In these tough times, the U.S. Postal Service is faced with difficult decisions. The USPS was designed to be self-supporting and until now it was. Through the sale of postage and other services, it was able to cover salaries and overhead.
But in the 21st century, that has changed. The use of e-mail and growing popularity of package-delivery services have cut into USPS profits at a time when the costs of operations continue rising. For that reason, it is understandable that the USPS is closing post offices across the country.
The Grand Post Office on 30th Avenue was scheduled to be closed. U.S. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe could not know what this post office meant to Astoria. He only knew that it fell slightly below the threshold of $600,000 in revenue for fiscal year 2011.
Thanks to U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney and other elected officials, the post office has been saved. Her office collected more than 1,000 signatures protesting the closing. She argued that this facility serves many disabled and elderly and the local business district.
Congratulations to Maloney and other Astoria officials, who proved that when the people speak loud enough, their voices are heard.
Taking on Cyberbullying
Elected officials held a recent press conference at a Queens high school that they hope will raise public awareness about cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying occurs when a person uses electronic means to hurt or embarrass another person. It has resulted in suicides by too many young people.
State Sen. Jeff Klein and state Assemblyman William Scarborough have co-sponsored a bill that would makes cyberbullying a misdemeanor if it is “likely to cause a fear of harm, or emotional distress to a person under the age of 21.” If it leads a sufferer to commit suicide, it becomes a felony.
We support the legislation, but victims must have an outlet where they can safely discuss bullying with an adult.
