The Voice

It is scary how little most college students really keep up with the news these days, even after the September 11th attacks on America. Excuses range from there is just never enough time in the day to sit down and watch the news on television, catch the local paper on the internet or the attacks and the aftermath don’t effect us. Many people fall into this category, we realize this in everyday conversation when we have no clue what is going on. When you really think about it everyone in America is effected, and a need to be educated on the actions preceding the awakening of our country is necessary.

It seems that we as the younger generation have taken a humorous approach to this event, and the attitude that we are never going to be effected, but humor is defiantly not appropriate. For example, at a local restaurant here in Milledgeville, on Halloween, a staff member decided to dress up as a postal worker with anthrax scabs on her face. Tacky-YES! Distasteful-YES! And the worse part about this is she was not sent home.

Maybe she should be educated on the post office and anthrax. Or think about taking into consideration that other students may have family members that work for the post office and might be scared that tomorrow they might get infected. Or just selfishly worry that her costume might become reality even in a small town such as this. Anthrax is not something to joke about.

There have been 14 confirmed cases, including eight inhaled versions of the disease. Six people in New York and New Jersey are being treated for the less dangerous skin form of anthrax and few other cases are suspected. Right now the search continues for mail offices tainted by anthrax. (All information from the Atlanta Journal & Constitution)

Just think about everyday going to work and being scared of coming out infected with this disease. When the first mail incident happened I am sure postal workers were really apprehensive about their job choice, however there have been many other scares in the past. They must have wade the pro and cons and really thought levelheaded about the situation.

The postal service is doing all it can do, as this is such a new issue. Post Offices have conducted meetings on the proper procedures, such as what to do if there is a suspicious letter or package. But one central message is the same over and over again…just be cautious. The postal service has provided gloves and masks to anyone who wants to wear them; however most workers in offices are choosing not to wear them for various reasons. Also, the postal service is developing new technology coming out to help in the effort to scan mail or radiate it for any chemicals.

They are doing what they can to protect their employees and the consumer. Postal workers are just glad to still have a job, in light of the market. They are not soldiers, just postal workers; moms, dads, grandparents, and proud Americans. Some people are saying they are heroes, because they can continue go to work everyday. Maybe the Postal motto will change.through sleet and snow and chemical warfare, we deliver for you! The bottom line is do not be ignorant.

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Posted by Colonnade Archives on Nov 9 2001. Filed under Our Voice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry