I think that this represents a key point in the current conflict. Whenever we are accused of "hating America", we should answer that we love the Republic, but we hate the Empire. And by Empire, we are talking about fear, oppression, violence for resolution of political differences, as well as the imperialist foreign policy. It also refers to the creation of a class of "rulers" who undermine republican government and popular sovereignty. Aspects of each of these can be seen in the current government and the Republican party. We must use this phrase to frame the Democrats as the party of the republic (and therefore, the people), and the Republicans as the party of Empire. It also makes a statement of principle, the Left's line in the political sand, and it conveys in just a few words the central issues of the current conflict.
As an added bonus, this plays on the Rightwinger's "hate the sin, love the sinner" phrase (usually said in reference to homosexuals). So, it will be able to piggy back on this right-wing phraseology's general familiarity on the right. And it also invokes the central conflict in Star Wars, which gives all americans a pop culture reference they can relate to and enables them to instantaneously grasp the basic issues at stake here. It makes it so simple, even Republicans can understand it. Plus, it frames the conflict as one of power, not of morality.
So, use it in conversation. Make it into a bumpersticker. Spread it around. Get the meme out there. It could help us get our message across... to spineless Democrats and Republicans.