My father's death has given me personal insight into the government vs. private management issue -

[T Wolf]

and the government wins.

I have been fighting paperwork and bureaucracy (public and private) for over three months now, trying to settle legal and financial issues. Who knew that dying was such a hassle?

My father, a WWII vet, had (as most of that generation) a modest GI life insurance policy. The VA notified me that they had received notice of his passing. They sent me the simple forms that I needed to fill out and easy-to-understand instructions. The check came within a week of me submitting the documents.

Contrast that with my experience trying to close his accounts at Banksters of America. The hoops I have been forced to jump through have been confusing and contradictory. Finally, I had to pay a lawyer to draw up the documents that BoA requested. Even with that, BoA has refused to close the accounts or release the funds. Instead, they are demanding additional (and different) documentation. So, it's back to the attorney. Now, what incentive could BoA have for holding on to that money (less than the GI insurance) - aside from the monthly fee for non-activity?

So, when anyone tells me that a private corporation will do a better job than a government agency, I can tell them that that lie does not fly.

This bullshit only adds to the difficulty of saying goodbye to the man who set me off on my path to the Dark Side of the political spectrum. He was an old-fashion, Massachusetts liberal who promised to drive me to Canada himself if my "number had come up" during Vietnam. He bookended that lesson with active & financial support for the movement to impeach Shrub.

As I said in my eulogy - he was a good man who was also smart enough to figure out the correct thing to do. If more people were like him, this world would be a much, much better place.

[Wickerman]

1. I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing

and of the hassles that have made it needlessly more difficult.

[Joanne98]

2. RIP Thanks for the story.

[Laelth]

3. The "business is better than government" meme is definitely a lie.

Most government functions are extremely efficient. The fact is that we're spoiled because he do have a very efficient Federal Government. We take it for granted. We shouldn't. The Republicans have been trying to make it as inefficient and awful as possible for decades. Eventually, they may succeed.

:dem:

-Laelth

[madrchsod]

4. sorry for your loss and i know all about the government....

no problems what so ever. thank my mom that she had the same local bank for 60 some years. my sister took the proper documents and my mother`s accounts were turned over to her. it`s the same bank my wife and i have our home loan with and they stuck by us even though we were three months behind on our mortgage.

if at all possible use a local bank,savings and loan, or credit union.

[Scuba]

5. But, but, but....

...government's always less efficient than private enterprise.


Sorry about your loss.

[Lint Head]

6. I miss my father today and everyday. His wisdom still carries me through life today

even though he died 14 years ago. Greed is the problem with society. Corporations are greedy with their and people are greedy with their feelings.

[UpInArms]

7. I'm so sorry for your loss

and I hope that the banksters don't make this more difficult - they really are an incompetent bunch.

:hug:

[malaise]

8. You should send this letter to the armed services newspaper

and your local paper.
Deepest sympathy, :grouphug:

[T Wolf]

9. Thank you all for your thoughts. My father was not a good man - he was a GREAT man in the

truer definition of caring for others and using his gifts and talents to improve the lives of those around him. He knew that it was the responsibility of those who are lucky/successful/comfortable in life to share their good fortune with others. He recognized-honored-lived the idea of a social contract with his fellow earthlings.

Just as with my birth-mother, who passed in October, you learn a lot about them when their mail gets forwarded to you. Both of these wonderful people received a ton of mail from the causes that they supported. It is up to me to try and follow their example.

[mdmc]

10. ..