“Why is a politician like a bowl of milk?”
Abstract: This is a satirical essay which reflects upon two undesirable events: the forthcoming national election for parliament (São Bento) caused by allegations of political impropriety by PM Luis Montenegro and the impending judgement (after a delay of 10 years) of ex-Prime Minister José Socrates on charges of malfeasance.
The mad hatters and March hares of the Palácio de São Bento should mark in their agendas a provisional invitation to the celebratory tea-party which the King of Hearts intends to hold in Belém on May 18. There he will be joined by other corrupters of time in singing for Alice a joyous ode to commemorate the endless continuance of skullduggery in governance.
Additionally, some moments will be given to solving seemingly unanswerable riddles such as “why is a politician like a bowl of milk” to which the enigmatic reply is “because electors like the smiles of Cheshire cats” who know on which side their bread is buttered.
This festive occasion will also serve as a prelude for the final (some say indecorous) judgement of the Knave of Hearts which is due to commence on July 3 for an interminable stay of execution due to the presidency of a sleepy Dormouse who dreams only for the bliss of yet another summer holiday.
Astute advice for preserving one’s sanity during the next two months is to burrow a rabbit hole at the end of which you may find a doorway leading to a warren of meditation devoid of all means of communication.
Hip, hip hoorah for the to-be-hoped-for resurrection of the democratic Dodo.
