As we've noted before, rarely does our government — at any level, but especially the federal government — actually admit to making mistakes, much less apologize. No, no — they are all-wise and know what is best for us. If we think otherwise, the fault must lie with us.

But sometimes government ineptitude rises to such a magnitude that it cannot be denied. Katrina comes to mind.

Also, this summer's passport disaster. For those who already had up to date passports, a quick review. In an effort to better protect us all from terrorists the government in its wisdom decided that every American who wishes to travel to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and certain other locations in the Western Hemisphere must henceforth produce to get back into the U.S. Previously, a passport was not required.

Let me say that again slowly so everyone can catch the nuance: American citizens who leave the U.S., go to certain neighboring countries, and then want to re-enter the U.S. must show a passport. And this will protect us from terrorists.

Umm ... okay.

How exactly that works, I'm not sure. Presumably any dangerous American citizens could do whatever nefarious things they might want to do without leaving the country in the first place. I'm not sure a long weekend in Bermuda will make someone more dangerous.

What? This was a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission?  Oh, well if those all-wise philosopher-kings suggested it, it must be good idea. I mean, these are the same people who suggested the Department of Homeland Security. If your bureaucracies don't work very well together, roll them all up into one giant bureaucracy! Sheer genius!

Result: Katrina.

Anyway, our homeland security brain trust decided that we should all show passports when we come back from foreign travel, even to Canada. Dubious homeland security benefits aside, it is not necessarily a bad idea to make passports a blanket rule rather than requiring passports for some countries and not for others. I always take my passport. That isn't really the problem.

The problem comes when you decide to change the rule ... and don't ramp up your ability to meet the suddenly increased demand for passports:

At the peak of the passport fiasco in early summer, more than 2 million Americans were still waiting for passports, with half a million waiting more than three months for a document that prior to this year was usually ready in six weeks. ("Maybe passports will follow apology," AJC.com)

Well, maybe the State Department never got the memo from Homeland Security.

The Bush administration had two years to prepare for the change, but for the most part failed. In the first three months of the year, 5.5 million passport applications were filed, many of them first-time applications, which take longer to process. The State Department did not hire enough workers to keep up with the demand and fell woefully behind, disrupting personal travel plans, honeymoons and business trips. (AJC.com)

Oh. They did get the memo. They're just idiots.

Sorry about your honeymoon. But at least you're safe from ... fellow citizens traveling without a passport!

Okay, yes, I have a low tolerance for government bungling. Imagine — we actually pay these people to make our lives more difficult! But enough snark. On to the apology:

No, wait! First some more complaint:

The massive backlog has destroyed summer vacations, ruined wedding and honeymoon plans, and disrupted business meetings and educational trips. Some people have lost days of work waiting in lines, while others have lost thousands of dollars in nonrefundable travel and lodging deposits. ("Passport backlog draws an apology," Boston.com)

Again with the honeymoons. Ok, now you can apologize:

"Over the past several months, many travelers who applied for a passport did not receive their document in time for their planned travel," said Assistant Secretary of State Maura Harty. "I deeply regret that. I accept complete responsibility for this." (Boston.com)

Lovely. I feel much better now. Well, again, I already have a passport. I wonder if this apology will satisfy all of the disappointed newlyweds, vacationers, and other frustrated travelers.

My guess? 

No. Not even close. And why is some Assistant Secretary taking the fall? Condi needs to be apologizing for this one herself.

Some in Congress wonder if the effort hasn't actually harmed security. Others question whether more passports actually contribute much to security at all. (Boston.com)

Excellent question, Some In Congress. Glad you're on top of this.