Skilful Ignorance

From today's Crikey email:

24 verbal and written warnings – to Australia's UN mission in New York, to Austrade, to government ministers, to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, to the Prime Minister's office, to AusAID – that AWB was paying bribes in contravention of UN sanctions.

Yet despite this avalanche of evidence, despite 24 separate warnings of smoke or fire, not one witness from the government or its departments has yet appeared at the Cole Inquiry, as The Australian reports today.

One thing is for sure, it takes a heap of talent to ensure that you and your minister's remain ignorant despite such a barrage of advice.

"Hello!?!"

John Howard, the political mastermind, king-dick of mendacity and skilful ignorance.