Dear runner,

I cannot make that comparison because I am biased towards myself. You need to get someone to do an independent assessment.

What I can say is that it is a toss up between you and Abbott as to who is the world's biggest village idiot. But at this point I reckon if we put all of the village idiots in the world into one village Tony Abbott would still be the village idiot.

It seems Mr Opinion that your high level education has given you the reasoning skills of 5 year old.

runner,

Rhodes scholarships in those days were given out to
people who had the right connections in Australia.
Apparently Abbott had a very powerfully connected
mentor - however his grades at Oxford were well
below par. BTW - Malcolm Turnbull was also a
Rhodes Scholar, as was Bob Hawke.

In any case - we all know that the skills to get a
scholarship are not the same as the skills needed
to be a successful politician or leader. And that
the characteristics that make for a successful
career (such as initiative, leadership, drive,
negotiating ability, willingness to take risks and
persuasiveness) are not even taught in universities
and not everyone possesses those skills.

It might also be noted Abbott appears to have earned his MA from Oxford by default: he completed a BA but was apparently upgraded to an MA because he was somehow registered with the university for another two years beyond the BA. I'm jealous, I had to work hard to earn my two MAs.

Hi again BANJO PATTERSON...

You seem to be a keen student, of some of, the more depraved & homicidal boofheads I've been involved with when I was still in the job. John LEWTHWAITE might be another contender for the needle you advocate for some killers, Rodney. However, I must advise you; this individual desired a quick, painless death, rather than a life being exposed to the constant threat of a severe bashing or worse, at the hands of fellow inmates in Gaol. Criminals have their own unique standards & codes, and 'violent' sexual offences occasioned against children and women are a real no-no!

Back in the mid-1970s, John L. had this bizarre sexual attraction to a nine yo boy. So he took it upon himself to sneak into the boys home to abuse him. In the process, he was disturbed by the boy's five yo sister, and for her discovery of John L. abusing her brother, she was stabbed seventeen times and died in situ. So why allow him his wish to be put quietly to sleep without ever waking up? He deserved punishment.

You seem to be a very knowledgeable, compassionate human being, Rodney. But, with respect, many folk of your particular genre, don't fully appreciate the specific nuances associated with these crimes. The very worst that has been perpetrated upon any human being. Gaol them for long periods, without any possibility of parole; for the most serious of them all. Without an easy escape, by a quick, painless needle.

Oh as an afterthought Rodney - The need to physically search them after arrest - to run your hands carefully down their body, smelling their peculiar B.O., ever mindful of 'mantraps' (syringe needles) being secreted in their pockets, or bodily orifices, is no fun. The fear of a needle stick injury is ever present. Knowing while you complete the task, they've destroyed another human being! I have to tell you; your fortnightly remuneration is patently insufficient! Particular when you want to smack the bastard around yourself. Self-control always needs to be exercised whenever physically present with these vile creatures.

runner,

Don't under estimate the reasoning skills of
five year olds. My grand-daughter gets what
she wants.