Volgadon, I've long been aware that the phrase "my country right or wrong" CAN be interpeted in a manner by which it might be a reasonable sentiment: I love my homeland despite any evils that may have been perpetrated in its name.

However, I did not know the name "Decatuer" as the person who coined this phrase which has become so famous ~ and, I suppose, so widely misunderstood. So, thanks!

I might note that the USA differs from most of the world's other nations in that its identity has never been based primarily upon the ethnic/tribal/genetic homogenity of tis citizens ~ it's based primarily upon an idea of human equality and human rights. The fact that adherence to this concept has always been less than perfect does not negate it. When a citizen of another nation loves his "country" despite some shortcoming or another, it's because he can't help but feel attached to his clan, his family. When an American perceives his government as failing to measure up to the ideals expressed by Jefferson, Franklin, et al, his/her judgement should not as easily be compromised by identification with an "American" ethnicity that doesn't (or at least shouldn't be seen to) actually exist...