Well, Im aquainted with some folks that know the family pretty well. She was smeared by the wops, probably for political purposes.
I dont think she was being portrayed as an American hero. But here in Seattle, most people are happy to see that she was finally freed. If there was a flag behind her (I didnt notice that), Im sure it was there for her benefit to welcome her home, not to make her out a hero.
Also, we have a very prominent attorney here in Seattle (I know, I dont like lawyers either) who does not have a political agenda and is not part of the media, who has followed this story right from the beginning. And she probably knows more than the media morons (orelly, etc) who pretend to have read the transcripts. She says the whole thing was completely bogus. Most if not all of what you hear was innuendo and flat out fabrication leaked by the italian prosecution to fry this young girl in the media.
Here is something interesting. The 3 majors tv/radio stations here in Seattle have agreed not to camp on the Know families lawns so Amanda can have some piece.