Yesterday was a landmark day in our household. Not just because our 16-year-old niece took her driver's test - and passed - becoming road-legal. But because the trip to the state Department of Motor Vehicles office was a terrifying reminder of just what government monopoly can accomplish.
Lately we've been protesting the wasteful spending, burdensome taxation and egregious corruption in Washington DC and at our state capitol. But it really hit home as we were squatting there on the new carpet at the DMV, with dozens of other citizens waiting our turn. There are 15 chairs in the driver's test waiting area. There were at least 30 people crowded around on a Friday morning - not the first or last day of the month. Just an average Friday morning.
Some guy with a nametag walked by and told us we "really don't want to sit there." He pointed out there is a large waiting area on the other side of the lobby, across the building. We asked if we'd be able to hear them call our neice's name from across the building. He grimaced, as if to acknowledge that we would not, and then warned, "be careful." Then walked away.
We sat there on the floor, with the whole family of five, wondering what it was he wanted us to be "careful" about. Building security throwing us out before our turn? Falling debris? H1N1? Super helpful. Excellent customer service.
With two new teen visitors to the DMV in tow, we answered plenty of questions. Like, "what are all those people in line for over there?" To "check in" before they're given a number and told to wait their turn. "Their turn for what?" Everything else besides taking a driving test. "Why isn't there a computerized numbering system for the driving test area?" I don't know. "Why aren't there more chairs in this area?" I don't know. And finally, after our niece passed the driving test, "Why does it take a half-hour to stand in line behind 10 other people just to get a photo taken?" Beats the heck out of me. It seems pretty easy - step to the front, smile, click, repeat.
It eventually occurred to me I was resisting with all my might. Resisting the common sense that kept trying to well up and bubble over. If this were any other industry, I'd demand faster, more efficient service by walking out and going over to the competitor. But there isn't a competitor. The state runs a monopoly. They charge what they want. Take as long as they want. There's absolutely no pressure to perform, charge reasonable "fees" or be efficient - other than what the state legislature may try to impose. They're the only game in town. You want to operate a vehicle on the roadway? No other choice but to get permission from the authorities. Stand in line for 4 hours just to check in. Then sit in the comfortable lobby waiting to be called. I can't think of any other business that has a sitting waiting area quadruple the size of the actual business area...AND a standing waiting line that takes hours to get through.
And the level of expertise? You be the judge.
Now just imagine this efficiency when you or your child is ill or injured. We really want to consider adding a thick layer of bureaucracy to our "healthcare" system? Seriously? I meanwhy on earth would we continue to expand the monopoly of state into even more important areas?
No one wants to believe that if you can afford to pay more you'll get better quality medical service. So, do you truly believe that if the elite ruling class is in charge, we'll all get the same quality service, no matter who we are? Really?
Thankfully, this clear reminder came just at the right time for me.
