The Bald Facts
February 27th 2008 00:08
It mightn’t have been so blissfully illuminating if it hadn’t have come from the mouths of babes – but to both insult a Prime Minister and at the same time have the entire parliament in stitches is a feat only a four-year-old could achieve.
Sure, we’re talking a few years ago now, but in an effort to educate our then Miss Four and her younger sister, we took the obligatory guided tour of Parliament House, Canberra – much to the chagrin of my wife, who’s never been one for bricks and mortar sightseeing – let alone done in the company of politicians.
So charged with enthusiasm, (along with a few carefully laid out ground rules) dad, mum, Miss Four and Miss Two dutifully stepped out the hallowed halls of power, taking in the sights, sounds and architecture this most esteemed of public mediums had to offer.
The questions from our most inquisitive of cherubs flowed thick and fast of course.
Why is it so quiet?
What is that room for?
How did they get the flag up there?
It wasn’t until we reached the pinnacle of our excursion (entry to the lower house) that Miss Four’s first 15 minutes of fame was to be bestowed.
Having judiciously placed our ‘best manners’ crown atop her locks – Miss Four entered the almost sanctified meeting place of our nation’s leaders – mum, dad and Miss Two in tow.
Perched alongside me (in her own big girl’s seat) and adjacent the stairway (in the event of nature calling) – we listened intently as our elected representatives discussed the future of our great nation.
With eyes as wide as the moon – Miss Four was as gobsmacked as a four-year-old could be.
The officialdom, diligent protocol, adherence to etiquette and more suits than a deck of cards was almost too much to bear.
You could feel the quizzical nature (which to this point had been well and truly bottled beneath her best manners crown) clawing to escape.
“Daddy . . . . . . . . . .
“ . . . . . . . . . Daddy”, came the second and expected retort.
“Shhhhh, blossom, remember we have to be very quiet – what is it?”
Just then, and without as much as a wink’s notice, then Prime Minister Howard made his way out onto the parliamentary floor, the magesty of his presence somehow stopping Miss Four before she had a chance to flaunt a single syllabal.
Nestled comfortably in the leader’s chair on the front bench, he proceeded to address his colleagues and the opposition in a manner befitting.
The nature of his speech is now (and will forever be) lost on me – however the moment which was about to unfold will live on in the chronicles of family history – and no doubt the annals of others in attendance that same day.
No sooner had this austere of men taken to his feet than Miss Four could hold her containment no longer.
Proudly displaying her thirst for knowledge and the opportunity only a four-year-old could sight – the room was suddenly aglow with radiant embarrassment (and associated bays of laughter) when less than discreetly our little seraph (who had noted with glee that our nation’s leader was somewhat follically challenged atop) put the question to the gallery . . .
“Daddy, is the Prime Minister the man with a hole in his head?”
I ask you?
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Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Thanks - it was a Mastercard moment for sure.
Priceless . . . .
MNG
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Absolutely riveting! I love little kid logic! What a wonderful story.
Mis
Comment by JoH
My guess is that you've either got an actress or budding politician on your hands there!! I wish you lots of luck in both instances!!
BTW - thanks for the nod
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Thanks.
I found myself reminiscing today given just how quickly our three cherubs have grown up.
Time passes too quickly huh?
MNG
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
More likely a pollie . . . she's a big girl (well almost 16 now). Unfortunately she has empathy and understanding - so perhaps a career which involves having no heart wouldn't be the best choice.
Thanks
MNG
Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
QUOTE ME NO QUOTES!
such a penetrating question and so true...he does....and one in his heart too, the vile old manipulator!
cheers
fog