CORRESPONDENT OF THE DAY
Post Office Does Good Too, You Know
Editor, Times-Dispatch:
Two recent letters have been highly critical of the U.S. Postal Service, and indeed there are occasions when that much-maligned division of the federal government is a well-deserved subject of frustration. In fairness, though, I feel it's important that we also recognize and celebrate the many ways in which the USPS enriches our lives -- not only universally, but on a local level as well.A few weeks ago, local artist Glenn A. Crider was honored by having four of his unique, handcrafted nutcrackers depicted on secular-themed holiday stamps. As part of this event, a philatelic cover was produced which raised both funds for and awareness of our regional performing arts treasure, the Richmond Ballet.
Additionally, 20 years ago, Paolo de' Matteis' "Adoration of the Shepherds," a glorious late Baroque masterpiece in the collection of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, was honored as the sacred stamp of that year.
(Most years, that status is reserved for one of the pieces from the collection of the National Gallery at Washington, D.C.)
The showcasing of local cultural icons within a national context is a gift unique to the Postal Service. As a life-long philatelist, though a relative newcomer to the Richmond area, I'm delighted to have the opportunity to enrich my home with first-day covers and other mementos depicting items unique to our local history and culture.
Kenneth C. Decker. Richmond.
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Reader Reactions
I’ll agree, the post office does a fairly good job overall, but it also depends upon your post office. I’ve been lucky enough to have qualified postmasters at mine.
Read the “Why Richmond Why?“ section of todays website for other examples.
Nice letter, Kenneth Decker. The US Post Office does do a fine job, especially for the few pennies it charges. When I send packages via “Priority Mail” it almost always gets to the recipient in 2 days, even when its cross-country. Not bad for $5 or $6.
Some people go overboard complaining about the US Post Office because they see it as part of ‘big’ ‘jackbooted’ government. They do a good a job for a low price and that’s all I’m concerned about.
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