I live currently in SW Missouri and the only place that might beat the average yokel around here for "patriotism" are people from Texas. I see huge American flags flying from the beds of pickup trucks with exhaust pipes big enough for a 10 year old to stick their head up while simultaneously donning a Confederate flag bumper sticker which has always struck me as politically schizophrenic.

That being said I think that if there is thoughtful reflection on one's country one can be proud of it. Take Denmark for example, they have come a long way over the years (think Vikings) and now through public discussion, debate, and consensus building they have some of the happiest people in the world. America is a hollow statue gilded with fools gold at the moment.