Customer service lacking at Post Office

I understand I have to clear a path in front of my mailbox. I understand mail carriers are having a particularly difficult time this year.

What I don't understand is the rude behavior you have to put up with when you try to get your mail. After thinking the large area I cleared (and cleared the next day, and cleared again, and then again) for my mail carrier's car to get within reach of my mailbox was more than satisfactory, the mail stopped coming.

What made my blood boil was being told I wasn't cooperating after receiving absolutely no cooperation from them. Isn't cooperation a thing that only works when both sides are accommodating? All I received from the post office were notes. No, they can't leave a note saying they are stopping delivery; you have to figure it out yourself. (I've received one before.) No, we can't hold mail longer than 10 days (and to top it off, we are going to lecture you about clearing snow every time you pick up your mail.) No, your carrier cannot put their car in reverse, you have to clean an area big enough for them to drive in and out (even though I live on a dead-end street with little traffic.)

I don't mind digging out my mailbox and it's finally done (within 10 days.) What I do mind is the lousy excuse for customer service. If they were a for-profit business and not a government agency, they wouldn't have any customers. Perhaps it's because we don't pay a fee for having our mail delivered that makes them think they don't need to treat customers with respect? Oh, wait a minute, we do pay them; we pay our taxes.

TERRI RAMSAY

Sandpoint