Confessions Of A NYC Ghetto Mailman

Although this story is rather distressing, it does make one appreciate just what some USPS mail carriers go through to deliver mail in the worst parts of the inner city:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/...0SgnjCONkx9K

Although the story is new, it does not say when this carrier was actually delivering the mail there, only that he did it for 9 years. I would like to know when he was actually working those streets, and I find it just a bit suspicious that he doesn't say. Of course this is the NY Post, so it might have been 30 years ago. Or never.

It's actually a follow up article to this previous news report from May 5, 2013:

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/...v1FGwOw05MOI

Although I agree the NY Post is not the most stellar source of reliable news, it does show a problem exists in the area. In fact, the same report was picked up by several other news sources.

I had a bad experience with a letter carrier about 8 years ago. We have the boxes at the end of the streets. I was off work one day and walk down to get my mail. He had just pulled up and we chatted while he was sorting the mail into the boxes. After about 5 minutes he asked me if I had any beer at the house. I told him I didn't drink anymore. He went on to say that if he went back early they would give him another route to make for someone that was off that day. No drugs or guns but that really ticked me off.

Back in the '50s when I was a kid in Chicago, "Fritz" the mailman was a neighborhood fixture. Everybody knew him, and he always had a good word for all. And, he was as reliable as you could imagine.

Today here in a sub-division north of Houston, its anybody's guess as to who will deliver the mail. And time wise, well that is anybody's guess, for its been as early as 10 am, or as late as 7:30 pm. Of course its almost always after 4 pm. The carrier used to be the same guy, but now its a true cast of characters.

I digress.... I really feel for the carriers that have to deliver in undesirable neighborhoods. Gone are the days when the mailman was "untouchable" as they were Federal employees. Those that walk routes must see it all, and frankly some put themselves in harms way everyday. Whether the story is true or exxagerated, those situations do exist, and not just in NYC.

My hat's off to them!

Wow. Too much for someone who makes that kind of salary.


-IBFS

A friend of mine who lived in NY was murdered. The Post ran a front page headline on the story saying "Insane Murderer Arrested" and showing a picture of her. I was shown next to her in the picture and many assumed that I was the insane murderer.

And that is what happens before morning tea!

No way would I ever deliver mail in those seedy places! That's just too much.

I know there are always exceptions to the rule and yes, times have changed as far as what's considered "untouchable" these days....right and wrong has become certainly less black and white since the 50's or even the 70's in my opinion. My mail carrier has walked my route ever since my husband and I have bought our home 8 years ago and she is not only consistent with her delivery but she goes above and beyond her "duty" as a postal worker. I live in an "okay" section of a mid-sized city and even here she sees it all. We're also in the Snowbelt so when there's 3 or 4 feet (yes FEET)on the ground she still manages to deliver her route even when over 90% of the sidewalks are NOT shoveled!
Hats off to all the honest diligent carriers. We need them and that's the simple truth.

Lorrlis: AMEN!

Peter

I remember the mailman that delivered to my childhood house for years. We would always give him some of mom's Christmas cookies she had baked and a nice Christmas card every year. He knew the people and the neighborhood of his route like the back of his hand.

David

Someone agrees with me!


-IBFS