The same statement can be flame-bait or a spark for thoughtful discussion, depending on the presentation and participants.

Stated without nationalistic puffery, "According to a respected economic measure (purchasing-power parity), Mississippi produces more, per-capita, than almost any country in Europe", among the right audience, is a very interesting thing to talk about.

Let's choose to see it as an invitation to subtle discussion among respectful participants, rather than patriotic pissing.