America is a country of excess—both good and bad
I was speaking to my wife the other day about how the exact elements which make America exceptional are the same things that have enabled its ugly side.
Individuality, freedom, and personal liberty are all great concepts but you will get entirely different outcomes depending on whether you're coming from a place of genuine liberalism or rampant nationalism. The former is built on real respect toward other people's autonomy; the latter is ensuring your own autonomy by sacrificing that of other people's. I guess it all depends on whether you're satisfied with your own lot or if you need to victimize others to feel secure.
I always like to say that America is a country of excess—both good and bad. In a fight for the soul of the nation, our angels are always neck and neck with our demons.