Postal Service

I am entirely satisfied with the U.S. Postal Service. I find the employees capable, friendly and efficient. The current and proposed costs are fair and less than in any country I have traveled in. My recent unhappy postal experience was with a private carrier.

NORMAN E. WOLLITZ

El Cajon

* It appears that we citizens are again victims of a Catch-22. Postal rates are rising again! This in the face of highly increased e-mail and fax usage. Although postal services will always be required, these technological tools should help reduce the physical load on the Postal Service. In addition, aggressive marketing by private carriers have reduced the small-package handling requirements at the Postal Service. Still there has been no effort made to reduce personnel.

We all have experienced similar situations before. During the energy crisis, we were asked to reduce the use of electricity. We did and were rewarded with increased rates because the power companies debt obligations remained the same. Likewise, with the drought. We reduced water consumption and the rates were again increased for the same reason.

We must add to the vocabulary of these agencies: downsize.

SAMUEL ZUCKERMAN

West Los Angeles