I might as well tell you, I have a number of scientific theories I have been trying to share with people for some time now. I think I even shared a couple on these boards, FWIW. And I like the postal service, because it is governed by the First Amendment. Not that I need it. But I mean, if a message board moderator (not necessarily on these boards) gets a bee in their bonnet, they can’t censor me.
Anyway, that has little or nothing to do with my question. Security envelopes. I myself use them, because I think they look more stylish. And they are the same price as the white envelopes, at least in Dollar Tree.
But what is the ultimate purpose of them? I mean, who is going to read my mail? The mail carrier? They have better things to do with their time. And in any event, first class mail is protected by the Fourth Amendment. So a mail carrier would never even think of trying to read people’s mail–no? My neighbors? They never touch my mail, unless it accidentally goes to their house, a very rare occasion.
I also have to tell you, even the good quality security envelopes don’t really do their job. You can still make out a little, if you hold it to a very bright light. But who is going to do that either, really?
So what is their purpose? And what is the proposed logic behind them?
You mean, like stealing mail? (at least one postal worker on that list was found to have stolen credit cards and checks from the mail).*
*"Examples of this sort of secret tampering *(holding up regular envelopes to the light) include reading routing and account numbers on a check, stealing identities through exposed social security numbers or gleaning information to later use as blackmail against someone. The nosy reader could be a regular criminal, a jealous ex-lover or even a roommate. No matter the person or the reason, reading private mail is illegal and being able to do so without leaving evidence makes the crime harder to trace."
*actually, the relatively few postal employees who steal mail seem to focus more on greeting cards, which may contain cash and checks.
just to obscure the contents. e.g. to make it hard to figure out if there’s something like a check, cash, or personally identifying information inside.
I don’t know who’s likely to try to read your mail, but you have a fundamental misconception about the First Amendment. The freedom of speech clause prevents only the government from limiting your right to free speech. A message board moderator can censor you without violating it.
Even better, Social Security has removed the SSN from the annuai award letter, presumably for security. So the award letter proves entitlement of a recipient, but doesn’t say who the entitled recipient is.
I thought I said that:). Yeah,I have a law dictionary at home. And it really is a fascinating subject. It says federal and state action are the two echelons of constitutional law. Private action (as you said) are not protected by the constitution. It is worth pointing out that statutory law can always step in and give people rights in the private sector. I don’t know if that helps on the internet though.
I always figured the secured envelopes were a good way to send cash though the mail. I’d not think it would be a postal worker snooping, but maybe roommates if you lived in a dorm or apartment.
Yes, actually. The white envelopes are self-adhesive though. I don’t mind licking envelopes though. I’ve been doing it for years. And sometimes the adhesive doesn’t stick for some reason.
BTW they are perfectly good envelopes too. Meade. That’s a good quality brand, isn’t it?
Why on earth figure the postal worker wouldn’t be the one pilfering cash? They’re surrounded by mail all day - they can learn the tricks, what security might exist they’d need to work around, etc.
I’d always thought the purpose of security envelopes was so if you were mailing a check a fraudster can’t obtain your account number by holding the envelope up to the light and reading it off the check.
