This is a very common viewpoint for people from Sweden I should know as I grew up and got my license there. I drive about 50/50 automatic/manual and would argue that I am safer in the automatic as I have less to do and can focus more on the traffic. The only time I prefer a manual is when the car has a smaller engine and you need more control to use it the way you want or if you are towing something. Then again, the US solution to towing is a Ford F350 with a 7.8 liter diesel engine with an automatic regardless of how small your trailer is. With that kind of torque, an automatic does just fine.

At home in Sweden, a good vehicle to tow with is a Volvo 240 with a 2.2 liter engine with 115 bhp... I digress yet again.