“Under the revised system, the post office will still hand out Santa letters to people who want to donate [gifts to needy local kids]. However, people who want to give must come to the Post Office at Federal Plaza, present a photo ID and sign a contract holding the U.S. Postal Service blameless, ‘…against any and all causes of action, claims, liens, rights or interests of any kind or type whatsoever…’” (Judy Peet, “‘Dear Santa’ letters come with legal catch”, Newark Star-Ledger, Nov. 19; BaristaNet, Nov. 20). More: Nov. 27.
Of course they need to sign a release — if a kid gets a Chinese-made toy containing lead paint, it will invariably be the Post Office’s fault for distributing toys it knew or should have known could create grave bodily harm to kids. When will the insanity end?