What am I missing?

I've read a few articles about how Britian is in trouble because the Muslims there (80%)view themselves as Muslims before British. At first, this bothered me. Then I thought, what if someone asked me if I thought of myself as Christian before American? I'd have to say, yes. Does that mean I wouldn't defend America? Duh. No. Does that mean I want Pat Robertson or James Dobson to be President? Duh. No.

Seems to me that these poll results may be a surprise in Europe, where religious affiliation has dwindled to near zero, but why should Americans be surprised by this result? Are you first an American and only second a Christian?