Madhouse of Representatives

Has anyone seen Question Time recently? You know, the show with these really bad actors pretending to deal with important issues affecting our country?
In truth, our politicians' behaviour in this arena is nothing short of childish. It is one thing to discuss passionately your views and those of others but in this controlled medium where there are rules and regulations - some dating back to 1900 - it seems inappropriate to do so by standing and shouting across a room. Harry Jenkins Jr., the current speaker of the house, has a tough job keeping all in check. He's been in this job for just two years and already sounds sick of it. Half the time he isn't listened to or obeyed, much like a school teacher's attempts to subdue her class.
But unlike a class of kids, these are fully grown men and women. Members of Parliament. Prime Ministers. They will often debate topics that are critical to Australia's future; the discussions are more often than not interesting to listen to. That is however before these same men and women pipe up with incessant chants of "rabble, rabble" as South Park would put it. On occasions warnings are issued under Standing Orders. On rarer occasions expulsions are issued for one hour.
I find a great juxtaposition to be the respect held for the speaker when addressing parliament in contrast to the disobedience to the speaker when he is attempting to regain control of the house.
A typical couple of minutes in the House of Reps goes like this:
Mr Rudd - The government, in its response to the challenges of people smuggling, consistent with previous governments, always seeks to act in conformity with the principles and procedures of international humanitarian law (-ORDER!-). We have done so in the past, will do so in the future (-ORDER! ORDER!-) and we assume that those opposite would have done so when they were in government, but perhaps not (-ORDER! The Member for Bass will resume his seat. ORDER! The member for Fadden is warned.-)
In spite of the hollering, bickering, objections and lame jokes, Question Time is quite enjoyable ... or maybe that's because of the hollering, bickering, objections and lame jokes.