"It always amazes me how people get so offended at any slight they perceive against their country" - Amanda, if I come to your house and start making statements of your mom's attitude being ridiculous, how would you react? I hope you get my metaphore. I spent some time in USA,  you americans,  are like a tree with no roots and your country is aswell. But I would never told you that, unless I read a post like yours. You will never be able to understand nation like mine, even if your parents are professor and antiquarian such like Karolinka's. 
@onetrickpony - please, get a behaviour, would you?
I am chauvinist and xenophobe and I'm proud of it. But I don't show it, unless I've been provoked.