No one ever accused any branch of our federal government of being well organized, responsive, or making good use of taxpayer dollars. But a recent exchange of emails with the U.S. Department of State's on-line support center, provided by an amused local citizen, demonstrates exactly how well our tax dollars are at work....
Mr Citizen's inquiry was submitted to the State Department through its voluminous web site, specifically to the person, or people, who answer citizen requests sent to the tab "Working Overseas for U.S. Citizens".
"Dear Sir/Madam; My daughter has been contacted by (name deleted), a company claiming offices in China and Florida, that offers to place students from around the world in language immersion programs in China. Do you have any information about this company? As far as you know, is there any reason to be concerned about dealing with them? I don't want to send my child off to China if there is reason to be concerned that (name deleted) is not legitimate, or does not actually do what they say they will do. Thanks for your help."
Twelve days later, he received a response: "Recently you requested personal assistance from our on-line support center. Below is a summary of your request and our response. If this issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may reopen it within the next 7 days. Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you."
Subject
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need information on company offering employment
Discussion Thread
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Response (Support Agent) - 04/28/2010 09:02 AM
Thank you for your message to Secretary Clinton sharing your thoughts and concerns. We value your opinion and will take it -- and the views of all Americans -- into consideration.
Secretary Clinton is committed to strengthening America's national security, advancing the interest of the United States, and restoring America's leadership position in the world.
Thank you for contacting the U.S. Department of State.
Question Reference #100416-000152
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Category Level 1: Working Overseas for U.S. Citizens
Date Created: 04/16/2010 11:17 AM
Last Updated: 04/28/2010 09:02 AM
The "Status Solved" really wasn't printed that large, but it is the bottom line that should not be lost on anyone. Apparently Mr Citizen should feel just dandy about shipping his daughter off to China, since Secretary Clinton shares his concerns, and is committed to strengthening America's national security.
But wait - there's more! Eleven minutes after the State Dept's nonsense reply, a second transmission showed up, from the same address as the first. Perhaps the federal drone realized that he/she had forgotten to include the actual answer to the inquiry along with the Clinton propaganda speech. But noooooooo. The Feds were so sure that Mr Citizen was a happily satisfied customer that they were offering him even more ways to be connected with them:
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There did not seem to be a tab for "Forward to the media so the public can see how poorly their tax dollars are being spent in Washington". Perhaps Secretary Clinton doesn't want to "share your thoughts and concerns" quite that much.