I certainly don't think Americans are stupid. Some Americans are misinformed or misguided, but definitely not stupid. I don't claim to know everything, nor do I claim my opinions are correct. They're simply that: my opinions. That being said... I myself always thought that since America itself was built on ideals involving freedom, liberty, and justice, this also meant that its citizens were entitled to form their own opinions about the government, the legal system, etc. This would include, at least I would hope, a right to disagree with our elected officials. Why else do you think the forefathers of this country established the electoral process? Indeed, in the constitution itself it mentions a right to question our government. I would think... or maybe this is just a huge presumption of mine... that this would include (but certainly not be limited to) the President.
Bush, the last time I checked, is not the King, nor the Emperor of the U.S. He may be in office, but this does not mean I have to like him. You can like him, that's fine with me, I'm certainly not going to argue your right to like him. However, I hear, time and time again, how anti-American and un-Patriotic I am because I happen to not agree with Bush or his policies. Let's clear this up: I love America, but I don't like Bush. I think that much is possible.
Kerry, the man that I have to vote for since Dean is no longer a viable candidate, doesn't exactly appeal to me either, but he seems to have a far, far different vision for America that I happen to agree with. I guess this puts me in the "leftist" category, but so be it.
If Bush wins, I won't stop loving America, nor will I leave the country. However, please don't try to tell me that in order to love America, I also have to love the government. Keep in mind that, if Kerry wins, I'll remain skeptical and somewhat cynical, but at least I'll have hope. Bush just doesn't inspire me in that way.
