I find America’s social conservatism as vile as you do but you have to remember that Europe is far more secular than America. Church going people still make up the majority in this country. I don’t think the same can be said about Europe. For heaven sake, the current front runner in the Republican race doesn’t even believe in evolution! Much of the social conservatism you see in our political system is pandering to a relatively small % of Americans. Most polls actually show that people really aren’t as homophobic as our political system might indicate. It’s just that the current administration has been very good at using fear to illicitate extreme views in people.

As for health care, I couldn’t agree with you more. Our system is screwed up. People seem to forget that we do have a form of socialized medicine in this country – it’s called Medicare and Medicaid. I don’t think anyone would argue that the best medical care in the world can be found in the US…but you have to pay a price. The real issue is access. That’s where we falter. We may have some of the best medical professionals in the world but access is very uneven.

Personally, I believe the greatest weakness in our political system is the apathy of the average American citizen. Sociologists have long shown that stability in a society often leads to apathy amonst its citizens. Americans have the highest standard of living in the world. Until their is a real threat to that standard of living most Americans aren’t going to care or do much. That’s why we’re left with a poltical system that panders to the extremists.

I find America’s social conservatism as vile as you do but you have to remember that Europe is far more secular than America. Church going people still make up the majority in this country. I don’t think the same can be said about Europe. For heaven sake, the current front runner in the Republican race doesn’t even believe in evolution! Much of the social conservatism you see in our political system is pandering to a relatively small % of Americans. Most polls actually show that people really aren’t as homophobic as our political system might indicate. It’s just that the current administration has been very good at using fear to illicitate extreme views in people.

As for health care, I couldn’t agree with you more. Our system is screwed up. People seem to forget that we do have a form of socialized medicine in this country – it’s called Medicare and Medicaid. I don’t think anyone would argue that the best medical care in the world can be found in the US…but you have to pay a price. The real issue is access. That’s where we falter. We may have some of the best medical professionals in the world but access is very uneven.

Personally, I believe the greatest weakness in our political system is the apathy of the average American citizen. Sociologists have long shown that stability in a society often leads to apathy amonst its citizens. Americans have the highest standard of living in the world. Until their is a real threat to that standard of living most Americans aren’t going to care or do much. That’s why we’re left with a poltical system that panders to the extremists.

One thing, I have found; I can trust politicians to say anything to get elected and then “change” their mind to suit their own ends.

I didn’t vote for the Labour Party and now cannot find anyone who did.

I do find it fascinating that your politicians can regard the lifestyles of other people as wrong (i.e. homosexuality) and still remain electable.

That Rudy Giuliani(spelling?) can, with a straight face, proclaim that the British NHS is inferior compared to the American health system. I know that the British NHS is inferior compared to what the French and the German have, but it is better than the non-existent American Health service.

I dread that we might end up following the way American Politicians get elected.

One thing, I have found; I can trust politicians to say anything to get elected and then “change” their mind to suit their own ends.

I didn’t vote for the Labour Party and now cannot find anyone who did.

I do find it fascinating that your politicians can regard the lifestyles of other people as wrong (i.e. homosexuality) and still remain electable.

That Rudy Giuliani(spelling?) can, with a straight face, proclaim that the British NHS is inferior compared to the American health system. I know that the British NHS is inferior compared to what the French and the German have, but it is better than the non-existent American Health service.

I dread that we might end up following the way American Politicians get elected.

Honestly, I don\’t think Obama should focus on civil rights anymore just b/c he\’s black. I\’m not staking my ultimate choice based on the candidates race. I\’m basing it on which candidate best reflects my economic and social ideology. If I based my choice on a candidate that best reflects me superficially I\’d probably select Hillary. Shudder.

Honestly, I don’t think Obama should focus on civil rights anymore just b/c he’s black. I’m not staking my ultimate choice based on the candidates race. I’m basing it on which candidate best reflects my economic and social ideology. If I based my choice on a candidate that best reflects me superficially I’d probably select Hillary. Shudder.

US presidents are not elected for their foreign policy. They are elected on the strength of their tough talking, hollow promises of change and their good wholesome Christian faith.

Margaret Thatcher was made Prime Minister of Great Britain and we found that women\’s rights were not made any better under her watch.

It would be fascinating to see whether Obama is elected as President and then find that he is just like all other politicians.

US presidents are not elected for their foreign policy. They are elected on the strength of their tough talking, hollow promises of change and their good wholesome Christian faith.

Margaret Thatcher was made Prime Minister of Great Britain and we found that women’s rights were not made any better under her watch.

It would be fascinating to see whether Obama is elected as President and then find that he is just like all other politicians.