[ QUOTE ]
That's because it was how it was spelt in the ~18th century when we shipped all you guys over there. As they'd all come from or took exile to avoid jail, the word had greater use and so was likely more resistant to change than normal English words.

(P.S, I think we should export our criminals to other countries too, Australia turned out pretty good - let's try Paris? And that was a joke too)

[/ QUOTE ]

Although you are joking, I completely agree. IMO Australia is one of the best examples of a classless society. We have a good sense of equality in a socialist/communist way (I don't know if these terms are correct, I'm a polotics n00b, what I'm trying to say is minimum wage is high, health care is good and cheap for everyone, welfare is high etc.), while still having most of the benefits of capatalism. If your father is a garbage man no one thinks anything of it, and treats you no different.

After all, how can you claim you are 'better' than some one else when your ancestors are criminals? (For instance, I have in my family tree from Ireland, a thief who married a one-legged prostitute.)