In praise of the folks behind the counter at the DMV in CA

[gardenista]

State employees in California have had their pay cut to minimum wage. Today, I had to renew my driver's license, and I dreaded the thought of waiting in a heinous line. When I arrived at the DMV office, the line had about twenty people in it, and it took me about ten minutes to get to the first intake desk. Most everyone was cool and had their paperwork together, and was pleasant to her, but she got challenged by one lady who just would not let go of bitching about how hard it is to get a driving test for her little darling. Yes, the system sucks, but we all have to go through it, which was then affirmed by the guy who sauntered in wearing probably two thousand dollars worth of preppy casual clothing and some pretty amazing shoes, giving off a full on Alec Baldwin a la 30 Rock vibe. He vied for the intake lady's attention from the back of the line, "just one question", which is basically what we all had...

She very sweetly said, "Please, sir, wait behind the black line, everyone will get their turn". Loved it. I am grateful for the California State Employees who are continuing to do their work to serve all of us. Standing in line was a local motorcycle cop, waiting with the rest of us, who was talking about half the force being cut in a neighboring town.

I don't love renewing my license, but I love seeing people rise above the sewer that Schwarseneggar has created here. Here's to you, lady behind station number one, and amazingly fast dude behind station number nine, and even the guy I could barely understand, who took a picture of me with a strange, quizzical look on my face. You all did good. Thank you.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I applaud your very positive post!

I've had experiences like yours too. Those people do amazing work in the midst of less than ideal conditions.

[gardenista]

2. Thank you Peggy

It was such an affirmation of the fact that "the government" is made up of many people who do their job despite the total lack of respect of many of the citizens.

[Tikki]

3. I agree with CalPeggy...

We need to thank our State employees. A simple thank you for
what they do. I know they will appreciate our kind thoughts.




Tikki

[NBachers]

4. I've been thru the San Francisco DMV several times in the last couple of months

and I've got nothing but praise for everyone I've seen working behind the counters. I put myself in their place, and I wonder if I'd do as well.

And, despite the long waits, the customers have been pretty well-behaved, too.

There's stinkers in every crowd. Most people are well-intentioned and trying to do their best.

[gardenista]

5. Agreed. Even our "stinker" today

backed off in a gentlemanly fashion and got with the program.

The only way we're going to get through this crap is to find all of our reserves of human kindness, because in the end, that is all that really counts.

[Starry Messenger]

6. What a great story. Thank you.

:thumbsup: State workers have been on the front lines of all the worst cuts. I hope someday if the state ever has the money, these men and women are first in line to get all they are owed and then-some.

[lostnfound]

7. The DMV in Houston that I've been to has been equally wonderful

each time. The people are cheerful and the system is orderly and relatively efficient.