Europe vs USA (civility) (Score 1)

I can't remember where I read the article (I think BBC.co.uk - about the American elections) but it was about how Europeans are much more, err 'robust' when discussing opinions and such where as American's (politicians at least) are much 'politer' (sp?).

Can anyone comment on the differences - Do americans flame more when they are allowed anonymity, or do Europeans flame more as that's how they natural discuss things?

N.B. sorry for spelling - English is my first language so I never bothered learning it :)