America: Like the essence, deplore some of the Behavior

I like to view myself as a patriotic American who appreciates the positive essence of most of it’s people. I try to view our country, or any country in the same way that I try to view people. Attacking a person, or a country verbally, only causes emotional defensiveness and usually does not constructively solve problems. Every country and individual has behavioral attributes that are both positive and negative.
When I am uncomfortable with the behavior of a person I try to frame my critique around their specific behavior. For example I believe it more constructive to say to someone who has Racist behavior, “I feel uncomfortable, and I feel it’s destructive to people in general when you express or act in a way that suppresses the human rights of others”; “Please try to put yourself in the place of the person being discriminated against”. On the other hand if I say, “You are a Racist Pig”, that statement is a personal attack that will probably shut the person down and put them in a defensive mode.
Now extending the above methodology to a country or religion will also work to move people into a better listening mode. To say America is a Racist nation is to all in-compassing and incorrect. A more objective statement would be, “Unfortunately some people in America still remain fearful and ignorant and therefore express Racist type behavior”. What can we do as compassionate people to help enlighten these troubled individuals?
Some people who label themselves as “Patriots” become very defensive when anyone criticizes America. The word “Patriot” is very subjective and has unique meanings to different people. For me the word “Patriot” means someone who acts with integrity and transparency for the general economic and emotional welfare of most Americans. For someone else it may mean in the extreme, “My country Right or Wrong”. When one puts unquestioning allegiance to a nation above a generic moral compass, and with disregard for the “Golden Rule” the outcome for the country, and its’ people in general is doomed. Our last invasion of Iraq and the government plot to create, or be complicit in “911” are egregious examples of some people in positions of power putting greed and so called “National Interest” above basic morality and integrity. For example I would not like to view Dick Cheney as a typical Patriotic American, but rather someone who lusts for Power and Money in the name of Patriotism.
My definition of a “Patriot” is a loyal honest American who speaks out against: Inequality, Destruction of Personal Rights, Imperialistic Power Grabbing, Injustice, and a General Disregard for Human Beings beneath Personal Profit. Some people in positions of power at some religious institutions abuse and lie to people in the name of “God”. The word God and Patriotism are sometimes used in a destructive matter to control, abuse, distract, and steal from masses of people.
In conclusion, countries, religions, institutions, and people individually should remain open to constructive criticism and accountability when they act in a Greedy, Abusive, and Inhumane manner. Non-Violent Dissent, Transparency, Integrity, and Critical Thinking are essential to the health of any country, organization, or individual.