Quote of the Week

I’ve added a Quote of the Week in the right hand column. They might be funny or they might be me up there on my soap box, but it’s my blog so I can.

This week’s is a bit sudsy. Please don’t think that living in a foreign country has made me unpatriotic. I’m still very proud to be an American and happy that I’m free to pontificate on a wide variety of topics. I was however a humbled American when I entered into a conversation about elections with an Australian. I learned that voting is compulsory in all elections in Australia – federal, state and local. Citizens are not forced to vote but they are fined $100 for not casting their ballot. Their recent federal election had an all time low voter turnout. Everyone was appalled that a mere 80% of the population voted. The number is usually just over 90%. When Australians ask about our election process (which is the butt of many jokes and political cartoons) and voter turnout, it is down-right embarrassing to admit that the only half of the people in America care enough to vote.

I’m pround to be an American, just wish this weeks quote wasn’t so fitting.