Bureaucracy Is Everywhere

I've sometimes regretted that I did not become a comedy writer. Just think what I could do with the story in today's NYT that Jose Padilla had filled out an application to become a member of Al Qaeda. What information was requested?

• Are you willing to become a martyr?


• Do you have experience in small arms?


• Do you know how to fly a jet airliner?


• Any known allergies?