Bureaucracy, the rule of no one, has become the modern form of despotism.
Mary McCarthy
Dear Mr. Permit Man:
Two months since we applied for our permit. Give or take. There are rules and guidelines about the length of time it should take to review applications such as ours. We are so removed from this point as to make such promises seem just a tad ridiculous.
Every time we are told we are close to complete other issues are raised. The reference to Dickens is right where I am at the moment. Answering the SAME question twice is excessive. Three times is absurd.
I was raised to have great respect for the public service. As a result I am always courteous and respectful in my dealing with members of the public service – even when angry and frustrated. In the past week I have experienced the worst side of this world. Firmness I can deal with. Straightforward and direct I can deal with. Rude, intolerant and presumptuous I cannot abide.
The problem is, it would appear, not us. Ya think? The problem is , apparently, folks who get permits and then do exactly what they are not permitted to do. Maybe someone should be checkin on the law breaking, rule bending contractors? Silly me. JJust an idea. So having had nasty experiences with the law flouting public, or so we are led to understand, we are all happily tared with the same brush and treated with the same contempt that might reasonably be applied to someone who treats the law and its rule with contempt.
Kafka banged the nail on the head.
Dickens got it right.
And God bless Mary McCarthy.
Just let me fix my wee house.
Respectfully yours,
Me
Tidings of Comfort and Joy……
Posted in Commentary on November 20, 2008| 1 Comment »
Maybe a bit of happy news. Maybe dear friends fly in and are here in the City over Christmas.
Would be a reason to give thanks.
Joy is in the eye of the beholder…
For Susan……
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