A large red lever discovered in a municipal basement has produced an administrative problem. The lever is mounted to the wall. It is painted bright red. It has no label. City Engineering says it is not theirs. Street Works says it is definitely not theirs.
The Postal Service has asked why anyone thought it might be theirs. Archive staff found no useful plan. Nobody has pulled the lever. This is partly due to professional caution and partly because six officials are now standing around it waiting for another department to accept responsibility.
A handwritten note has appeared above the handle: “DO NOT PULL UNTIL OWNERSHIP CONFIRMED.” The note is not official. It is, however, being obeyed. The Gazette strongly supports this rare victory for common sense.
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