Exactly. I keep trying to explain to people that government is generational. Currently in power are the former kids of the '60s and early '70s, and that's why the concerns of that era -- race, the environment, anti-war activism, etc. -- have come back to haunt us. It explains why the liberals are going more and more nuts trying to push through their "agenda." Coming up soon into power are the kids of the Reagan era, and the declining libs know damn well that's a whole different mindset.
While I agree with you that voter attitudes to shift in waves, I have to point out that the degredation of liberty has been on a steady pace for just over a hundred years. We have had 2 Presidents offer a respite (Coolidge and Reagan) however they were still not able to turn the tide completely.
It is sad, but it is inevitable.....