1. Australia became a nation, not by revolution, but by a referendum which united the colonies of Australia as one Federation (100 yrs young this year too)
Because Australia was created not by revolution, but by the good graces of the British government, I think there has been a tendancy to look lightly upon how it all came about. Hopefully this will change with the coming Centennery. Remember, many school children graduate not knowing Australian history. I had to look high and low for a copy of its Constitution which is not taught in school either and people are unknowledgable about their rights.
2. Australian society is built upon the principle that everyone deserves a "fair go", and you will find (on the most part) Australians to be a very generous and friendly people.
This is true and one of the biggest differences btwn the US and AUS. In the US, people say "make an opportunity" whereas here, people say everyone "deserves" and opportunity.
3. Australians can criticise and call our politicians "bastards" without too much bother (What would happen if someone did that at a meeting with the US President?).
Have you heard what people have said about Clinton on US talk radio?
4. Australians are very relaxed and layed-back, but have a reputation for determination and perseverance (you want something done, get an Aussie to do it)
...Especially if you use beer as a carrot LOL
5. A "free" public education system (including universities). I would never have been able to afford to go to uni unless it was publicly funded (and I would never have recieved and honours degree). This is one area I have absolutely no qualms about paying my taxes for: someone to get a good education.
Another big difference. In America, people have a problem sending their hard earned dollars away for the benefit of someone who they'll never meet no matter how noble. If it is charity OK fine at least they have some say in the matter. But when it comes to tax dollars then watch out!
6. Voting is party-preferred, and if they needed to recount, they would (all our votes are manually counted in approx 24hours for ~10 million or so eligible voters)
I wish we had that system in Palm Beach County!
Yes indeed I have found Australia to be a much better place to live than America and will only return to visit family and friends.
>>The only reason Gore even came close was because of massive get-out-the-vote campaigns among minorities and seniors whom he convinced that Bush would burn their houses to the ground>>
The only reason Bush got as many votes as he did was because of a massive campaign by Republicans to convince voters that Gore would lease the white house back to Clinton who would joint venture with Holiday Inn and keep renting the Lincoln bedroom out.
Slashdot Mirror
Dan I agree with you as I live in Brizzy, but...
1. Australia became a nation, not by revolution, but by a referendum which united the colonies of Australia as one Federation (100 yrs young this year too)
Because Australia was created not by revolution, but by the good graces of the British government, I think there has been a tendancy to look lightly upon how it all came about. Hopefully this will change with the coming Centennery. Remember, many school children graduate not knowing Australian history. I had to look high and low for a copy of its Constitution which is not taught in school either and people are unknowledgable about their rights.
2. Australian society is built upon the principle that everyone deserves a "fair go", and you will find (on the most part) Australians to be a very generous and friendly people.
This is true and one of the biggest differences btwn the US and AUS. In the US, people say "make an opportunity" whereas here, people say everyone "deserves" and opportunity.
3. Australians can criticise and call our politicians "bastards" without too much bother (What would happen if someone did that at a meeting with the US President?).
Have you heard what people have said about Clinton on US talk radio?
4. Australians are very relaxed and layed-back, but have a reputation for determination and perseverance (you want something done, get an Aussie to do it)
...Especially if you use beer as a carrot LOL
5. A "free" public education system (including universities). I would never have been able to afford to go to uni unless it was publicly funded (and I would never have recieved and honours degree). This is one area I have absolutely no qualms about paying my taxes for: someone to get a good education.
Another big difference. In America, people have a problem sending their hard earned dollars away for the benefit of someone who they'll never meet no matter how noble. If it is charity OK fine at least they have some say in the matter. But when it comes to tax dollars then watch out!
6. Voting is party-preferred, and if they needed to recount, they would (all our votes are manually counted in approx 24hours for ~10 million or so eligible voters)
I wish we had that system in Palm Beach County!
Yes indeed I have found Australia to be a much better place to live than America and will only return to visit family and friends.
>>The only reason Gore even came close was because of massive get-out-the-vote campaigns among minorities and seniors whom he convinced that Bush would burn their houses to the ground>> The only reason Bush got as many votes as he did was because of a massive campaign by Republicans to convince voters that Gore would lease the white house back to Clinton who would joint venture with Holiday Inn and keep renting the Lincoln bedroom out.