Why the Federal Government Shouldn’t Make Promises They Can’t Keep

Have you ever had to get an answer out of the Federal Government?

When I’m forced to deal with the Federal Government, I don’t expect much. As an American citizen—you just can’t get your hopes up.

For example, when I go to the DMV, I expect to be there for most of the day; anytime I go to the Post Office, I expect to wait (only to be told to go to the back of the line since I didn’t have the correct size envelope). I could go on and on but I’m sure you get the gist.

Surprise, Surprise: Government Accountability!

So last week, I was pleasantly surprised to get a voicemail that said:

“Hi, you have reached the voicemail of (name/department). Your call is very important to me and I will return your call within the next 24 hours or the next business day. Thank you very much—and have a great day—I insist!”

Ok, the message was a little condescending. But hey—if she calls me back within 24 hours and provides the information I need—it will in fact, be a great day for me! And frankly, I couldn’t believe it that someone in the Government was actually doing their job and making themselves accountable!

Who would’ve ‘thunk’ it?

So, last week, I left a very nice voicemail with this woman, explaining my situation and hoping she could help me.

That was last Wednesday.

Being ‘Punk’d’ By the Feds is No Fun

So I call again on Friday afternoon, and leave a nice message. “Who knows?” I thought to myself, “I’m sure she’s very busy.” (And honestly, I don’t expect anything to get done on a Friday, in Washington, D.C.—I’ve lived in this area far too long and simply know better.)

Now that it’s Tuesday, and I’ve left three voicemails, I’m starting to feel l like I’ve been “Punk’d” by my government.

And now, I’m just pissed.

So this morning, I left the following voicemail:

“Hi (name). This is Lauren Tivnan … Again. As you know, I called you Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and yesterday. Your voicemail says that you’ll return my call within 24 hours or the next business day. Please don’t make promises to your constituents that you can’t keep. I would appreciate a call back…today…so that I can, indeed, have a good day…especially after you “insist” that I have one.”

I know I’ll never hear back from this woman. And she can take her “insistence” and her condescending voicemail (which she apparently never listens to)—and shove it up her a**. For those of you who want to hear the voicemail first hand—shoot me an email and I’ll give you the number.

I’m almost tempted to post it right here…and on Twitter, Facebook, other blogs… just inundate her with voicemails “insisting” that she have a good day—and more importantly, that she do her job.