地道美语听力练习:和政府机构打交道

Jogi:I knew when we got this government contract that it would be a two- edged sword.

Deborah:How so?

Jogi:I'm grateful for the work, but having to jump through hoops of the government's bureaucracy has me pulling my hair out.

Deborah:What's wrong now?

Jogi:You know that all of our documents have to be submitted in triplicate.

I anticipated that and had done everything to the letter, or so I thought.

Deborah:I know. I helped you prepare those documents.

What's the problem?

Jogi:The documents were sent back to us because they say we didn't follow some of the reporting regulations.

But the verbiage in the regulations is so convoluted that I had to interpret them to the best of my ability.

I thought I had done everything right.

Deborah:Didn't they tell you what they thought was done wrong when they returned the documents?

Jogi:All I got was a form letter with no specifics.

Deborah:I suggest calling the office responsible for reviewing the documents and asking someone there.

Jogi:You don't think I've tried?

Each time I think I have the right department and leave a voicemail message, either I don't hear back or I get palmed off on another office.

I can't get a straight answer to any of my questions.

I never expected this much red tape.

Deborah:So I see what you mean about that two-edged sword.

Jogi:I can think of one good use for that sword right now-to put me out of my misery!