Paper forms, merciless red tape, and administrative bureaucracy | INFJ Forum

Paper forms, merciless red tape, and administrative bureaucracy

Discussion in 'Relationships and Sociology' started by poeticinfp, Jul 6, 2009.

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  1. poeticinfp

    poeticinfp Newbie

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    I have a feeling that I am in the minority on this issue, because most people seem to just passively accept this in a "oh well, that's life" kind of way. But I will post this thread nonetheless, hoping there might be one other person who understands.

    I'm talking about bureaucracy. I can't stand it. Filling out sterile paper forms that take away your humanity, having to go through endless red tape, people over the phone who refuse to understand your personal situation because "I'm just doing my job, sir."

    Something about administrative bureaucracy just strikes me as being so heartless, devoid of compassion, and absolutely de-humanizing. It's almost like I have a phobia when I have to talk to some "administrator" over the phone, who is just going to say, "Well, this is the official procedure" like a zombie.

    "I'll register your complaint, but you have to fill out this form in triplicate, and initial this other form two dozen times. Then we'll wrap it in red tape, and deliver it via dead carrier pigeon."

    I found the following joke online, but to me, it's funny because it's true:

    "In the year 2005, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now
    living in the United States, and said,

    "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated
    and I see the end of all flesh before me.

    Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along
    with a few good humans."

    He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months
    to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for
    40 days and 40 nights".

    Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping
    in his yard .... but no ark.

    "Noah", He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is
    the Ark?"

    "Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah. "But things have changed.
    I needed a building permit. I've been arguing with the
    inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My
    neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning
    laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the
    height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal
    Board for a decision.

    Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be
    posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other
    overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's
    move to the sea. I argued that the sea would be coming to
    us, but they would hear nothing of it.

    Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on
    cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I
    tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the
    wood to save the owls. But no go!

    When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an
    animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild
    animals against their will. As well, they argued the
    accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and
    inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

    Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until
    they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your
    proposed flood.

    I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human
    Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to
    hire for my building crew.

    Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons. They
    insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building
    experience.

    To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets,
    claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with
    endangered species.

    So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years
    for me to finish this Ark."

    Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a
    rainbow stretched across the sky.

    Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean, You're not
    going to destroy the world?".



    "No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it." "
     
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  2. Wyote

    Wyote Meka Istaqa
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    If less people had a blase, defeatest attitude about the situation (I do share your sentiments), the world could change.

    People suck though. The best you can do for now is try hard as hell to avoid that stuff while convincing others how messed up it actually is. I'm... working on it.
     
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  3. Satya

    Satya C'est la vie
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    Meh, Libertarian sentiments.

    Bureaucracy sucks, but what is the alternative? It's the cheapest and safest option that has been found.
     
  4. Shai Gar

    Shai Gar Guest

    anarcho capitalism.
     
  5. Ketsugi

    Ketsugi Community Member

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    It's true, some form of bureaucracy is necessary, but what we have is INSANE.
     
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  6. IndigoSensor

    IndigoSensor Product Obtained
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    Bureaucracy is a nesscerry evil. It really is the only way to deal with the population as a whole, and no one as come up with a better alternative. It is just nice when people make exceptions for you when dealing with things, and I have met people who do just that.
     
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