[tjwmason]

I was told that were were 'too hung up on the US Constitution." This, above all, really disturbed me.

I think that the point here is that we get along perfectly well without a written constitution. On the otherhand, it seems that every law passed by the Congress is subject to the scrutiny of the courts. The mere fact that abortion is dealt with not by lawmakers, but rather by judges talking about the Constitution is alien to the British understanding. It also strikes us as a fundamentally undemocratic way of making laws.

I'm not trying to start a mutual flame-war, but over here Parliament makes law; the courts interpret it. It works, it has done for centuries; and it would seem that that was the intention of the founding fathers of the U.S.

[Modernman]

I'm not trying to start a mutual flame-war, but over here Parliament makes law; the courts interpret it. It works, it has done for centuries; and it would seem that that was the intention of the founding fathers of the U.S.

I think such a system can only work in a place like England where the people are such lovers of tradition. A Westminster parliamentary system could very well slide into an elected dictatorship. However, the culture of British politics and the huge weight of tradition behind it, makes such a slide almost impossible.

[jmhfnyc]

I travel often to London (will be there next Thursday) and I am amazed by the anti-American comments, freely expressed. They can't believe articulate, educated, sophisticated people, such as moi, support Bush. But who's really stupid -- they have a Queen, lord and ladies, princes and princes, powdered wigs(!), and a system where one can only achieve the highest title in the land through birth. I, on the other hand, have the highest title in my land: I am an American citizen! By the way, Happy Guy Fawkes Day. Here's a penny of common sense for the Guy!

[Little Ray]

No offense, but that's how they took away your rights to weapons and self defense.

WE DON'T WANT A DEMOCRATIC WAY OF MAKING LAWS. We want to be able to remove a law when the State exceeds the its authority.

As per Robert A. Heinlein, "Vox Populi, Vox Dei" translates as "Oh my God, how did we get into this mess?"

[Vor Lady]

We are not a democracy, we are a republic. That is one of the things the libs here can't seem to get their mind around. Our Founding Fathers knew that pure democracy would get us into trouble. We have the different branches of government to check and balance the others. You mentioned that Parliment makes the laws and the courts interpret them. Are your judges elected or appointed? Are they there for life?