Sunday, November 22, 2015

Ka-Chunk!


I have chaired three sessions of the Old Bills Committee that I put together to formally review prior-year claims which seems to have consumed Ministry officials so much so that they have pretty much ignored current year efforts.  Packages and questioners from the 33 Claimants are prepared by the Ministry to be reviewed by my staff.  When that work is done, the claimants formally come before the Board.  My Deputy is Mr. “NO” and I have seemed to have earned the moniker “Santa George”.  Its an interesting balance as we review and argue with the Ministry functionaries the merits of their case, lack of data and dubious rationale for cost growth.  In this place, a document is not worth its weight if it doesn’t have a formal stamp on it.  There is a certain finality in watching someone stamp your document and they relish it.  I figured this out quickly and made my own stamp which sits just in reach as these packages are being debated.  The Ministry staff listen as make my ruling on their claims for millions of Afghanis (their currency), but they really pay attention when I reach for the stamp.  Silence on their side as their eyes grow with anticipation.  I take my time, write in the findings, and check the numbers, sign, then reach for the stamp.  “Ka-Chunk” and its final.  Relief and smiles on their side of the table.  “Next Case” I say with a direct tone.  Its amazing how such a small thing means so much.
 

1 comment:

  1. Hi, George: I hope you guys get a chance to do something special to acknowledge Thanksgiving. I'll be thinking about you, and will say a prayer for you. :-)
    Matt

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