My dad used to joke that his kids got email but he preferred ohmail. He would then explain to anyone who would listen that he liked walking down to the mailbox every day, opening the box and saying “Oh …mail!” when he got mail.
Like my dad, I like the ritual of walking down to the mailbox – but I don’t make the trek every day anymore. There’s just no mystery or excitement to be had. The anticipation of a birthday card or a long hand-written letter from a friend just isn’t there anymore. It’s almost always bills or solicitations – 0 percent credit cards are the current flavor of the month. Frankly, the thrill of my mailbox is gone.
So today’s announcement from Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe warning that mail delivery could move to just three days a week – possibly in 15 years – is hardly earth shattering. Really, Patrick – why wait 15 years? Let’s just accept the fact that we can live with mail three days a week and be done with it.
Ironically, Patrick didn’t mail his concerns about rising Internet use and falling mail volumes to his captive audience of customers – also known as “occupant.” An ohmail missive from the Postmaster General might actually catch my attention.
But seriously, Patrick, when you can save taxpayers $3.1 billion a year simply by eliminating Saturday mail delivery, quit whining about it and just do it. My mailbox could use the delayed gratification.
