GovernmentExecutive.com

So here's the power of the press for ya: Frank Moss, the deputy assistant secretary for passport services at the State Department, emailed me this morning about my whiny column on the less-than-stellar service I received at a passport processing office. We had a very nice conversation, in which I was happy to inform him that the passports for my children had arrived within two weeks of applying for them. I also should note that I've gotten a few e-mails, and several people have posted items in the Mailbag, saying they've had very good experiences at passport application offices. So this is clearly not a systemic problem. Still, next time I need a Social Security card or an SBA loan or something, I think I'll write a column before I go in to apply, so I can get the VIP treatment in advance.