Brooks is further proof you don't have to go overseas to be an "Ugly American"
I've seen his type before. He goes to an area and projects his prejudices upon it. "Why, this town doesn't have a Starbucks? What kind of hick joint is this?" Perhaps it's a place where people aren't stupid enough to pay several dollars for a cup of coffee.
Brooks, either due to laziness or budget constraints, visited one county out of the vastness of America and projects that on the rest of the country. Pretty shoddy research, IMO.
Brooks just doesn't get it - millions of people get up every morning and thank their lucky stars they don't live in "Blue America." I doubt if he'll ever understand why.