News that politicians and their families are targeted by cowards, who unleash a tirade of abuse on social media must be universally condemned. (Threats, abuse, plague pollies, 5/6). While specific decisions undertaken in public life might be wrong and worthy of attack, the manner must always be courteous in order for the politician to feel engaged, see the validity of your argument and courteously change their mind. Having politely identified misjudgements of many politicians in these columns over recent years, it was a delight to meet Scott Morrison, Anthony Albanese, Chris Minns and Dominic Perrottet at the Abdallah family Forgive Day in February this year and not experience any retribution or angst. Open debate and advocacy must always be done in the context that one day you will meet your opponent in person. We must play the ball, not the man. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 6Jun2023.