This is an important subject. But I suspect that there are nuances that are getting missed here. Firstly, uncritical love of one's country is not patriotism. I

This is an important subject. But I suspect that there are nuances that are getting missed here. Firstly, uncritical love of one's country is not patriotism. Its blind hero worship. Secondly, the USA has always been based on a blend anti-authority ideology, theology and trade imperialism(expansionism to the west coast <1860 the continent <1930 the world up to now) The very reason your president is currently dicking about with a budget shutdown is born from anti-authoritarianism constitution. You have a boat load of guns is a logical consequence of anti-authoritarianism. However through all of this, you still have a dysfunctional legislature and executive.