Abbott threatens to Assault Putin

“It is difficult to find a more blatant example of childishness, incompetence for the position, criminal intent, downright nastiness and an indication of a disturbed mind crying out for therapy. Don’t the Australian people deserve better?”
It’s writer Timothy Bancroft-Hinchey, who had earlier said Putin should wash his hand after touching the PM’s “paw”, has now urged Mr Abbott to “put up, or shut up”.

“Perhaps, as someone who was not born in Australia, you do not have a full grasp as to the implications of the word you used, or perhaps, as someone who is so obviously challenged in the intellectual area, you do not have a full grasp over what you say.”

Mr Bancroft-Hinchey offers three theories in his open letter as to why Mr Abbott chose to use the term “shirt front” — the first being that he knew what it means.

“If you seriously think you can physically confront your guests and assault a visiting Head of State and walk away freely, then you are mistaken.

“For a start, the very use of the expression possibly renders you liable for prosecution for criminal intent and incitement to violence and in any civilised country you would be forced to resign for using it. Like yesterday.

“Next, while I do not speak for President Putin, if someone “shirt-fronted” me, then I would throw the perpetrator over my shoulder, slam him onto his back on the floor behind me, place my boot on his face and ask “What was that you were saying?” before I saw him scurry away snivelling to his sister’s for a clean pair of Y-fronts.”

The last theory offered is that the Prime Minister is full of “hot air, or in plain English, piss and wind, and what you say, the promises you make, can be taken with a pinch of salt”.

“Here today and gone tomorrow.

“The sort of “man” who feels the need to make teenage-type comments and threats against a visiting Head of State belongs in a grade school playground bullying the primary school kids ... but like any bully, there comes a day when you pick on the wrong person, get your teeth smashed in and go running home to mummy blabbering like a ninny.

“Do I hear a collective cheer from the Australians as they read this?”

Mr Bancroft-Hinchey warned Mr Abbott he should not pre-empt the investigation into the downing MH17.

“A civilised politician in a civilised country would wait for the results of the inquiry into the plane crash before mouthing off in all directions saying Russia did it.”

The open letter concludes with a dig as to who is more popular — Mr Abbott or President Putin.

“Mr. Abbott, what is wrong with this world is people like yourself, political opportunists who hold their people and country to ransom while they obediently kowtow to the lobbies which pull their strings. President Putin’s popularity ratings are up above 90 per cent, that is ninety per cent. “What are yours?”

Yesterday Mr Abbott refused to repeat his threat, saying he wanted to have a “very robust conversation” with the Russian President.

Welcome to the new age of Australian diplomacy where a meeting between heads of state is just as likely to be uploaded as a YouTube punch-on as it is to appear on the 6 O’Clock news.

While this is empty rhetoric designed to capitalise on Abbott’s poll surge for being strong on foreign affairs, it’s unlikely to go over well with either Russia or people with an iota of sense. It’s uncertain if this is yet another move to make Julie Bishop look like the only effective member of the Abbott ministry.

What does feel likely is that this is a ham-fisted attempt at mixing strong statements with Palmeresque buffoonish rhetoric. It’s an empty statement that panders to a dumb audience for shocked laughs. Because this is how dislocated people are from politics, with 46% people characterising federal politics as untrustworthy.

And when you start treating politics like a joke, politicians start courting votes and media coverage like ridiculous jesters. This can usher in deep cynicism of treating politics as a fading sitcom, rather than a traditional centre for protection and progression.