And They Want to Run Our Health Care?

I went to the DMV today to change my name and address. I arrived a little after 1 pm, hoping that I had missed the worst of the lunch rush. I had to wait in line to get a number (or as a guy behind me said, we were in the "line for the line.") After about five minutes, I am handed a slip of paper with number 678 on it.

Now they've recently implemented a new system at the DMV where there are four sets of numbers, in the 100's, the 200's, the 400's and the 600's, and the number you receive depends on your need. Monitors around the room display the current number for each category.

I see that they are currently serving 627. That's 51 people ahead of me. Knowing I'm in for a long wait, and trying my best to be understanding, I settle in to read my book.

As time goes by, the automated voice calls number after number. The 400's are obviously military and they are the ones that get the quickest service. The 100's and 200's are called less frequently. But very few 600's are called. After 45 minutes, they are serving number 633. Six people.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!!?

At their present rate of service, I have to wait almost eight hours.

I had to leave, of course. Compassion is not paying me to sit at the DMV. I told the number lady as I was leaving that it was an 8 hour wait. She just shrugged. I asked if there was a better time to come. She said usually it's slower right after lunch. I asked if there was a better day. She said Wednesdays are their slowest days.

Looks like I'll have to change my address to the DMV.