I first tried to obtain my U.S passport at the beginning of this month. When I went to a local post office, the clerk told me that she can't ensure whether or not I would be receiving my passport in time. She informed me that if I would go to a local U.S. Passport agency, I would be receiving my passport within 3 days. After many attempts, I got through with one of the representatives when I called the 877 U.S. Passport service number. He told me to call back when it is exactly 2 weeks before my departure date. I called back exactly 2 weeks before my departure date, and after 10 hours of attempt, made an appointment. My appointment was on the 21st. After I paid for my passport fees, the expedited service fee AND overnight shipping fee, the official who handled my paper works told me that I would be receiving my passport by that same Friday, the 23rd. He also told me that if I do not receive it by then, to call the toll free 877 number for the U.S. passport services. To much of my surprise, I didn't receive my passport. When I called the 877 number, the representative told me that my passport would not be completed until Monday, the 26th. I am expecting to travel on the 27th and really need my passport. When I complained to the representative, he wasn't being much help by telling me that I should have applied for my passport in advance. What are people without passports to do in dire emergencies and need to go out of the country?