I've said nor inferred nothing of the like. That's just how you choose to interpret it. I thank GOD I was born American and I especially thank GOD that he saw fit that I was born and reared in the South. I have a special affinity to the state and regional culture that I live in and personally think that there's not a better place on Earth to live, but I suspect most other folks feel the same way about their particular state/region/culture/heritage. If they don't, then sad for them. Don't ever question my love and patriotism for my nation just because I'm proud of my southern heritage and culture. Thanks.
For that matter, why isn't it "Southern by Birth, and American by Grace of God? Indeed, the South could have ended up something really wretched if some Southern politicians in the last two centuries had gotten their way. Being part of a larger country has helped to prevent the various regions from falling giving into their less worthy characteristics and tendencies.
I have a special affinity to the state and regional culture that I live in and personally think that there's not a better place on Earth to live, but I suspect most other folks feel the same way about their particular state/region/culture/heritage. If they don't, then sad for them.
Maybe they take a more realistic or balanced view of things. If you live in a Northern state you'll have plenty of things to complain about -- weather, potholes, traffic, politicians, taxes -- but you'll also have things you can take pride in.
It looks as though some Southerners have to be the best in everything. Not just now, but also through all time. And anything that gets in the way of that is denied. They play on the whole "red state" "blue state" thing to dismiss some really positive things about the Northeast or the West Coast.
There's nothing wrong with loving one's state or region as it is with all its good and bad qualities, but pretending it's perfect gets people into trouble.