Be Careful What You Say

The General Post Office, at 33rd Street and 8th Avenue in New York City, was opened in 1914. On the building, in large easy to read letters, is engraved the following:

Neither snow nor rain not heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.

Today, in the Washington DC metropolitan area, we are in the middle of a major snowstorm with 20 - 30 inches expected before it ends and the United States Post Office has suspended service for at least today. Given the circumstances, this is quite reasonable.

Although there is no actual legal requirement to provide service regardless of conditions, nor is the statement above the motto of the USPO - it has none, organizations are frequently evaluated on their ability to live up to what is believed to be, rather than actually is, their culture and mission. Since the USPO is neither particularly efficient, nor in good financial health, its reputation will be further tarnished when today's performance is matched with public belief as stated on that historic building.

So, be careful what you say: it is guaranteed to come back and haunt you.