The whole purpose of a beaurocracy is to provide a stucture that is consistent and can continue to function while governments change and politicians argue. When I go to get a new driver's license, whether I pass the eye exam, the number of lines I have to stand in, or the number of forms I have to fill out should be consistent, whether I get it in Tampa or Miami. It may be slower, or faster, but some things should be consistent. For instance, all the money issued by a country should have a consistent and recognizable, appearance.

I should be able, within one country, go to any consulate and get the same information. If they all don't have the same information available, it should be because the situation is different. They should not tell me it is 'against US policy' when there are 12 other consulates providing the information in their locations.

Believe me, if you happen to be in a life threatening situation, you are and will be praying that some Superbeing would replace this " incompetant imbecile" with Jesus or Allah or one even more powerful to get you alive though torn, broken and bruised out of there ......
In moments like those there are no time or place for imperfections, flaws or even worse - plain ignorance which borders sometimes on sheer stupidity...... Sorry there is no excuse for employing incompetance .... Human flaws ..... ey?

How well you put things Synthia , those are the points i have been attempting to make of late . I have become so wound up with inconsistances of ministries etc i really need a break , i am off to the beach area for a few days before the real monsoon weather hits this impoverished country and my brain goes into orbit . Sorry to all you nice people for my rantings , that is why i am 'oddball ', i have a problem Houston !!! Colin