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." "
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." "
