By Denis Solomon THE definition of a structure is that it must hang together. Every element defines every other, and is defined by it. If you tamper with one component, the whole thing gets out of kilter. The only solution then is complete reconstruction on a new design.
Constitutions are no exception.
What we have done with our Constitution since 1962 has not been reform but tampering of the worst sort. Anyone with an orderly mind who attended last Friday's ceremonial opening of Parliament must have been driven crazy by the totally obzocky d roulement of the proceedings, which was the direct result of that tampering. The first item of business in the House of Representatives chamber was the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, followed by the swearing-in of the Members of the House. By the House, of course. And until the members are sworn in, the House, presumably, doesn't exist.