where did we go wrong as a country was it when we went from officers of the peace to law enforcement officers?

Answer 1

The introduction of the automobile changed the police from helping you against criminals to being out to get you for every minor traffic offense. Now everyone is a criminal when you are speeding, not wearing a seat belt, etc.

Answer 2

1953 was the begining of our current troubles. The below link will explain how the British government (under the influence of British Petrolium), duped us into a huge mistake.
This mistake has led to a domino effect of more mistakes and a more imperialistic/opportunistic stances in lieu of our old identity of peace makers.
We look for short term gain at the huge long term cost of creating enemies and old vandetas. This cycle of interventionism must stop before we're reach the point of no return.
Read it and weep:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Ajax