Mailing with the Mob

I went to the United States Post Office to mail a package, which I know is so last century, but I’m quaint that way. As the package was being weighed, the postal worker asked me if I wanted to buy insurance for the package – against damage, loss, or rifling.

What?

Damage, I can understand; accidents happen. Loss? Ok, I see where could happen too. But rifling? That’s never an accident. That means someone is willfully and maliciously going through your package and taking whatever they want.

So, let me get this straight. I am handing my package over to the USPS. The postal service employees are now responsible for my package. I can understand offering insurance against an employee accidentally losing or damaging the package while it is in their custody.But asking me to buy insurance against rifling is like asking me to pay protection money for my package.

I didn’t pay it. Now I’m waiting to hear if the package arrives safely, or if I’m going to be taught a lesson about buying that insurance.