This is the run around scooter.
Near the end of my career I worked in a government office responsible for approving or rejecting the final proposed federal regulations from various agencies like defense, health agencies, transportation, and so forth. Some were very complex and politically fraught. Others simple and stupid.
At one meeting in 2000ish the boss and staff comprising economists, statisticians, and others discussed a proposed rule for whether to permit Medicare payments for something called the runaround scooter. Yes, no, never, of course, but maybe, but, but, but…it went on and on. No decision.
I went away on a one year detail to another office and came back as the boss. At my first staff meeting I asked each analyst about their outstanding pending regs. The runaround scooter was mentioned. I couldn’t believe it but maintained my new-found boss-like composure and simply said: “no, that one’s been cleared.” The analyst balked and said no it hasn’t, I have it right here! I’ve been working on it for more than a year.
My deputy, said you didn’t hear him, it’s been cleared.
There were muffled chuckles and a soft, oh, from the analyst.
Sorry, but to me, this discussion brings back bad memories like perfection being the enemy of the good. I know, it’s simple, it’s my problemo. I agree.