I've learned that I need to spell out, even in cases seemingly so blatant, that in fact I am not taking this at face value and am being 'sarcastic.'

I am certainly not one of those who need to be prodded. In fact, if anything, I am the prod.

I am cynical about politicians. My experience of politicians has been thoroughly negative. I have found that politicians are people that can not be taken at face value. There are very few politicians I have been impressed with.

I am not a witch doctor, and in fact, you cannot have a witch doctor. You are either a witch or a doctor.

We like our archetypes and heroes to be what they are at face value. And life doesn't work out like that.

Take absolutely nothing at face value, because ever since poker, face has had none.