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I do not know enough about American local politics to participate in a knowledgeable fashion



Hogwash!! It's very simple, and sadly, very international. ... See, political agitation and disgust are very generic, and transcend all borders. SO, next time we are having a brew-ha-ha about Bush, and our local issues, just jump in as if you are talking about your government and problems ... Besides, it might liven things up if you throw in a few Greek curse-words, or deragatory names!!



LOL!!!

Greg,

If only it were that easy.

Our issues and political BS differ from yours in as much as that we have overcome certain aspects that you guys still have to go through.

Our citizens have by far a much lower tolerance level than the people in the US.
Some of the rhetoric I hear in the US wouldn't last a day here and would be thrown out immediately. We may still, perhaps, have the same level still in the smaller villages.

As an example I offer the fear/security factor used by your leadership.
We had similar tactics here for decades (e.g. the "threat from the East", namely Turkey) until they were discontinued around 10 years ago, following public "revolt".

Another example would be that, for the most part, illegal aliens have been made to contribute to the social security system in order to maintain their "green" card.

Our politicians here are under a constant microscope which leaves them little room for too much BS. It also keeps them on their toes resulting in them putting into practice long overdue reforms etc.

An example you will identify with is the social security and pension issues you guys are expecting to erupt in the next decades.
Well, we have identical problems and are are addressing (in practice) these issues NOW, before it's too late.

Cronyism is also kept to a minimum here too as the people got fed up with it in the past.

So, (without me wishing to paint a perfect picture, far from it, we still have many other outstanding items on our agenda) the issues and subsequent BS here are slightly more matured/advanced (nowadays) and my attempt to apply them in conversations regarding local US politics (using your otherwise agreeable and simple formula) on this board would make me look ... further away from you than I actually am.

P.S. As I mentioned nearly a couple of years ago, politicians still irritate me.
So, nothing has changed ... I am still an "anarchist" (albeit an armchair one) at heart.
P.P.S. I would be happy to teach you Greek curse-words, for starters, the equivalent to "Hogwash" is MA-LA-KI-ES. It's only fair since I have picked up so many English words on these forums.

Bedouin. Blessed are those eyes that have seen more roads than any man! (Homer).