Sadly for us it seems that the only tactic known to current politicians is to belittle and discredit individuals instead of spending their time arguing the pro's and con's of issues of substance.

Yes daw, we have seen many examples of "issues of substance" being raised by Abbott and Joyce, haven't we?

Barnabys' like an anchor - he will drag everybody to the bottom!

Sarcasm also fits into 'attack the person' tactics Bushie Bill. It is not becoming of anybody and does nothing to further points of view or debate. Amongst many things for example Abbott has furthered the cause of those who don't want an Extra Tax System but rather seeks to do something positive about that whole issue. Whilst Joyce has been vocal and supportive of farmers and their right to farm as but one example. Let's stick to arguing about issues not personalities. As an example to this end I challenge you to put forth arguments (for or against) why we should be embracing Hot Fractured Rock Geothermal electricity generation instead of locking up farming land in the name of GHG abatement.

Sarcasm is a perfectly acceptable communication technique, daw, and it is used extensively in politics, where issues are often complex, attention spans of the voters are short and there is contest for support. If you listen to parliamentary proceedings on radio or watch Question Time on TV, you can't help but notice it is used with devastating and telling effect by both sides of parliament. If you think that "(s)arcasm also fits into 'attack the person' tactics", daw, you astound me. Of course it does! Are you aware you are also condemning much of the political theatre that Abbott and his little side-kick, Barnaby, indulge in, or more realistically, try to make work for their own interests? The Extra Tax System, as you so charmingly (and presumably) refer to the Emissions Trading System, is still of an unknown factor and of unknown and currently unknowable value, to be resolved at the next general election. In no way can it be presently presumed that Abbott is offering "something positive about that whole issue". Daw, if you really rule out sarcasm, you are depriving yourself of a very effective part of our language. Give it a go. You may be good at it!

To continue, daw: you are a very funny person. Why should I get involved with you, or anyone else, in a debate on the virtues or otherwise of "Hot Fractured Rock Geothermal electricity generation"? If you have a view, express it, instead of making some inane challenge (or is it a plea to lead you out of the fog?). And do tell, daw, what the hell has it got to do with whatever you think we are talking about? Is your challenge something like a kid’s challenge in a marble game? All bravado and chest-beating, and a lot of wind, but not much else? As for Barnaby, no-one is arguing farmers do not have the right to farm (you claim old Blunderbuss Barney is arguing for this right). However, there is a world of difference between this and the real objective, which is for farmers to have absolute control over what they can do on their land. The days when this was acceptable have long gone, and will never return, no matter how much you bluster, bully and threaten the Australian people. You probably do not realise it, daw, but the threat of Barnaby Joyce as our next Finance Minister is the only really frightening thing about the current Opposition. The rest of it is sheer comedy.

Think it is refreshing having Barnaby there - least he has some courage and is not a yes man.

Bushie Bill 'Chief of Staff' the PM's office. Keep up the good work Bushie with you advising KRudd we will soon be rid of you both.

Daw, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!

Barnaby is like a breath of fresh air. He tells the truth, unlike the rest of the lying, cheating, conniving, backstabbing pack of incompetents in Canberra.