Readers post conflicting mail views

Costs more, takes longer

I'm sure you remember when you could send a letter coast to coast in about three days for a few pennies. Now we pay 44 cents and it takes almost a week. Why does it take longer now to send mail at 44 cents than it did for a few pennies? Also, I feel I must use the premium service so I can track the mail if it's lost.

By using UPS or FedEx I immediately have a number to trace the item and can know exactly when it will arrive at its destination.

Perhaps should go back to the old method of processing the mail.

Lenny Singer

Crestview Drive

Summerville

Letters from overseas

During World War II, almost every family had someone in the military fighting overseas. We would all wait anxiously every day for the mailman to deliver our mail hoping we would receive a letter from our loved one. If we didn't get a letter in the morning mail delivery, we knew there would be another one in the afternoon.

The mailman in those days carried the mail in a big leather satchel over his shoulder. He usually had to use public transportation in the city to get to his route, then he had to walk from house to house, building to building to drop off the mail.

He came every day, rain or shine or snow, hot summer days, cold winter days. Everyone stopped to talk to the mailman and he always knew when someone received sad news. We could talk to him like a friend.

One of my neighbors back then was a mailman, and I remember his wife saying how at the end of the day, his feet hurt and he would have to sit and soak them.

I don't think it would be so terrible if we eliminated the Saturday delivery if it would keep the post office in business. Most other government businesses only work five days. I don't usually get any important mail on Saturday.

The Postal Service is an important part of this country and everything should be done to keep it going.

Irene Cuzzone

Springview Lane

Summerville

Reduce postal rates

Since the U.S. Postal Service is considering eliminating Saturday pickup and delivery of mail, wouldn't it be logical and fair to couple that with a one-sixth reduction in postal rates?

However, government-run operations all too seldom incorporate logic and fairness in their decisions or actions.

David Fleshman

Seignious Drive

Charleston