The US has a tradition of freedom to choose its leaders.  When a leader no longer is responsive to the needs or wants of the followers, the sheep follow someone else.  That has happened far too often in the American Catholic Church.  Bishops have not led, but demanded.  When they made the mistake back in the 60's of publicly allying themselves with  conservative politicians they, in effect, released all of their followers to choose their own way.  Once the erosion begins it will continue until the shepherds behave like shepherds.