Athenian Democracy

"For executing the generals the Athenians have been rightly censured throughout the ages, but the argument that has been made from ancient to modern times that such misdeeds are especially characteristic of democracies is far from the mark. Atrocities have been perpetrated by every kind of regime throughout history. It is precisely the general adherence to law and due process by the Athenian democracy that makes this departure from the norm so notorious." -- Donald Kagan, The Peloponessian War, pg. 466

Is the same true when it comes to criticism of the U.S.? Is it the violation of norms (that many other nations don't value) which are generally honored that so upsets us?