IMO, one of the major propaganda goals of the Bush administration (with much help from the rest of the political/media establishment) has been to convince the public that patriotism = unconditional support for authority figures.

Thus, double standards are considered ok simply because it is implied that powerful people should not be held accountable.



Secrecy and obstruction of justice are ok simply because it is implied that powerful officials are acting in good faith despite the lack of evidence to support such a conclusion.



Citizens who object to policies that are illegal and anti-Constitutional are often considered out of line simply because they have the gall to challenge the actions of powerful officials.



