Sadly some silly buggers actually believe this.

Not just the UK, if that's any consolation. Plenty of butt-heads in the U.S. believe in nonsensical "American Exceptionalism".

Find myself rather oddly reacting, Jim, to your apparent obsessive hatred of your own country.

Well, EmGee, puts me in mind of the idiotic "America: Love It Or Leave It" jingoism. And you commonly react oddly- its one of your trademarks.