Last I checked, a lot of people outside the US disliked our government, not our people...has that changed?

Still a majority. And people wonder why I dislike democracy. Think about it. It's the nation that loves to call itself democratic and now comes to embody all it's flaws - populism and fear-mongering trumping logic and reason, peversion by 'special interests', and legalized corruption.

As for the people vs government thing, I wouldn't expect so much leeway now you've given bush a clear mandate, as far as the rest of the world will be concerned Bush now clearly represents the wishes of the people.

The combination of those who voted for Kerry and those who chose not to vote is also larger than those who voted for Bush.

Sssssh! You'll confuse the "massive national mandate" crowd.

(to steal from Atrios) What's this I hear about Bush and a man-date?

Then those people are ignorant. Myself and 55 million other Americans supported John Kerry and other candidates, not to mention the millions that didn't vote at all.

Now you're beginning to sound like a member of the Bush camp, Jag. 51% of the voters is NOT a clear mandate from the American people, especially when you consider how vehement the feelings are of those who oppose Bush. Look at all the anger that has been displayed on this board. If I were president with 49% of the electorate so strongly against me, I wouldn't call it a mandate. It is arrogant and misguided for Bush to do so.

If you live in the inner city (within 10kms of the CBD), you will find there are plenty of trains, buses and ferries. I live 30km out, but I only have to drive my car once a week to go down to the local shopping mall.

Sydney is expensive, and so is Melbourne. You'll find that prices in Australia are much higher than you are used to. I've already mentioned petrol (gas), but you'll also pay more for electrical items, and luxury goods. CDs are around $30. Food is cheap. Wine and beer are cheap. Rent (for apartments/houses) varies, but rents in Sydney are not considered high.

Ah but it'll be treated like a mandate, that's what matters. Get used to the word, it's going to be used at every new outrage, it's the new addition the political lexicon. Syc, in the most people are going to look at say 'last time was a fluke, an electoral oddity, the american people saw what he did for 4 years and then the majority of them that voted, voted for him'. End of story. *I* know the story is a touch more complex but that is the opinion I hear and to a degree, it's fair enough. The fact that tons still couldn't be stuffed getting off their fat asses to vote is irrelevent.

From The Tonight Show Wednesday night: The only Republican without a mandate is Mary Cheney.

A touch more complex? You're high. :)

I know what you're saying, Jag, but no election is as simple as the numbers. I offer the following examples:

--Jean-Marie Le Pen
--Russia
--Pakistan
--pretty much any Iraqi presidential election while Saddam Hussein was in power

This site should assist in your quests to relocate.

Amen sis. As I listen to the local conservative radio station, all they have been talking about since the day after the election is why Kerry lost and just plain old more Kerry bashing.

Dudes: WHO THE MOTHERFUCK CARES ABOUT THE WHY?!?!?! Get out there and support his monkey ass already! Shit!

Is it 2008 already? :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad: :mad: :mad:

'K...better now. :D

Just in case you're still in mourning ...

The Depressed Democrat's Recovery Guide

Now that's some funny shit right there, I don't care who you are! :D