Dear Postal Service

I am disgruntled. The number of cards and letters that I send by regular mail and which subsequently disappear into the ether without ever reaching their destination is dramatically increasing.

These days, when it is so much easier, quicker and, frankly, cheaper to send greetings by email or from a thousand and one online greeting card websites, there are still those of us who choose to spend our money to send mail by regular post. We treasure the experience of thoughtfully picking out or making a card, sitting down and writing snippets from our day or sending greetings across the miles. Once dropped in the postbox, we then imagine the face of our loved one when finding an unexpected envelope in their mailbox, their anticipation of opening it and then holding and reading the greetings which have journeyed to them from so far away.

I gave up sending checks or money as presents by regular mail long ago, as apparently it is just too much of a temptation for some, even if taking it is a felony offense. Now when illicitly opening my letters all they’ll find is “love and kisses.” Sadly, even they don’t reach their intended recipient any more. Explain to me then why I should throw out good money after bad to send my love and heartfelt congratulations, good luck wishes, condolences, prayers for speedy convalesce and festive holiday cheer by registered mail to ensure you hand-deliver them to the homes of my nearest and dearest when I have already purchased that service by buying a stamp and sticking it on the envelope and which, according to your declared service contract, you are then supposed to deliver.

As time goes by, and as fewer cards arrive at their intended destination, it is reasonable to assume that I will choose alternatives to sending cards by regular mail. In my view, that is a loss for both of us.

Sincerely,

(Lyrics)

Book Review: Son of Hamas

Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A gripping look into the life of Mosab Hassan Yousef, who for 10 years was an Israeli collaborator at the highest level within Hamas and Palestinian society in the West Bank, and the firstborn, beloved son of Hassan Yousef, one of the founders of Hamas. In Mosab’s mind, through his awaking faith in Christianity, he succeeded in freeing himself of Hamas’ fanatical tenets and imperatives for a purpose with a higher calling.

Viewing events on the ground from the Palestinian side was at times discomforting, but this narrative was certainly a mind- and eye-opener vis-a-vis Hamas and PA politics as well as the courage a collaborator must find within himself or herself knowing that their life could end with a bullet should they be discovered.

View all my reviews

Some not so light reading given the events of the recent past, but certainly a worthwhile read no matter what your views. (And apparently Yousef  has a blog on WordPress.com, sadly not frequently or recently updated. His book site includes a link to download the 1st chapter to read or listen to. I recommend it.)

And, yes, I’m still angry.

Related Links:

• CNN Report: Hamas founder’s son worked for Israel
• The Mosab Yousef Saga: Did Hamas ‘Defector’ Dupe All of Us?

Related articles

• Editorial: Hamas’s Illegitimacy (nytimes.com)