I've been thinking a lot about the phrase "American Exceptionalism" lately. It used to strike me as somewhat elitist and self-serving, but you know, it may actually be a simple statement of fact.

The phrase covers a lot of ground (not to mention a lot of history!), and certainly there's going to be a religious component to it, though I've never identified it explicitly with "Christian patriotism." I think the author may be intentionally striving for the incendiary at that point.

American Exceptionalism can also be used in connection with the things that are truly good in this country. The opportunities afforded by American freedom, coupled with the incentives of capitalism, came together just yesterday when SpaceX acheived a wonderful milestone. One might even say it was exceptional!