Political teal deer brought on by too much spin and smugness

[deepfishy]

Fellow Aussies, you can probably guess the source of my snark. Everyone else...sorry about all this :).


Things the House of Representatives is not:

• the seventh-grade debate team
  
• the schoolyard
  
• a place to be a smartarse
  
• a place to insult people
  
• a place to be insane
  
• a place to be boring

Notes, miscellania, and addendums:

1/ To paraphrase Absolute Power, just disagreeing with the other side is so unsophisticated. Try to actually form opinions on issues, it's what you're being paid for (though some may argue that last point). Or there's always Charles Prentiss's angle: compliments with a sting ("This government's doing a great job if you like extremism/cronyism/political correctness...").

2/ A well-turned piece of rhetoric can be admired for its own sake, separate from the political affiliations of the person who uttered it. Don't be afraid to let it show, people.

3/ Smugness from speakers or supporters is unbecoming.

3a/ As is booing and cheering. Is this a bloody sideshow?

4/ Do not laugh at your own jokes (duh!).

5/ If you can't pay attention, at least pretend to be interested. Don't:

• fall asleep;
  
• make stupid faces; or
  
• play hangman. Sudoku is acceptable (causes srs face).

This goes doubly for those who are on camera, sitting behind their party leader. You chose to be The Face Of The Party In The House; this is the price. (if you can't look alert, go back to being a back seat rebel backbencher)

6/ We've all seen Yes Minister and Yes, Prime Minister, so don't try on the same old politician doubletalk crap that they so delightfully skewered over twenty years ago.


</soapbox>

Comments

[meganina.livejournal.com]

no comment :)

[deepfishy.livejournal.com]

Yes, Minister Sir Humphrey ;).

[nellievee45.livejournal.com]

Couldn't have put it better myself.
Given you live on the east coast and can actually participate in the ABC 1 Q&A allegedly interactive programme other than sending an SMS hours before it takes place (Western Australian left out again snark) why not make your point there. You'll be among friends if the audience reaction to politicians' double speak continues.

[deepfishy.livejournal.com]

To what end? I doubt it would sink in, which would be the only reason to ask (accuse?) them. And I kind of like textual discourse, where everyone has time to think about their response.

Also, the idea of participating in Q&A-type programs makes my skin crawl. *hides from cameras*

[nellievee45.livejournal.com]

True enough but it's nice to see them squirm even if it's only for the moment.