The USPS is more than a service. It's a symbol of a functioning society

[Felis Leo]

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) has noted about the USPS that "It's not a business, it's a service. And this whole notion that you've got to get rid of the post office because they've been losing money — the post office ain't losing money. ... You're paying for a service to keep this country together." Clyburn bashes Postal cuts: It's a service, not a business (the Hill). He's not alone in that sentiment:
The USPS is more than a service. It's a symbol of a functioning society (CNN, Opinion)

So why did I start this thread here? Because the Postal Service is a Constitutional creation. Indeed, the US Post has existed longer than the nation itself. It was one of the first "national" institutions established to separate "the colonies" from its mother country. (CNN)

When Trump (and Republicans) try to dismantle the USPS they are not just making a "business decision" - they are ****ing with the Constitution. It has been a Republican effort going back more than a decade to dismantle the Post Office, and it needs to stop. (CNN)

Why do Republicans hate the Post Office? Because of " its central role in establishing democratic ideals." Democracy, we can't have that!

Nonsense. Republicans do not “hate the post office” any more than Democrats “hate the police“. Those who attack the institution (read: Trump) are doing it for cynical self serving reasons.

 

[Grizzly Adams]

I think it would be more accurate to say it is a symbol of a functioning democracy. Certainly seems like that is what the author of the piece implies:

In Great Britain and the United States for the past 400 years, the expansion of government postal systems has gone hand in hand with the emergence of democratic ideals such as the freedom of the press, the right of average people to participate in the public sphere and the importance of equitable and accessible communications. In fact, we could say that those ideals could only be realized because people could rely on the post for connection in a modernizing, globalizing society.
The USPS is more than a service. It's a symbol of a functioning society (opinion) - CNN

Indoor plumbing and the quality of porn has done the same thing. That doesn't mean they are inseparable.

 

[Terryj]

They couldn't get rid of the USPS even if they wanted to, it is mandated by the Constitution, it would take a Constitutional amendment to get rid of it.

 

[Jason Warfield]

"Closer to privatization" is not "got rid of."

I don't know about anyone else, but 90% of the paper mail I get is junk that goes straight from my mailbox to the recycle bin. The other 10% are mostly bills and investment statements I never read because I get it all online. As environmentalists, Democrats should welcome transforming the postal service into a business that actually charges the cost of the services it delivers, specifically to discourage this pointless waste.

PAEA was passed in the House by voice vote without objection, and passed the Senate by unanimous consent. And when Dems took over in 2008, they didn't repeal it. So it's hard to imagine how you can blame Republicans for it.

You can blame Republicans for causing the situation in 2006, and if you remember correctly, the GOP in both Senate and House embarked on obstructionist policies on everything the Democrats and Obama tried to do. So, no, it wasn't simple matter of repealing it. And yes, we can blame the GOP for this since 2006.

 

[Noodlegawd]

You can blame Republicans for causing the situation in 2006, and if you remember correctly, the GOP in both Senate and House embarked on obstructionist policies on everything the Democrats and Obama tried to do. So, no, it wasn't simple matter of repealing it. And yes, we can blame the GOP for this since 2006.

Blame them how? Democrats didn't object when it was passed, ad when they had control of the Senate, the House, and the White House, they didn't repeal it. They managed to pass the ACA. Did they even try to repeal PAEA? It's a massively disingenuous for them to whine about it now when they had at least two chances and did nothing.

 

[Oborosen]

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) has noted about the USPS that "It's not a business, it's a service. And this whole notion that you've got to get rid of the post office because they've been losing money — the post office ain't losing money. ... You're paying for a service to keep this country together." Clyburn bashes Postal cuts: It's a service, not a business (the Hill). He's not alone in that sentiment:
The USPS is more than a service. It's a symbol of a functioning society (CNN, Opinion)

So why did I start this thread here? Because the Postal Service is a Constitutional creation. Indeed, the US Post has existed longer than the nation itself. It was one of the first "national" institutions established to separate "the colonies" from its mother country. (CNN)

When Trump (and Republicans) try to dismantle the USPS they are not just making a "business decision" - they are ****ing with the Constitution. It has been a Republican effort going back more than a decade to dismantle the Post Office, and it needs to stop. (CNN)

Why do Republicans hate the Post Office? Because of " its central role in establishing democratic ideals." Democracy, we can't have that!

I glossed over this thread a day ago and I honestly should've posted a response then. But is this really what you think about the post office?

 

[JMaximus]

They couldn't get rid of the USPS even if they wanted to, it is mandated by the Constitution, it would take a Constitutional amendment to get rid of it.

