by Harry Mayers

IT'S AMAZING how people respond to harmless, simple, run-of-the mill questions during a general election campaign.

My question to Victor was a friendly "How are things going?" Suddenly he became grim-faced and replied very stiffly, "No politics, please. I'm a businessman. I'm an entrepreneur."

All I could do was LOL (laugh out loud in text-messaging language, in case you don't know), but he remained stone-faced.

The scene was so ludicrous, I had to demand an explanation. "How can you translate 'how are things going' into anything political?"

"Don't pretend you don't understand," Victor snapped, "politics is all there is. And that's how it will
be till January 15."

I insisted that my "how are things going" was a genuine salutation with the equivalent probitive value of a "Hi", and pointed out to Victor that his characteristic coolness had been replaced by uneasiness, irritability
and even nervousness.

"What's happening?" I asked him point-blank. "What's happening with you?" I emphasised "you".

Victor seemed to relax a bit. "I guess I'm caught up in this one more than I realise. It's really looking close."

"Hold it. I'm not talking politics and according to your own statement, you are not talking politics because you are an entrepreneur, which we all know is rubbish. Another thing, the last time we met you predicted prosperity for 2008. What has changed over the past few days?"

Victor perked up. "Whatever happens, I'll be making money. Again, prosperous New Year. Things are going fine. Have I answered your question?"