As one customer described it, the only place better to wait in line than the University Park Post Office is Disney World.

Unfortunately this week, the on-campus post office lost a piece of what makes it its own "magic mountain."

"Don the Mail Guy" Plotts was told on Feb. 10 that because of lack of business, a part-time employee will replace him on Feb. 27.

Cherry Emel, president of the local American Postal Workers Union, unit 2013, said the new stamp machine in the post office's lobby is another reason for eliminating Plotts' position.

Customers who would normally wait in line for service from the mailmen are now using the machine.

Its seems as though our demand for lightning-quick service has finally caught up with us in the least pleasant way possible.

We live in a society that places the utmost emphasis on speed. Our schedules are busy and our days are booked, and we feel the need to do everything as quickly as possible.

We often prefer things that can be done in an instant to those that take any length of time to complete. We instant message rather than send a letter, we drink instant coffee rather than wait for the percolator to boil and we buy instant lottery tickets because we just can't wait a few extra hours to find out whether or not we're rick.

And most importantly, many customers would rather purchase stamps and mail packages using a machine than wait a few minutes in line and get the chance to talk to one of the most enthusiastic workers around.

We hardly ever stop to think about the implications of our demanding ways of life. Now it seems as if we simply cannot ignore them anymore. Potts was a popular figure not only with current Penn State students and faculty, but also with recent graduates and State College residents.

His friendly face, welcoming attitude and request for cookies could brighten up even the gloomiest of days.

And there is no denying that Plotts, along with his partner in crime, "Mike the Mailman" Herr have been active members of the community during their time here. In the past they have participated in the Homecoming parade, and this year they emceed the Homecoming Airbands Competition. They also kick off the annual Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon mail call parade each year.

It's not too often that we find workers who value their positions and their customers as much as Plotts and Herr. And while it's obvious that those who use the automated services of the post office did not intend to cause Plotts' reassignment, we must take a minute to consider the effects of our impatient actions.

We've driven away an integral part of the Penn State community and now we all will have to suffer the consequences.