I also had another incident where a cab driver continually harassed me about Gas prices- which were a result of the war in Iraq, and inevidably the fault of all Americans.
I then explained to him that I was a Kanada-jin　
Even though I'm American as apple pie! We then enjoyed a pleasant America-bashing conversation.
And one of my friends (Same one shoo'd by the broom) was told to "SHUT UP!" by a cab driver who was obviously lost/frustrated and couldn't handle whispering in back.
