Foxy, I was very disappointment to see you liken Ridd to the tobacco
companies. That was totally dishonest.
I am afraid it has revealed your unflinching bias.

Dear Bazz,

I'm sorry that I have disappointed you.
However, I guess we're all biased to certain
degrees. And our opinions will vary depending
on which side of each issue we're at.
I have to admit that I am influenced by the
panel of scientists who have assessed Dr Ridd's
claims. The Great Barrier Reef is one of our
icons - hence my concerns.

Hi there STEELEREDUX...

Once more, I find it necessary to rebuke you for your unseemly language on 'The Forum.' A clear violation of our moral standards. Your response to Shadow Minister was not in keeping with those standards, especially whenever we're in (public) discussion with others.

Therefore I'm sure in hindsight you'd agree, that; 'Get your hand off it mate,' might suit the rough and tumble environments in Victoria, but here in NSW we like to maintain a more measured, more diplomatic approach, if and when we feel the need to correct another's opinions or views. Perhaps an apology is due to our colleague, SHADOW MINISTER, notwithstanding he is, your intellectual superior.

I might add, now that I'm well and truly ensconced in my dotage, a new role of as a self-appointed guardian of virtue, righteousness, and propriety, might be my next and final pursuit in life? Whatayoureckon Steele ol' mate?

Dear o sung wu,

What do I reckon? I reckon it's a great idea.

I feel you will be admirably suited to the task ahead having kept the law in order and ensured proper conduct of the general masses and the masses in general.

Of course along with such a great responsibility comes an obligation to be impartial and even handed in the dispensing of forum justice. If you feel you are up to the job at hand so to speak then welcome, I confirm you to be the arbiter of all that is good and seemly on the forum.

You have requested an apology to Shadow Minister and I of course will go one better henceforth apologising to the forum members as a whole for thrusting into their consciousness the image of Shadow Minister with his hand on it. It was entirely unfair and improper to have impinged on their mental well being in such a fashion. I really should have just stuck with w@nker.

There is obviously a need for a title to match your promotion. Chief guardian perhaps? Or guardian in residence? I shall give it some thought but in the meantime welcome to the role.

Hi there STEELEREDUX...

I could always count on you to respond in kind, my friend, despite the many disagreements we've had over time. Truth is my dementia is taking hold, and I only remain on the Forum in an attempt to prolong what intellect that might remain, within the mush that's now between my ears.

Many of my former colleagues are either dead or similarly afflicted with this dreadful life-sapping disease. And in its advanced form (Stage 4), they say you ultimately forget even to breathe. Perhaps it's an occupational scourge that affects many retired coppers, who'd know? Keep up the excellent work, Steele, I always enjoy your responses, even though I might manifestly disagree. As to an appropriate title - How about 'Idiot in Residence'? Cheers ol' mate.

Dear o sung wu,

When my time comes old chap I hope I can approach it in a manner similar to yours. And if time on the forum keeps the curse at bay even a little then you should avail yourself of the service, without fear of diminishing in anyone's regard.

I will of course take advantage of your more lucid moments to remind you how much more erudite I am than yourself, and you will have an excuse to conveniently forget the exchange.

Naturally in the case of you having a 'moment' I will make sure you are reminded of the thousand dollars you owe me.