This is a great list however it does not take into account the historical and demographic factors that are affecting this election and folks in the UK (and the rest of the world need to know this). I watched a BBC America town hall tonight and the moderator asked great questions, it was the audience member who spoke last who drove it home: Democracy in America is being undermined by the very REAL truth that Republicans have been writing laws to obstruct voting for the poor and especially people of color. BBC, please talk about this. The US correspondents who are of the majority may not want to highlight the nasty politics in this country but if the world saw, maybe it can hold the Republican party accountable. The Tea Party is not just against big government: they are admittedly racist and believe “true americans” are white. They have been using racist language against our President for the past 4 years. Please recognize this–read through the language of American politics and you will see the vituperative and toxic language of oppression for my people and for others.

For example, cities typically have some power to determine their own level of taxation. It’s not unusual for a county, or even a city, to conduct a referendum on a local issue (such as increasing property taxes to fund local schools).

None of this would be possible in England, where virtually everything connected with taxation and finance is dictated from London.