17 August 2009  Freedom from information: a symptom of
ponocchiosis  That would be an inability to recognise realise
that what one is saying is humourous because it contradicts the
claim:  Oram said verbal briefings aren't an attempt to avoid
putting anything in writing.  He said he can't remember if he
was supplied with written briefing documents when he took over
the business department in 2007.  But of course, not having any
written briefing notes is exactly intended to avoid having
anything in writing.  That way, there is nothing to contradict
cabinet minister Paul Oram’s faulty memory.  In this instance,
Oram cannot remember what he did less than two years ago in
taking on the single most important job of his working life. 
His mind is a complete blank slate.   He would have us believe 
- despite having an evidently sieve-like memory - he can
successfully administer $2.6 billion in public money and account
for his actions when needed.  Paul Oram is not alone.  Joan
Burke and likely most of their cabinet