With apologies to John Cleese, Graham Chapman and Micahel Palin.
(Nigel Farage walks into Broadcasting House.)
Farage: Ah. I'd like to have an argument, please.
Receptionist: Certainly sir. Have you been here before?
Farage: No, this is my first time.
Receptionist: I see. Well, do you want to have a five-minute argument on the Radio 4 Today Programme, or were you thinking of making regular appearances on Question Time?
Farage: Well, what qualifications do you need?
Receptionist: Well, you just need to be prepared to take an contrary viewpoint and be available for the Today Programme but you will need to establish a narrow-minded and chauvinistic point of view for regular appearances Question Time.
Farage: Well, I think it's probably best if I start with The Today Programme and then see how it goes from there, okay?
Receptionist: Fine. I'll see who's free at the moment.
(Pause)
Receptionist: Mr. Naughtie’s free, but he's a little bit conciliatory. Ahh yes, Try Mr. Humphrys; room 12.
Farage: Thank you. (Walks down the hall. Opens door.)
Holy man: Let us spare a few moments of thought for somebody in yesterday’s news.
Farage: Well, Well, I was told outside that...
Holy man: When Jesus was in a completely different but not dissimilar situation he would talk in pointless riddles
Farage: What?
Holy Man: So just think how wonderful it would be if everyone was as lovely as Jesus.
Farage: Yes, but I came here for an argument!!
Holy Man: OH! Oh! I'm sorry! This is tedious platitude for the day for listeners who still think that people who believe in invisible sky fairies have a greater sense of morality than people who favour science, reason and critical thinking.
Farage: Oh! Oh I see!
Holy Man: Aha! No, you want to come back at about five to eight, I’ll be finished by then.
Farage: Oh...Sorry...
Holy Man: Not at all!
Holy Man: (under his breath) amphibious git.
(Farage waits a few minutes and then re-enters.)
Farage: Is this the right room for an argument where two entirely unequal points of view can be debated as if both arguments where equally valid.
Humphrys: Yes.
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