Dave,

   Not to delve into political morass, but the BS section does seem identifiably anti-American. Folksingers are, to a great extent, leftist and the USA is, to the left, what salami is to a vegan (Chew 'em up but spit 'em out). Like most folks, we criticise our government and our culture with impunity but we get a little huffy when outsiders do the same. Like Brits, we are proud of our identity, and it is unpleasant to be, constantly, bashed for it. No one is saying that you can't flail away at all things American but don't act so surprised that we are offended and that we do not choose to participate in the bashing.

                      Mike