Tourist shops here in the D.C. area sell a t-shirt that says, “I love my country, it’s the government I’m afraid of!” (sic, the comma splice) I believe it was first worn by liberals opposed to George W. Bush. Now it’s being worn by conservatives opposed to Barack Obama. (I present this as evidence for my assertion that both liberals and conservatives have become cynical when it comes to patriotic ideals.)
Now I understand the point. It’s possible to love America with its purple mountain majesties, its history, its people, and its ideals while being utterly opposed to the government. That’s a commendable distinction. At the same time, in a democratic republic, the people choose their leaders and elect their government, so there is going to be a connection between the country and the government. There is a fine line between hating a nation’s government and hating the nation.