This is too big a subject to be covered by the over simplistic definitions of lies and truth. We all experience multiple forms of lies, omissions, spin, distortions, obfuscations, misdirection, redefinition and false intent.

I can accept, as Mirko points out, that there is an element of relativity and circumstance however, these mechanisms are all intended to “deceive” in some way. Some of us it has to be said want to believe certain things and even the biggest “porkies” can be acceptable or excusable.

So the issue of relativity must also include a personal disposition on any given topic. Some of us chose to “believe” in religions and some do not. For the non-believers, one or more forms of deceit are in play. For the believers it is seen as “truth”, no deception.

Likewise in politics, some of us chose to believe or excuse that which others see as deceit. I do not believe that our government intends closing Howards “White Elephant” (Christmas Island), or that pink bats was the fault of contractors, or that K.Rudd has “got it” and will save the insulation industry, or that the BER is value for money and not ripped off, or that Childcare centers will be built, or that indigenous housing will happen, or that funding and GST changes will have any positive effect on Healthcare, or that we will be back in surplus by 2013, or that trade centers will be added to schools, or that a resource tax is good for mining and all Australians, or that the blame game will end, or that the $43bn NBN will ever be commercial, or that we will take Japan to court over whaling, or that we will take Iran to the international court, or that Global Warming mitigation was ever a great moral issue.

What can be said is that a lot of Australians do not see any of this as deceit?

As to Tony Abbott’s indiscretions, may I mitigate on the grounds of comparative relativity.