No problem... hardly a troll though I have to say. Its something that I think about from time to time. Whiteox, above, calls it complacency, and its partly that, but complacency exists in all countries I'm familiar with (Greece being the exception, they fucking burn it all when they don't like it). Australian's aren't complacent, they're quite highly motivated, its just that they have no fear of the state, at all. I have no data to back this up, but I would put money on a referendum on this issue being passed by the Australian public.

Also, the laid back thing. Its a complete load of crap. Aussies are some of the most hard working, conscientious, least chilled people around.

Merry Crimbo to you too...

You're so right. Having lived overseas for over ten years I really feel it when I'm back in Australia. It is hard to put your finger on, a combination of excessive government propaganda on tv, small bylaws that of a kind that exist everywhere, but in Oz are enforced excessive zeal by police that just don't live in the "real world" but some kind of "well its the law...." kind of thing.

Hmmm, the way people are just so afraid of conflict and will NEVER question a representative of the state. I agree with you, but its hard to put into clear words. Anyone else want to try...?