September 30, 2003

Just My Three Cents

Anyone ever encountered a three cent stamp? I have. In fact, I have a whole pile on my desk right now. A pile of paper that is WORTHLESS. Beyond worthless - and yet it cost me money. And will rot in a compost heap somewhere when I get around to throwing it away. That's right. I'm talking about the completely and utterly useless crap that the US Postal Service likes to call the "stamp."

I never buy stamps in bulk. I don't know why. I should, but I don't. Whatever. Whenever I have to send a letter (or more likely, a bill) I go to the Post Office, put a dollar in the stamp vending machine, and get two 37 cent stamps and two 3 cent stamps for 80 cents. I get 20 cents back, use the two 37 cent stamps, and put the remaining two stamps in my pocket to b e added to the pile of worthless crap on my desk. This has gone on for more than two years now. I must have accumulated maybe $5 worth of 3 cent stamps in that time. This is unacceptable. That's $5 dollars that could be spent on food. Or better yet, computers.

Why is there a concept of a 3 cent stamp. Who the HELL uses such a stamp. No one! And you know why? Because it has no goddamn use! None! Nothing ever costs 3 cents to send. I suppose you could add thirteen 3 cent stamps to send one letter, but then you would be stupid and weird! What needs to be done is that they should just give back $0.26 back in the vending machine. Or they should just change the price of stamps to $0.35 or even $0.40. I would pay it. I pay it now ... I never use those extra two stamps ANYWAY. Might as well just pay a damn round number for stamps and not have to deal with the bullshit. So in conclusion, down with three cent stamps!