Post office surprises

Surprises from the post office usually unfold from inside an envelope. And if the envelope is certified, hold your breath.

The other day, on my way to work, I stopped by the downtown post office to pick up my mail and was met with an unexpected surprise. A large bundle of wrinkled material was stuffed under the small courtesy table situated in the lobby area. I’ve been following this post office practice for over 40 years and this sight was disturbing. A complete surprise.

As I approached the bundle, I noticed it had toes on one end and a hood on the other. Propping up the hood was a tattered, discolored backpack.

My involuntary response was to go into “quiet” mode as if I’d trespassed on a newborn sleeping in a cradle.

In reality, I’d walked into an unfortunate and inexcusable reality being played out in Jonesboro and other cities across the wealthiest country on earth.

As we progress through tax season, I’m reminded of how fortunate I am to have a tax-paying job, but I’m uncomfortable knowing my contributions are being invested in guns, bombs and, yes, weapons of mass destruction. I’m all for a strong defense, not to mention a strong offense, but a priority in any tax-budget strategy should be eliminating poverty and caring for the poor. Unfortunately, this priority, as evidenced in our current president’s budget, is following the tragic path of an old soldier: It’s fading away.

The world’s wealthiest nation is yanking the welcome mat from under the bare feet of its poorest and most vulnerable. Now, more than ever, it’s time to go postal.

Sad. HARRY HERGET Jonesboro