Where in the Constituion is the US Postal Service "mandated"?

 

[Perotista]

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) has noted about the USPS that "It's not a business, it's a service. And this whole notion that you've got to get rid of the post office because they've been losing money — the post office ain't losing money. ... You're paying for a service to keep this country together." Clyburn bashes Postal cuts: It's a service, not a business (the Hill). He's not alone in that sentiment:
The USPS is more than a service. It's a symbol of a functioning society (CNN, Opinion)

So why did I start this thread here? Because the Postal Service is a Constitutional creation. Indeed, the US Post has existed longer than the nation itself. It was one of the first "national" institutions established to separate "the colonies" from its mother country. (CNN)

When Trump (and Republicans) try to dismantle the USPS they are not just making a "business decision" - they are ****ing with the Constitution. It has been a Republican effort going back more than a decade to dismantle the Post Office, and it needs to stop. (CNN)

Why do Republicans hate the Post Office? Because of " its central role in establishing democratic ideals." Democracy, we can't have that!

Although I agree on most of what you say, I don't think we have a real democracy due to the monopoly of our election system our two major parties have. It's designed to limit you to two choices. I can't think of a single other democracy that does that. now both parties work together to protect their monopoly, they write our election laws and they do so as a mutual protection act. If there is one thing both major parties agree on, it's no viable third party will ever rise. They work together to limit your choices on the ballot.

There's much more to that, but I don't think we live in a true democracy. Not when just two parties have a monopoly, either A or B and no one else. Both major parties are shrinking, independents or the non-affiliated have grown from 30% of the electorate in 2006 to 40% today. Yet their dissatisfaction with both major parties have no other outlet for them. No place or party to call home.

 

[NWRatCon]

Although I agree on most of what you say, I don't think we have a real democracy due to the monopoly of our election system our two major parties have. It's designed to limit you to two choices. I can't think of a single other democracy that does that. now both parties work together to protect their monopoly, they write our election laws and they do so as a mutual protection act. If there is one thing both major parties agree on, it's no viable third party will ever rise. They work together to limit your choices on the ballot.

There's much more to that, but I don't think we live in a true democracy. Not when just two parties have a monopoly, either A or B and no one else. Both major parties are shrinking, independents or the non-affiliated have grown from 30% of the electorate in 2006 to 40% today. Yet their dissatisfaction with both major parties have no other outlet for them. No place or party to call home.

I completely agree.

 

[Perotista]

I completely agree.

I think this dissatisfaction with both major parties is why we have had four wave election in the last 22 years and three in the last 12. Counting 2018 as the end year since 2020 election hasn't happened yet.1996, 2006, 2010 and 2018. Prior to 1996 you have to go back to 1948 for the last wave election.

I also think the growth in independents who are more willing to flip flop between parties has also lead to more wave elections. Less party loyalty which I think is a good thing.

 

[NWRatCon]

Nonsense. Republicans do not “hate the post office” any more than Democrats “hate the police“. Those who attack the institution (read: Trump) are doing it for cynical self serving reasons.

I disagree with the first, but agree with the latter. "Hate" may be a strong word, but how does one describe a concerted and continual effort to destroy an institution? What is the motivation? I don't think there is any but a superficial correlation between the two. Even the much maligned and misinterpreted "Defund the police" effort does not intend to abolish the police, but reform it. Not so with the post office.

 

[NWRatCon]

Where in the Constituion is the US Postal Service "mandated"?

If you want to make an argument, make it. Don't troll.

 

[NWRatCon]

They couldn't get rid of the USPS even if they wanted to, it is mandated by the Constitution, it would take a Constitutional amendment to get rid of it.

I wish that were true. Congress hasn't exactly been wedded to its constitutional responsibilities of late.

 

[NWRatCon]

I think this dissatisfaction with both major parties is why we have had four wave election in the last 22 years and three in the last 12. Counting 2018 as the end year since 2020 election hasn't happened yet.1996, 2006, 2010 and 2018. Prior to 1996 you have to go back to 1948 for the last wave election.

I also think the growth in independents who are more willing to flip flop between parties has also lead to more wave elections. Less party loyalty which I think is a good thing.

This is a much more complex dynamic than that, but I'm afraid that discussion will take this thread too far from the subject, so I'll save it for elsewhere.

