I normally receive child support every month, and have for about 16 years. It’s done automatically, through direct debit and direct deposit and, have to give him credit, it’s always there.

This month, it’s late. And here’s why:
In 2001, I applied for a review and modification. The whole thing, from start to finish, took three years.

In 2008, I applied again for a review and modification. In June. My son’s father chose to protest, again, and so a hearing date was set. For February, 2009. Almost eight months after I filed.

They said a decision would be made within seven weeks. It took seven months.

I know I’ve said this before, but imagine, say, a divorce action where the judge tells the couple, “You know, I’ll have to get back to you on this; I’ll let you know in a few months or so.” Right. Although I’ve met some judges who might just do that.

The first week in August, I received a copy of the proposed modification, dated August 4th. This said the new support amount would go into effect, retroactive, to September 2008. Of course, he could appeal. It also said that a judge would have to sign off on the proposal before it became official.

It just arrived, two days ago, in the office of the attorney general. It took, I kid you not, SEVEN WEEKS to be sent from one office to another in the SAME TOWN. I think they used the Pony Express, and the pony died. Or the carrier pidgeon got lost. I mean, seriously, what the heck??

And how did I learn all this? I called a phone number from the DSS website; they directed me to call another number. They gave me a third number, where I had to leave a message; someone did call back in a short time, leaving yet ANOTHER number for me to call.

That number was the local office of the attorney general, which has no jurisdiction over the case because it originated in another county, so I was given a FIFTH phone number to call. I’m still waiting for a return call because, naturally, after listening to all the menu options, I had to leave a message.

I think we should throw them all out and start over, fresh, with people who are actually competent. Well, except for the last lady I talked to who was very nice, and went above and beyond to see that I got the right phone number that time. She has a brain. We could put her in charge of the new system. And give her a raise.

I read something in the Post this morning about some of President Obama’s upcoming broadcasts:

“…requiring people to get health insurance and fining them if they don’t would not amount to a backhanded tax increase. “ I absolutely reject that notion,” the president said.”

I have all sorts of issues with this statement, surprise, huh?

First, “requiring” Americans to purchase something from a for-profit industry, like that of the insurance industry, is kind of like “requiring” Americans to purchase almost anything else – new cars, a home, any consumer product. How ridiculous.

Second, on that same premise, even if healthcare reform becomes a reality, the powers-that-be are promising that there will still be choice; choice in providers, choice of insurers.

Seems like “choice” is the key word here – are we a democracy or a dictatorship?

Finally, the President says he “absolutely rejects [the] notion” that this insurance purchase requirement is comparable to a tax.

Got news for him: he can “reject” all he wants, he’s wrong. Yup, the almighty Obama not only could be wrong, but in this instance he certainly is. And, of course, referring to this as a “notion” throws the ball right back and demonstrates the President’s consideration of any who disagree with him. Notion, indeed. I believe it’s pretty clear.

Regarding Afghanistan, the Post says, “He has no deadline for withdrawing U.S. forces and pledged there will not be an indefinite American occupation.”

Um, if there’s no deadline, doesn’t that, by default, mean that it’s indefinite? Let’s say, for example, that I have an article due by October 1st – that’s a deadline, and it must be finished by then. If there is no deadline, then I can submit my piece at any time – which means it’s indefinite, right?

Sheesh. I sure wish politicians would get it together. I know. Fat chance.
The problem is that, even if they don’t start out believing that they have all the answers and are infallible, they soon become that way – possibly they merely believe all the hype in the press.

Says a lot for our elected officials, doesn’t it? Seems like none of them are as bright and as concerned about our welfare as they try to show. Surprise. Again.