To criticize with the right intention, which would include but isn't limited to getting at truth, learningt from past mistakes, setting things aright, improving conditions sorely in need of improvement--that is why people criticize, Gareth. All of those intentions are noble and positive. Most of us aren't naive enough to believe that just because our intentions when criticizing someone, something, some nation, etc. are good, that means that the outcome of our examining something critically will be positive, or even what is hoped and longed for, but that doesn't mean we should sit back and allow our thinking to be determined by the propaganda the US government attempts to feed us, especially through the mass media.

When you live in a democracy, the government and all it's proxies are constantly being scrutinized and examined critically. That is THE MOST POSITIVE aspect of being a US citizen, and having the privlege of living in a democratic society. You aren't guillotined for expressing a negative opinion of the government, or demanding an inquiry, or critically examining the policies the government is carrying out in your name.

I have to wonder about the mental state of any person who lives in a democratic society, and whines around about people being critical of the government. As citizens, it is our job and our responsibility to examine the actions of the government critically, and overthrow the government when it oversteps it's bounds. In a democratic society, we overthrow the government with ballots instead of bullets. But that doesn't make the contest any less intense and passionate.