I have to say, HisServent, that Americans do SEEM to be more preoccupied with their politics than Australians are.  Of course, the average Aussie doesn't like to concern him or herself with too much bother over anything (she'll be right, mate!) ..... but the way that American posters here get upset and start insulting each other does surprise me.  I've only ever seen that happen once here  (when the Labor party was voted into power one year - a friend of mine started to cry - I looked at her in awe and horror - I'd never seen anyone be so passionate about politics before, and I haven't since).

Perhaps this is because you have more people anyway, or because your political system is based upon the notion of freedom and so forth (the Australian system is mostly just a copy of the British system) ...however, I only heard recently that you don't have to vote in America.  Is this true?  Voting is compulsory in Australia.  If you don't vote you are fined.  

.....Our land abounds in nature's gifts of beauty rich and rare la la la .... Advance Australia Fair.

You're too funny Leon..

LOL...

Alaska foreigin country....well it depends on who you asking..

Yes we are passonate about our freedom of speech and seems like politics is a great subject that everyone has an opinion about , even if they don't have any idea of whats going on ?  Voting in a right and we are free to vote or not . I find it shamefull that almost half the people don't vote in this country and yet they wonder why things are the way they are.
Forced voting ? I don't like that idea . But it seems to work for you guys.

Yep I saw that. Sad news indeed. This will go to the supreme court and unfortunately in my opinion it will be shot down. The judges in my opinion will stand for corporate interest instead of the american people.

Hmnnn ... I'm hearing a different song all of a sudden ... uphold the law ... now support those that don't like the law.  Which is it? Or is it ... uphold the law if it goes your way ... ignore it if it doesn't?  Isn't that how a democracy works? If you don't like something, you can speak up and try to change it ... if it becomes the law you are bound to keep it until you can change it.

It's kinda related to the old thread on immigration ... we were told that immigrants were to get out because that is the law ... if the courts don't uphold the law it stops being law ... proponents for the old law are now fighting against what could become the new law ... what has changed? It's not in their favor anymore.