No, those people are technically employed by a temp agency. I know, Im currently "on contract" where I work, and have been for two and a half years. I shouldnt complain though, there are some who went 5 years on contract before finally saying "fuck it" and finding a new job.

..Anybody who finds this suprising hasnt spent any time working IT for a company. Working IT in any company is a thankless job where every problem is your fault and must be fixed 2 hours ago.

I think I might have a heart attack and die, from not suprise.

Except in this case population doesnt mean jack. The largest contribution from a single entity comes form the US, and as the AC demonstrates below, it takes a Dozen from europe to even match that. Just because you and 8 of your friends can cover half of the lunch bill doesnt make the one guy who covers the other half less important, keep moving those goalpost though.

Who all answer to to the federal govt. Individual cities have their own govt systems too, should we start splitting those up as well?

I find it funny that people have to compare a continent to a country to make the US look less important.

Because the lowest median household income in Aus is double what the USA considers to be 'poverty'?

The last ebook I purchased for school was $20, compared to the print copy that was $210, then again that was 5 years ago

With those being cheaper than most textbooks, I think we can see more e-textbooks being popular in the future.

..right as the Iraq war started.

I said other than Russia and Saudi Arabia, which according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_oil_production is a correct statement.

oh, pardon me, top 11. Your EPEEN feel better now?

If they are so terrified of a shortage, Why does the US export more oil than most of the world? The USA produced more oil than any other country besides russia and Saudi Arabia, and is in the top 10 of oil exporting countries.

Because $300 million in profit PER DAY isnt much right? excuse me those companies must be barely scraping by.

Oil companies are making moneyhand over fist, yet Republicans kick and scream at the mere mention of un-subsidising those.