Some people are talking about how the rest of the world hates America....You sound very intelligent, but I wonder how often you actually travel outside the United States to destinations other than resort locations and through airports that move international travelers?
As for the safety being real or perceived...we all know the security isn't what it should or could be, but those of us who are traveling to "other" destinations feel safer...and after all that is part of what they are hoping to accomplish.