Im from Australia. I dont know were the guy is that your replyin to is from, but thought id correct you on a couple of things.
You can own guns here. Lots do. Aint hard.
I think you will find we have cattle stations larger than Texas. Have you looked at a map?
We haven't had a gun massacre in donkey's years. Port Arthur Massacre in 1996 was the last one. Was the worst in the world until fairly recently- we do things properly here! (joke). We decided that we needed federal gun laws and restrictions to help prevent more and they have worked well so far. Will we get another massacre? Of cause. But we have certainly gotten less than if we had not of brought in the laws .No brainier really.
Please watch this video, it only goes for 4 min.
http://www.abc.net.au/insiders/content/2012/s3746727.htm (yes, their real politicians)
Yes, we have had gun crimes and murders..but lets face it you aint gunna stop those but are down 50% or more from pre- gun law days.
We also have some very relaxed cannabis laws in one state, SA (1984) and one Territory, ACT. (1985) Please dont quote me on the years here as there an educated guess. All states and territories have pretty relaxed cannabis laws compered to America until recent state events over there. To go to jail over pot in Australia you'd have to have LARGE amounts.
Maybe the longest running Cannabis festival in the world is in Nimbin NSW?
http://www.nimbinmardigrass.com/ - Have to get their one year!
Yes, America is the largest economy in the world, that China just about owns 2 trillion of your debt of 19 Trillion dollars ..(thats allot of debt!). Lots of Aussies would think that China is bigger as they are a HUGE trading partner of ours (maybe our biggest trading partner- for good or ill) and as most economists would agree, will be the next super power and global economic leader. There middle class are growing extremely wealthy at a unprecedented rate.
Feel free to have a go at my spelling and punctuation, its very bad as i suffer from dyslexia. Yes,I am fairly well educated due to our free education system (one of the worlds best) and also very healthy due to our free healthcare,(since 1984) and an example to the world on how its done.
Yes, most Australians think America is fucked. Low min wages, high crime, huge prison populations, bad healthcare and a worsening expensive education, cost of medication (just about free here), your debt, we really dont understand your gun culture...Not to mention all the conflicts you guys start (and drag us into) over oil (and lie about why) creating world instability and terrorism, is not well liked. Unlike most of the world we do love Americans though. As people you lot are awesome, friendly and so accepting. If only "the people" ran the country eh?
Cheers.