sarobah wrote: but I think the Australian system offers the best of both worlds
Hi Sarobah, don't forget the secret ballot is known as the Australian Ballot. I also understand voting is mandatory down under. If you don't vote it's something like a traffic ticket fine and then increases until you get back to the polls. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the turnout something like 95%?
Isn't the Labor Party in power now? It's spelled the American way rather then Labour because they admired the American Labor Movement which gave the U.S. the strongest middle-class ever from 1947 to around 1977. I've also heard Prime Minister Gillard put in a living minimum wage which is $16 an hour. I don't hear much of the politicians up here. The first time I heard about your PM was on a religious right talk show where they complained about her living with her partner without the benefit of clergy. They noted Todd Palin is known as the First Dude as Prime Minister Gillard's partner is called the First Bloke!
Sarobah, I'm glad you really love the U.S. If you can't spend a few years living here I hope you can at least give us an extended visit. I'm sure your to do list includes the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. I hope you get to try a gigantic corn beef sandwich at the Carnegie Deli in Manhattan, a Philly Cheesteak from Pat's King of Steaks in South Philly and a chili burger from Original Tommy's in the L.A. area. UCLA students say if you get drunk the night before you don't remember, unless you go to Tommy's- then you don't forget. If you include Canada in your itinerary let me know and I'll tell you where to get the best poutine. If I ever make it your island just let me know where the best vegemite sandwich is made. Take care, T.T.