CFD, in response to your question about Kevin Shea from the video, I believe he had to get off the job because of a serious leg/knee injury he recieved when he apparently fell through a large hole as a result of the World Trade Center Bombing back in 1993. In that incident, we lost six civilians and there were many injuries. Kevin Shea was one of them.
Frank (fdce54), you're exactly right. From 1970-1975, I was a Letter Carrier in a very rich, well to do Town in Connecticut. I considered it to be a Great Job for a young guy who grew up in a poor tough neighborhood of Bridgeport. The only people that had any respect for me was the Cops and Firemen who worked there. But they certainly couldn't afford to live there. I saw that money really DOESN'T buy happiness. It was a constant battle to try and out do one another.
I didn't ever own a Yaght, or a Mansion. But I was a lot happier just paying my bills, owning a simple house, food to eat, and having a few bucks to chase the rigs. Whether a Letter Carrier, or a Firefighter, I have no regretes being just Low to Middle income. I actually pitty seeing what money does to some people and I really wouldn't want to be like them.