I can relate. I worked for the Post Office just after getting out of the service back in 1971. I relieved the guys (2 of them) that ran the machine that would sort and cancel letters (small post office) when they were on breaks. They both called in sick for 3 days so they could go fishing together. I was forced to run the machine alone with an untrained helper. I was barely trained myself. Upon their return they learned the production on that machine had gone up 30% with me running it. They complained to the union that I was trying to make them look bad and "force" them to work harder. I was taken off the machine and not allowed to run it again.

It was not complicated. I just watched for potential jamb ups and was proactive. Their style was to read newspapers and react to jamb ups. They did not want a change to their litle racket. I guess things have not changed much since then. And yes, my manager was also not allowed to disciplne or fire or even sound as if he was displeased with them.

Can someone give me the addresses for sending my resume to the Postal Service and AIG? I can run a business to the ground as well as anyone and promise to do so for half the salary and one third the bonuses of those in charge now. What a savings I will be to the American public! No need to thank me, just want to do my civic duty.

On the reality side, I just finished getting new insurance for my wife and I from a different company. Canceled what we had with AIG today. Hope others are making statements with their check books as we do.