Is not "American" too an illusion? It is a political condition - a qualified estate - is it not as the prodigal son which has left his first estate? As always, you must choose for yourself.
Hmm, like all political concepts, no? All ephemeral illusions made real by our actions. He had a problem and the magic words made the problem disappear.

And it only took 25 years.
Better late than never.