Republican war on the Post Office

[Craig234]

The Post Office as I recall is mentioned in the institution. It's one more of countless examples where the government can run a service as and more effectively and affordably than the private sector.

Under Bush, there was a war on the Post Office. Some of the likely motives included that they wanted to eliminate/cripple an institution contradicting their corrupt oligarchy ideology; donors including competition who wanted to weaken the competitor; and the Post Office having the largest public union.

So, what the Republicans did was to pass a corrupt and radical law that required the Post Office - unlike any other private or public institution - to pre-fund their healthcare coverage for employees for the next 75 years. This cost a fortune, removing that money for any other expenses from salaries to equipment. It's like telling UPS, put billions into a container, and then be competitive.

Well, the war has progressed. It's a picture of destructive corruption threatening to destroy that public institution that functions well since our founding, for a few people to rip the public off.

Here's an article from Robert Reich through "Inequality Media Civil Action".

"Donald Trump is once again pushing to privatize the U.S. Postal Service – this time by nominating two of his wealthy megadonors, Anthony Lomangino and John LaValle, to the USPS Board of Governors.

These men have no experience running a postal system. But what they do have is an unwavering loyalty to Trump and a role in his broader plan to dismantle public institutions and sell off vital services to private profiteers. The result: a major loss of USPS services, especially for rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities.

Lomangino is a Mar-a-Lago insider who donated nearly $9 million to a pro-Trump super PAC and paid $150,000 to defend Trump allies under federal investigation. LaValle is a longtime GOP party boss and MAGA loyalist who’s been in Trump’s orbit since 2016.

Neither man knows a thing about how to run or modernize a national postal system. But that’s not why they were chosen. They were chosen to help Trump finish stripping the Postal Service of its public mission, claim it’s “failing,” and hand it over to corporations who will gut services and jack up prices – on top of shuttering service to who knows how many communities.

Privatization will do the most harm to rural, Indigenous, and underserved communities. These residents rely most heavily on the Postal Service for vital services like prescription delivery, vote-by-mail access, bill payments, business shipments, and basic communication. In these areas, there is no "market incentive" to serve – only a public responsibility.

And once that responsibility is handed over to private firms, it’s gone for good.

Private businesses exist to make a profit. But the U.S. Postal Service exists to serve everyone – no matter their ZIP code, income level, or political affiliation. That’s the difference between a public service and a for-profit company.

If Lomangino and LaValle are confirmed, Republicans will hold a 4–2 majority on the USPS Board, with two open seats still to be filled. That would open the door to aggressive privatization – and millions of Americans would pay the price."

 

[aociswundumho]

The Post Office as I recall is mentioned in the institution.

The constitution doesn't require the government to operate its own postal service, it just gives congress the power to do so, just like it gives congress the power to declare war.

It's one more of countless examples where the government can run a service as and more effectively and affordably than the private sector.

That's not even close to true. The post office cannot survive without constant bailouts funded by the taxpayer. A private market would save us a boatload of money.

Let me answer the most common objection: "but rural people" TFB for them. You want to live in the sticks, then you'll have to drive to town once a week to get your mail. That is totally reasonable.

and the Post Office having the largest public union.

That means the taxpayer is getting taken to the cleaners by a labor cartel.

However forget all that.

The best reason to get rid of the post office is because it is an environmental nightmare. The post office subsidizes junk mail, and that's what most mail is today:

Thread 'You cannot be an environmentalist and support the Post Office.'

Apr 15, 2022

Many leftists claim to be environmentalists, while at the same time supporting the Post Office. I say those two views are incompatible. Let's consider the environmental costs of the Post Office:

1. 90% of mail is junk mail. I own some multifamily properties, and I always have to put a garbage barrel right next to the mailboxes so the tenants can take their mail out of the box and drop it in the barrel. From there it goes to the landfill. The few letters they keep could have been sent via email, as everyone has a phone today.

2. Trees are extremely vital to the environment. They absorb...

• aociswundumho
• Replies: 50
• Forum: Environment & Climate Issues

• 

 

[Roadvirus]

Trump can say "I'm gonna dismantle the USPS" all he wants. He can't do shit to it.

Only legislative action, which means only Congress has the power to keep it going or tear it down.