At 2008-02-27 20:57:14 -0800, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>
> Suppose each of us were to follow up any one of our dealings with the
> government in the fair, honest, right and proper way, no matter how
> long it takes - would that be a way to "participate in the machinery"?

When I wanted to get a driver's license (in 1999), everyone told me to
go to one of the many driving schools, which would get me the license
without the hassle of going to the RTO.

Off I went to a driving school, where the proprietor was very rude to me
(though I forget exactly how). I was sufficiently annoyed that I decided
to get the license the "right way", i.e. by going to the nearest RTO and
writing the test and whatnot.

Well, it was really simple. I got the right forms, filled them in, gave
the (hilarious, multiple-choice[1]) exam for a learner's license, then
returned some months later to get my license, found out that they had
accidentally issued a motorcycle learner's license earlier, got them to
fix that (which they did with a minimum of fuss: it's the same test for
either), got a medical certificate from a doctor sitting around nearby,
gave my (embarrassingly simple[2]) driving test, and got my license the
next day.

It was dreadfully satisfying to get my license the Right Way, when
*everyone* I knew had paid a driving school to get it for them.

(Hi Anjana. Welcome to silk.)

-- ams

1. "What would you do if you are speeding downhill?"
   "c) Grip the steering wheel more tightly"

2. I went to the empty, closed-off parking lot where the examiner was,
   and realised that he expected me to bring the car there. I told him
   to wait, went to the outside parking lot and brought the car over. I
   got out of the car, and he signed my form, and sent me on my way.

Reply via email to