The United States Post Office (USPS) is an institution unto itself. Like all our traditions, values and institutions today it is being assaulted. Its critics have little merit on their side but by repeating falsehoods frequently, it gains support. Consider these facts:
• The USPS is the only business written into the Constitution
• The Postmaster General was originally a Cabinet level position
• The first Postmaster was Benjamin Franklin
• Postmasters until now have been public servants with experience in postal operations
• The USPS does not receive direct taxpayer assistance
• The Post Office was efficient and self sustaining until recently
Republicans have long wanted to privatize the USPS . They tried to bankrupt it in the past with draconian mandates that forced the workers to self-fund their benefits for 75 years! Frustrated, they were unsure how to achieve their goals until Trump appointed Louis DeJoy the next Postmaster. DeJoy is a top donor who has handled fund raising for the Republican Convention.
His appointment is of monumental consequence for many reasons. He will undoubtedly accelerate the dismantling of the USPS with dire consequences. FIRSTit puts in jeopardy 600,000 jobs at a time when unemployment is at historic levels. Second, it threatens the viability of a massive Vote By Mail anticipated in the 2020 election. Third it will end affordable rural delivery in the US.
IF you value the work your friends, neighbors and public servants do in delivering crucial correspondence, life saving medicine, Vote By Mail Ballots to every address in America and believe that the work of this historic agency must be protected and preserved, call your lawmakers today. Demand they include the USPS in the next stimulus. Senators Scott (202-224-5274) and Rubio (202-224-3041) as well Congressman Mast (202-225-3026) need to hear from you before it is too late.