but I do think we are mostly better and glorious, notwithstanding the warts and occasional misbehavior. I am sometimes disappointed but I don't care to crow about it or doubt the basic goodness of our nation.

Criticism is okay, there is a good and bad way to do it. If you think we have too many handguns fine, say so. In the case of Treacher's (isn't he British?) comments, I don't see them as offensive anymore than I find comments that we are too violent offensive as long as it condemns a law or custom, opposed to the fabric of our society. Both are points of view with pros and cons on both sides. It is even okay to say the country is going to hell in a hand basket. That has been said since the beginning.

And, of course insulting other countries is completely different from insulting yourself. I am less bothered by insults from other nationals. Sure it can be carried too far but it reflects more on the insulter than the insulted.

Self criticism and self deprecating humor is okay but self flagellation, self hatred and open defamation of our basic institutions are unhealthy and without honor.

Do Reid's comments reach that level by saying the Swedish government is better than ours? I'm not even sure if that's exactly what he said.