service to.

.... or lately, condemn outright.

[Orangedog]

And we've watched it happen in large chunks over the last three decades. Each decade had it's own theme:

1990's : "...for the children."

2000's : "Why do you hate American?"

2010's : "Only racists question the government."

Something equally trite and insipid will be used in the next decade, but I'm thinking the PR campaign will be over before then.