I think they confuse patriotism with tribalism. As MLK said, there can be no great disappointment, when there is no great love. The people who truly love their country are the ones who want their country to do the right thing at all times.
It makes sense that people focus on and are critical of US policy b/c it's very much consequential: America has the most leverage on global affairs... but to be critical of the people is not right. We sometimes tend to stereotype and pigeonhole people according to our perceived views of their country, religion or culture, and it's not fair, especially when we haven't lived there and our judgement is solely based on limited information.
True.... from your perspective because you were the one who was breaking up, I guess For her perspective, being dumped is better in person, since she gets a chance to kick you in the nuts
RE: whats the biggest age gap you would date
You are right! I should be "almostdead" so that they give me the kiss of life