In which the author realizes exactly what she thinks of universal healthcare

So, I turned 18 recently. But that has really nothing to do with this post beyond setting the stage. (I personally despise: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME =) :) ;) :D XD! posts.)

Due to the fact that I turned 18 recently (cleverly avoiding repeated repetitive redundancy), I needed to renew my driver's permit. (Not license, permit. Remember, I'm in the slow class for driving.) So me and Padre headed off to the DMV last Monday, which was an experience in and of itself.
1) All people in my local area, now your local DMV will NOT be handling license/permit renewals or issuings, you need to go to the head one that also is head of the juvenile corrections centre.What your local DMVs will be handling eludes me at this point in time, but they sure as heck won't be doing licenses/permits.
2) Best place to people watch is the DMV as virtually EVERYone from EVERY walk of life has to go there. You get to see it all. But, if you don't fancy people-watching
3) Bring a book (stupid me...). Let's wait in line for approximately 2/3 the lifetime of your average red giant star. *sigh* Although, my father and I were able to happily pass the time envisioning when this will be the everyday "hospital" experience iffen we get dat loverly healthcare. "But sir, I'm bleeding. Bad." "Take a number; go to the back of the line. You can use your shirt to make a tourniquet."

Well, I finally reached my person, and I was a little alarmed as the hobbity fellow was wearing a shirt emblazoned with "Sherrif's Department" as opposed to "Department of Motor Vehicles."

This will probably take forever as he most likely doesn't know much about the process. Oh boy.

Here's the really great part: he DIDN'T TAKE FOREVER! He briskly went about his work, and I got finished in no time.
I toddled over to the picture-taking department and got a fairly good picture to boot. We were in and out of the DMV in approximately 45 minutes. Hooray!

Having happily checked that off the list, I went about my daily business with my new shiny card.
Until, yesterday, that is. I went to a shop and the gal checked my I.D. and said: "Oh, I'm sorry, we can't take this. It's expired. "
Me: Whut? "Oh that's weird, I just got it five days ago, on the 20th."
Gal: "Yup, but it says "Expires: 7/20/2009"
Me: "Well what do you know, it does. Never mind, then. Cheers, love. I'd better boogie before I throw a hissy fit at the stupid DMV."
Yes indeedy, folks. U.S. government in action. Apparently, deare hobbit forgot to change the expiration date on my card so that it listed the proper year, which should be 2012.
So now I have a card proudly emblazoned with:
I.D. issued: 7/20/2009
I.D. expires: 7/20/2009
I never had a chance.

And now I really don't want healthcare courtesy of Uncle Sam. Can you imagine the hilarity?
Your prescription runs out on the day it was issued.
You're checked out of the hospital on the day you check in.
Oh, the possibilities are endless.