The U.S. is 27% larger than Australia. Out of the aforementioned countries though, it would be the closest to the U.S. However, the air travel patterns are very different because the western side of the continent has one major airport, Perth. Yet, all of the other air travel is heavily concentrated up and down the eastern coast. The U.S. has major airports all over the country but again concentrated up and down both the east and west coasts. Travel habits and distances just aren't the same.

It's such a bad comparison when you compare US air travel to other countries like UK, Germany, Japan, and Australia. Their emissions are, of course, lower - their destinations aren't as far. Hell, some of the countries are smaller than some U.S. states. Automobile emissions are going to be greater too as the trips are traditionally farther. Apples & Oranges. Also, I didn't see a single statement about who those 1% people really are. They are the ultra-wealthy folks who own jets and charter private flights with just a few passengers on-board to visit one of their many vacation spots - something they do frequently. It's not the average traveler who jumps on a United or Delta flight to go visit the grandparents or even the elite business traveler as there are more passengers on the same flight.

I find it amusing how dollar large amounts are thrown around to describe how bad this shut down was. This is small change compared to the disaster the health insurance industry is about to have. Honestly, some of the government services that were shutdown probably cost tax payers more to close than to keep it running - such as federal parks (not including amenities) & government run websites. This was just a power play between a bunch of cry babies who can not compromise and come up with creative solutions.

This illustrates how divided the American Legislative branch has become. On one side, we have a president, who used to be a congressman and still tries to play one, doesn't know basic economics (yes, insurance costs are going up, no matter how you do the math), and has a congressional posse who won't legislate without him telling them what to do - a complete disregard of separation of duties if you ask me. And on the other side, a bunch of old farts who can not agree with a bunch of tea baggers to organize and work for a common goal to our problems, with each one of them pulling in different directions because they are all bought be lobbyists, banks, and other corrupt organizations.

I don't care which political way any voter leans, but come next election, I urge everyone to vote ALL incumbents out of office. This crap has to stop! It should be an honor to serve our nations citizens, not a career with lavish benefits, money being thrown at you, and no accountability. Hold them accountable - END THEIR CAREERS!