I agree that it is human nature to take attacks toward an institution that we support (whether it be our church, government, um... local ACLU chapter, etc) personally, and it's worth pointing out that these criticisms are not intended to be personal.

Yet, it's hard not to take personally criticisms of my government when I see it as acting to ensure the security of myself, my family, my community and my nation. Of course, the people making those attacks see my government as engaging in the exact opposite, so they might be surprised when it is taken personally as an emotional reaction.