 

[CLAX1911]

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) has noted about the USPS that "It's not a business, it's a service. And this whole notion that you've got to get rid of the post office because they've been losing money — the post office ain't losing money. ... You're paying for a service to keep this country together." Clyburn bashes Postal cuts: It's a service, not a business (the Hill). He's not alone in that sentiment:
The USPS is more than a service. It's a symbol of a functioning society (CNN, Opinion)

So why did I start this thread here? Because the Postal Service is a Constitutional creation. Indeed, the US Post has existed longer than the nation itself. It was one of the first "national" institutions established to separate "the colonies" from its mother country. (CNN)

When Trump (and Republicans) try to dismantle the USPS they are not just making a "business decision" - they are ****ing with the Constitution. It has been a Republican effort going back more than a decade to dismantle the Post Office, and it needs to stop. (CNN)

Why do Republicans hate the Post Office? Because of " its central role in establishing democratic ideals." Democracy, we can't have that!

I'm not sure why there's talk about dismantling the post office outside of its usefulness dwindling.

 

[Perotista]

This is a much more complex dynamic than that, but I'm afraid that discussion will take this thread too far from the subject, so I'll save it for elsewhere.

Gotcha and agree.

 

[NWRatCon]

I'm not sure why there's talk about dismantling the post office outside of its usefulness dwindling.

Except its usefulness has never dwindled. It's just been misinterpreted. Will UPS or FEDEX deliver magazines anywhere in the US at the same cost? Can one get Grandma's cookies via email? Does UPS deliver to Antarctica? Rural Alaska? APO to service members around the world? It's about all of us being in this together.

 

[CLAX1911]

Except its usefulness has never dwindled.

it has I haven't gotten anything in the mail in the past 3 years that I needed.

I'm not saying they're useless they're just not as important as they once were. I don't think it should be dissolved or dismantled.

It's just been misinterpreted. Will UPS or FEDEX deliver magazines anywhere in the US at the same cost? Can one get Grandma's cookies via email? Does UPS deliver to Antarctica? Rural Alaska? APO to service members around the world? It's about all of us being in this together.

I don't think it should be dismantled. I haven't received a magazine in 15 years they still make those?

 

[NWRatCon]

it has I haven't gotten anything in the mail in the past 3 years that I needed.

I'm not saying they're useless they're just not as important as they once were. I don't think it should be dissolved or dismantled.

I don't think it should be dismantled. I haven't received a magazine in 15 years they still make those?

What you are demonstrating, my friend, is the attitude that leads to the effort to dismantle it. "It's all about me, and my experience", rather than "what's in the interest of 'us'." Republicans, by and large (I don't know your affiliation - the comment is not about you) lack imagination, and lack empathy. They don't consider the implication to others (particularly, "others"). The attitude toward the USPS is emblematic of that. It's not a "business", it is a service provided by government, like police and fire services, EMS, etc., etc., etc. Its importance to the nation, as a nation, is reflected in its inclusion in the Constitution.

 

[NWRatCon]

Here's a question for the naysayers: which power of Congress in Article I, section 8 of the Constitution is most important? Or, are they all important? Interstate commerce? Defense? General welfare? Naturalization?

In my view, they're all part of the whole concept. The post office and post roads are an integral part of the conception of the Constitution, just like these others.

 

[CLAX1911]

What you are demonstrating, my friend, is the attitude that leads to the effort to dismantle it.

eventually it will be.

"It's all about me, and my experience", rather than "what's in the interest of 'us'." Republicans, by and large (I don't know your affiliation - the comment is not about you) lack imagination, and lack empathy.

you can't stop progress.

They don't consider the implication to others (particularly, "others"). The attitude toward the USPS is emblematic of that. It's not a "business", it is a service provided by government, like police and fire services, EMS, etc., etc., etc. Its importance to the nation, as a nation, is reflected in its inclusion in the Constitution.

How do you know what I'm considering?

 

[NWRatCon]

eventually it will be.
you can't stop progress.

How do you know what I'm considering?

Do you recognize that not a single element of your comments actually respond to any of my post? I'm not sure of the point you intend to make, because none are evident. Care to try again?

 

[CLAX1911]

Do you recognize that not a single element of your comments actually respond to any of my post? I'm not sure of the point you intend to make, because none are evident. Care to try again?

Let's try this again.

Usefulness of the post office has dwindled. I am not for dismantling it.

I stand by that despite your moralizing.

 

[NWRatCon]

Let's try this again.

Usefulness of the post office has dwindled. I am not for dismantling it.

I stand by that despite your moralizing.

I can agree with your first 2 points, but the aspersions are just being a jerk. Isn't that in the rules somewhere, "don't be a jerk"?

 

[CLAX1911]

I can agree with your first 2 points, but the aspersions are just being a jerk. Isn't that in the rules somewhere, "don't be a jerk"?

What aspirations are you talking about? If you are assigning thoughts to me that I do not think then you are making an error.