That comment is 100% dislocated from reality. To be sure, entry dynamics vary by country, person and other circumstances. Law enforcement is different in philosophy and approach all over the world. For example, in the US you are not met with soldiers carrying machine guns, which is something you are likely to encounter in Italy. To some people, being met by soldiers with machine guns is terrifying, to others, it is normal. To some people being asked questions in a terse manner is rude and scary, others understand security theater and the role these people play. It's shades of gray, not black and white.