For example, I live in Vienna. Public transport here is amazing. Housing is pretty great. Education is free and good. Public healthcare is free and really good. I’m going to keep voting and contributing to keep these things good.

Many people would consider this civic pride. You don’t have to.

It sounds like you’re proud of your country and want it to improve. That’s what the SMBC comic is saying is “patriotism”. They might have used simpler & fewer words than you did, but that’s only to dumb it down so it’s easily understood.

You’re not wrong, but I don’t see the advantage of turning your nose up at people who want to be your allies.