So true. That sort of thing doesn't carry much weight around here. At least not when it comes to elections and politics! Some people have views and opinions on moral, religious and racial issues, but not enough for them to become a major part of political debate.

Even the 'hot' issue of immigration has more to do with it's practical impact on social resources such as health, housing and education than with the origin and ethnicity of the immigrants themselves.

The main focus of people over here is to get and maintain a decent standard of living. If they can't, they blame the government, not other parts of the population.

I suppose we all think differently! Though it has been my personal experience, and this is in no way a reflection on yourself, your commitment or professionalism, that Americans on the whole seem shockingly undereducated. Case in point, while on holiday in Orlando, we happened upon a young man employed at Disney. His name badge included the fact that he came fromTallahassee, I remarked that it was the State capital - he replied that it wasamazing a British person knew that when most of the Americans he met didn't! I always wondered if that was fact or hyperbole?