Bureaucracy

“But the plans were on display…”

“On display? I eventually had to go down to the cellar to find them.”

“That’s the display department.”

“With a flashlight.”

“Ah, well, the lights had probably gone.”

“So had the stairs.”

“But look, you found the notice, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” said Arthur, “yes I did. It was on display in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying ‘Beware of the Leopard.” 

― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

Anyone who has had to deal with their local DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) understands this interchange between a citizen and a bureaucrat. It is easy to feel the reasonable requests are answered with nonsensical answers.

We all hate the effort needed to cut through governmental red tape and get something done.While it is true that some sort of system of rules is needed to allow consistency of treatment of citizens, it also seems that common sense has been thrown out the window in many cases.

However, consider what government might do if it where efficient and in the wrong hands. Perhaps red tape is the price we pay to keep government and bad leaders in check.