I thought I would explain my answer more, the reason I say American first, is because I feel like the whole country is there for me, open to me. I can move anywhere in the 50 United States, DC, and our terrotories, choosing what I prefer, mountains, prairies, oceans…move to a community that is rural or urban, leans conservative or liberal. I always feel like being more identified with ones state means limiting oneself to the opportunities we have living in such a large varied country.
To say parts of the US embarrass me or dissapoints me is an understatement, but they are not what I think of when I think of being an American vs. Identifying more strongly with a state or community. I think of my America, the ideals of America, what I make of it, and all the places can I can go. If we speak of patriotism, would I be willing to stay in any state if it left the union? I doubt it.
Old question of mine that sort of relates.