Monday, December 23, 2002

 
John Howard Prime Minister sat in the 2UE studios. His headphones were on, the great John Laws opposite was singing the praises of some caryard or other. Howard knew what was to be served up in the near future - it had been pre-arranged - and his stomach rumbled. It was going to be good, he hadn't gorged for a while. He was suffering withdrawal.

The Great Man finished his plug, and was back. "We're with the Prime Minister, John Howard, it's always a pleasure to have you in. Prime Minister, I'd like to ask you ..." Howard's mouth watered. Here it came. Oh, this would be divine. Laws continued .. "a question on immigration." Oh, there it was. Howard sat upright. The saliva was in full flow now, he had to slurp it back in. Oh, it had been too long between drinks. "Mr Howard, we have to be tolerant to migrants, but it's a two way street, isn't it?"

The rush was sublime, but too short as always; it was what he lived for. He grunted, and by now the spittle was flowing out his mouth onto his tie. John Howard didn't notice it. The great Mr Laws had presented a juicy morsel and John Howard jumped on it and devoured it.

"Certainly John, look, you can't cherry pick the Australian way of life, .... "

In a couple of minutes it was over. But the memory lingered. Yes, this was what being Prime Minister was all about.
posted by Simon 3:44 pm