Yup, and I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that the United States Postal Service makes billions of dollars a year bringing us these non invasive gems.

I'm the kid of 2 mail carriers one of which has been a Union officer for the longest time and is retiring in about 3 months.

The post office, as I was told, was and is the only (one of the few?) government programs that does not run at a loss. Having said that, the managers had a knack for making employees miserable playing office politics and the like. Some caused by them - some by other employees where they turned their head. I'm sure that's the case in many jobs - but I heard about a lot of it when working part time at the office. Route too long? Walk faster. Not good enough. Try running part of it. That not working for you? I'll just f with you then...

A lot of good people too though. As a job, if you've got a good route and decent supervisor, I imagine it's not bad at all. At least when your not getting bitten by a dog, sunburned or rained on. ;)

I think the .41 is not such a big deal. I don't send much mail so what's 2 cents. Then I think of the mail I do send from work - some of that "not junk" mail - and then it does make a difference.

More then that though is the weird size rules about it being less then this big or more then that big this way and that. If you're sending anything other then a regular letter, you have to go online and go through their guided postage figurer-outer. And if it's not normal, the rates went up substantially more then 2 cents.

I should clarify (lest anyone think otherwise): there are some good people who work for the USPS. I am blessed with someone in a key position that I know I can rely on to provide me quick answers and very efficient help - often in areas that are not within his realm of responsibility. He understands that I am his customer and that he needs to treat me as such. I have actually written to his supervisors and the District manager praising him for his assistance.

Unfortunately, for every one like him, there are 10 who are just the opposite. They make it seem like they are doing me a favor to answer my questions and it is a major ordeal for them to do their jobs.

Granted, I am dealing with Postal people on a different level than your average citizen on the street. But as a regular consumer, I have experienced similar treatment and attitudes as well.

When you think about it, that is not such a bad deal for having a uniformed government employee come to your house, pick up you envelope and deliver it across the country within a couple of days.

Hey Alex, my dad also taught me about small arms fire and body disposal techniques ;)

(I figured you were joking)...

Probably more information than most (all) want to know, but there has been Do Not Mail legislation put forth in many states. Here is an article in a printing trade magazine (which is obviously biased) that I just read today.