[Steeroid]

What I have noticed so far is:

1. If you dont know the law or the procedures, you're jacked. Be ready to shell out dough. Easiest way out is to get some background info on the procedures and make sure they cant pick a hole in your case. You usually get shafted when you're not on safe ground yourself. I got shafted once because my university got my name on my degree certificate wrong - they made me "tosh" instead of "thosh" - it was my mistake that I didnt get it corrected, thinking that my higher education certificates make the degree certificate irrelevant.

And so it was, until I had to get my graduation certificate attested by the Ministries of HR and Foreign Affairs when I had to apply for residence in one country. Got caught up in the rigmarole and soon realised that I was out of my depth since it was my mistake - a lawyer in the Patiala Court complex advised me to 'invest' some money and he will get it done. What I couldnt do in 3 days of running around was done overnight, spelling mistake or not.

So who's to blame - ME.

2. If you know a bit of the law and can throw around a few rules and regulations in your conversation, they take it that you know the system. You dont get shafted. Do your background work, instead of walking into an office and assuming that they're ready to take up your case - they have millions, therefore why should you be special? Unless you're different and you knwo what to do.

and

3. Sometimes there ARE government servants who go out of their way to help you - the entire system isnt corrupt. You usually get things done if you present yourself and your case well, behave with dignity and respect the work they do. It does work - if you assume that they're all sleazy *******s out to swindle you, THEY WILL.