I understand the Aussies are very American-like...is that true?

My friend Pat asked me the following question: I understand the Aussies are very American-like...is that true?

Very much so with some slight differences. There are reasons Australia is called "Little America" or "America-Light". Here's my take:

Similar:
- US English is pretty much the same as Aussie English with an accent in the speech, British spellings, and geographic phrases.
- Although Gridiron Footbal isn't here I enjoy Rugby Union in a similar capacity. Rugby League sucks, and Aussie Rules Football is... Well, I really don't understand their AFL at all.
- They use dollars (different value, and I actually prefer their money over US money)
- People like to go out just like Americans, socialize, have drinks, etc. just like in the US.
- The have Mac Donald's, Burger King (Hungry Jacks), KFC, and other local fast food chains just like the US.
- The Sydney Opera House / Circular Quay area is the equivalent to San Francisco's Pier 39.
- Freedom of Speech just like in the US, and they're not afraid to use it.
- Both originally UK Colonies, and Australia is considering breaking away from the Commonwealth.
- Ford and Chevy (Holden) are here.
- Generally speaking, someone's life in Australia is a lot like someone's life in the US.
- Everyone hates George W. Bush.

Differences:
- They drive on the other side of the road.
- Tips and taxes are included on menus and prices.
- Ford and Chevy (Holden) are generally good cars and don't break down as they do in the US.
- Acura is not here, everything is Honda.
- Cricket is actually much more boring to watch than Baseball.
- Seafood is better here, although sushi is considered fast food here and I don't see myself trying it.
- Chinese food is much better here compared to Phoenix and Denver.
- Two words: meat pies.
- Women seem desperate to attract a man.
- They have swearing and nudity on public TV (late night)
- They criticize their own government more out in the open than US citizens do.
- They don't do protests like the US does.
- The US has 300MM people. Australia has around 20MM people.