at this point, i'm not willing to sacrifice much at all for my country, defined as the government currently running the joint.
i'd be willing to sacrifice quite a bit for the ideals that comprise what one might call the 'myth of america', if i belived there was a reasonable chance of real change in that direction.
Thats part of the problem I think... you are willing to actually do something as long as your country is exactly what you want it to be... we have gone from "Ask not what your country can do, ask what you can do for your country" to "Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country can do for you"...
The US has never been perfect, and I never expect it to be perfect. However, its my home. I love it as much now as I did when Clinton was president or when Democrats controlled congress. In the next election in '08, if things change hands, I'll -still- love my country and be willing to sacrifice. I just have a hard time understanding the opposite...
I see alot of bumper stickers saying things like "GW is not MY president". While I understand what they are trying to say, he IS your president, and the electoral college said so. In '08, we will have a different president, and even if I did not vote for him, he will still be my president.
So, you don't like the war, so you won't be willing to sacrifice... so, some people don't like abortion, so lets get them out of service too. Some people don't like the legal system and Supreme Court decisions. Those people don't need to serve either. Some don't like paying high amounts of taxes. Perhaps they got a speeding ticket and now don't like the police... Where does it stop? Every decision and law passed makes huge decisions. If we EVER go to war will you EVER be content? What on earth justifies EVER going to war?
Personally, there are alot of things I'd love to change. There are always flaws that will exist. Thats part of how this country works. Perfection is not out there. Regardless, I'm still happy and proud to be an American. I still believe in what you call "the myth of america". Perhaps I'm a fatally optimistic

I think I'm not alone though...