The average Australian is incapable of doing the simple maths to determine that the NBN is a complete economic crock which the country cannot afford if it is to amortize the cost through user charges. The proposed $42 billion has had no cost benefit analysis is the Minister says it is too complicated (for a politician or voter to understand) so we won’t have one. Appropriating Telstra shareholder value through forced divestiture is tantamount to nationalisation and the biggest cheerleaders are the wonks living in the bush who have been promised heavily subsidised broadband.

Neither Rudd or Wong has told the consumer that saving the planet through reduction in carbon dioxide emissions will mean their standard of living will go through the floor. However if you can bullshit long enoughand give away enough free carbon emission permits you may get a couple more elections before the consequences of your policy decisions come home to roost.

Bread and circuses we are advised were used ancient Rome to keep the masses happy, and in the 21st century nothing much has changed. Keep the masses distracted and you can get away with just about anything. Avoid intelligent policy discussion (which in the case of most government ministers is not difficult) and squirrel out of election promises as quickly as possible, (Fuel Watch? Grocery Watch? …..). Furthermore, sthispend as much time out of the country as possible and grab every photo opportunity and the community thinks you doing a wonderful job.

Of course you could not get away with this rubbish if we had an Opposition with a policy position and a competent lineup of potential ministers in an alternative government…….