And I would say that you are being overly-sensitive and missing my point. I'm not particularly talking about the people/regions you mentioned. You are quite mistaken.
I understand the general view of small-town America, and it isn't necessarily closed-minded or bigoted; this isn't 1940. I live in a smaller conservative place; I understand the reasonable values of such people as you refer to.Small town America is what keeps your city slicker grocery stores stocked and well feed.
Not all the "city-slickers" reside and/or operate in the 'cities'; people are people... no matter wherever you go.
I have performed substantial military service myself, and I'm proud to say that the best-of-the-best come from ALL OVER America.It is also a back-bone of the most patriotic people I have ever the pleasure to serve with in the Marines and in the Army.
BE PEACEFUL and be disciplined; understand, rather than striking out in foolish anger (as many do these days).Those would be "fighting" words, and while I am a peaceful man, it does not mean that I am not prone to temptations.
I'm not here to be against you personally, but to share what my views, beliefs and vision with you as a fellow American.