Yeah I did. It really isn't as corrupt as it sounds. There are cases that break out from time to time, but it's not exactly a epidemic. There's too much arguing for anyone to get away with corruption without the other party noticing. And they WILL make sure he goes down. Another thign in america about the 2party system, it sure raises standards for your performance. If you fuck up, they WILL let you know. Always looking out for a advantage, a zero-sum game.
Again, per state, YMMV.
The US is a series of incredibly ridiculous people and laws held up and kept in line by a incredibly strong and steady frame-work. We wouldn't have lasted nearly as long without it. In terms of freedoms, in how many European Counties are you allowed to own a flamethrower? How about slander politicians? As my earlier comment says, the only limit is how loud you can say it. It's very broken at times, but only cracks on the surface (except for maybe corporations, which are ubiquitous and more like a ugly fungus).. Trust me when I say it really isn't as bad as it sounds.
Also, jus tbecause you hear there is common detention without trial, doesn't mean there is. Habeas Corpus is still fine, and Police gunning people down is pretty rare, certianly more rare then people gunning other people down (That's why you live in a safe city like New york). Frankly I can't remember the last time that happened, and when it does there is outrage.
Besides, Flamethrowers. And Thermite. And explosives. And Poooooorn.