As I recall, the Soviet Union had something like a 98% voter participation rate when it was ruled by what was essentially a dictatorship. People were encouraged to vote – strongly encouraged, at the risk of losing what little freedom they had if they didn’t.
I vote in every election, and I believe that it is my duty to do so. But I also believe that it is essential to democracy that voting be a matter of choice.
As for the O.P. – citizens of the U.S. do not have to “earn” the right to be patriots. It is enough that you live in this great, free country, and are not actively violating its laws or attempting to subvert its government. Anyone who does a job, or cares for children, or lives a life in this country can share in the pain that we are all feeling. Being an American has nothing to do with the kind of displays of pomp and military might that occur in Communist countries. It has do with living a secure, happy, peaceful life amid friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. That’s how we Americans come together on a daily basis. We don’t need to chant U.S.A., or display flags to be American patriots except in times of crisis. And that’s as it should be.