I'm not quite sure if the author sees this as an attribute, but I certainly do. The author is also neglectful in mentioning the German immigrants in this group. The Scotch, Irish and Germans all immigrated to the same areas of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio and the Carolinas and soon started marrying amongst themselves. I am of that stock, having German, Irish and Scottish on both the paternal and maternal sides.
Those who still carry that spirit, will get our backs up when we or our people are violated.