A Fine Day for Mailman Steve

About a month ago, I reported on the perils of Mailman Steve Padget. Punished for not delivering junk mail as part of his U.S. Postal Service job, a court sentenced him to three years probation, community service and a fine.

Well, apparently the national press that Mailman Steve received won him many supporters. In fact, Steve's followers have raised $3,158 at The Point to completely cover his fine. I am sure this made Steve and his family very happy during these difficult economic times.

Unfortunately, money can't cover Steve's probation. To recap, Mailman Steve had a health condition that prevented him from carrying the hundreds of pounds of junk mail on his route. Interestingly enough, none of the customers on his route ever reported that they weren't receiving mail; a repairman who visited Steve's home tipped off the postal service. He lost his job and, as Paul Harvey used to say, you know the "rest of the story."

Holiday tip: If you want your mailman to avoid the same hassles that Steve encountered in delivering unwanted mail, be sure to sign up for GreenDimes — the service eliminates up to 90 percent of your junk mail. It also makes a great last-minute holiday gift.