Open Thread: Can the Post Office Avoid a Government Bailout?
Tomorrow, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is meeting to consider a major postal reform plan. Postal unions across that nation have launched a national ad campaign against the reforms, and now the Oversight Committee has struck back with a video demonstrating that USPS requires reform if taxpayers are to avoid footing the bill for an eventual bailout.
Check out the video after the break, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
As explained in the video, the volume of mail has fallen by 46 billion pieces since 2006, which prevents USPS from continuing to pay pension to its retired employees. Congressional opponents to USPS reform would prefer that Congress use an accounting trick to make it look as if the problem is solved without actually fixing anything, which would still necessitate an eventual taxpayer bailout. According to the Heritage Foundation's Rob Bluey:
...Chairman Darrell Issa (R-CA) has another solution. He’s teamed with Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL) to introduce the Postal Reform Act. The plan allows the Postal Service to operate like a private-sector business, cutting expenses while making structural reforms to avoid a multi-billion taxpayer-funded bailout...
Without the current government barriers hindering USPS's adjustment to the digital world, unnecessary post offices could be closed, the workforce could be reduced, and services could be trimmed to make USPS more cost effective and competitive.
What do you think of Issa's plan? Do you think USPS can be saved?
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Comments
Do I think USPS can be saved?...
Submitted by whraglyn on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 12:33pm.
Dunno, but I sure HOPE not!
Time to throw a couple of million taxparasite, govunion, junkmail pimping, lazy drones into the private sector and stimulate their entreprenurial energies!
OR, maybe they'll ask themselves why they should give up their taxpayer pork barrel living when there are plenty of Obama Stimulus Shovels Ready and waiting for them?
GO "Off topic" early... Go often!
Submitted by Grumpy in Arizona on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 12:47pm.
Since there doesn't appear to be an "Open Thread" about last nights debate... I'm forced to post: R- Debate (10/11/11) “The Official Grump-Analysis” here.
Source: “The Grumpy Center for Advanced Studies (GCAS)”
Motto of the GCAS: “Would you like a few bacon strips on your veggie burger?”
OVERVIEW: By far, this was the best debate held so far this season. The atmosphere was pleasant and the candidates seemed relaxed and genuine. Focusing the debate on economic issues was a stroke of genius and for the most part the candidates stuck to the point. This debate set the standard for how a debate should be conducted.
The debate was held at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and coincidentally all the participants were there as well. Dartmouth is a private “Ivy League” college with high student fees (36+ K per year) and dark winter days and nights.
This debate was notable because we learned that the candidates know how to sit down at a table and discuss things as adults and without a lot of petty squabbling.
THE MODERATOR/QUESTIONERS: What a breath of fresh air! I was quite prepared to report how unfair and partisan the moderator and questioners behaved… obviously that will not be happening.
As the moderator, Charlie Rose was very, very effective, calm, humorous, neutral, and less combative but more fair than his predecessors – he should become the “designated moderator” for the rest of the debates.
Washington Post political correspondent Karen Tumulty, was barely OK… She gave the impression that she was a flaming liberal… but to her credit, she managed to ask some good questions and tried (not always successfully) to keep the liberal-attitude to a minimum.
Bloomberg TV White House correspondent Julianna Goldman was a bit combative in her questioning... but she’s a pretty good looking babe – so I forgive her.
PARTICIPANT ANALYSIS: (note: Because the debate was limited to the economic issue… the candidates will be listed in order of their performance – not alphabetically.)
1. Herman Cain – No longer considered a “pretender,” his performance was excellent. IMO by sticking to his 999 plan, he achieved his primary purpose of widening the interest in the plan and in his candidacy. He also managed to “tap-into” the natural resentment towards “professional politicians” by effectively contrasting himself with the rest of the field. (note: “Truth in Analysis” memo: I am a Cain supporter… so consider that when you “analyze this analysis.”)
2. Mitt Romney – While I can’t stand this RINO, I must – begrudgingly - give him his proper due… his “performance” (and that’s all he’s about – a “performance”) was very good. His answers to some questions were very good… but he has yet to tap into my “trust factor” or (thankfully) break the 25% support level with the folks.
3. Newt Gingrich – Once again, a good showing. However, his viewpoint on solutions for the economy appeared to come from a detached and professorial viewpoint… Intellectually satisfying - but sort of like asking your “green-grocer” to help you fix a leaky toilet.
4. Michele Bachmann – Her long-term views and explanations of the effects of Obamacare on the economy (and peoples lives) were excellent but nonetheless seemed more like sound bites than considered policy vision. So (regretfully speaking) while she made some good points… “a dynamic presence” was just not there.
5. Ron Paul – Apparently he can be just as bitter and negative sitting down as he can standing-up.
6. Rick Perry – Supposedly Winston Churchill once gave Harry Truman some advice about Clement Attlee who had just been named as the new Prime Minister (replacing Churchill): “Harry, there’s a lot less there than meets the eye.” – The same can now be said about Perry… to describe his performance as “shallow” is giving more credit than it is deserved.
7. Jon Huntsman – What a waste of time… Tried a couple of mildly amusing jokes but got no traction… and deservedly so. This guy oozes insincerity by his very presence – the “Maytag Repairman” has more credibility than this pampered RINO.
8. Rick Santorum – I like this guy when it comes to social issues, but his performance and answers on the economy was painful to watch… There is just too much desperation in his manner and answers to take him seriously as a viable candidate… and I’m sorry to have to report that sad fact.
- Grump :o)
Grump~
Submitted by GG_NB on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 1:37pm.
Thanks. I didn't see the debate, but now I feel like I did. Love your reflections on it.
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
Grumpy on the Debate
Submitted by nanabanana on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 5:23pm.
Hey Grump, glad I was reading these comments and came across your Official Grump-Analysis on the recent R. debate. They are always good (shame on me, I opted for NCIS). As I've said before - keep them coming.
Bail out the Post Office with what?
Submitted by Dave. on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 1:10pm.
This country is dead flat broke - and getting broker with each passing day.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Why did the US split off the
Submitted by Dan The Man 2 on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 2:21pm.
Why did the US split off the USPS anyways? The USPS is important still in this day and age. The big problem is the union and the pension. The USA doesnt seem to understand that you set up a retirement plan and dont dip into it.
The P.O. and the Constitution
Submitted by deadeyedan on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 2:27pm.
Congress is authorized to create a post office system. It is also authorized to build "post roads". Make that POST roads. Without a post office, is Congress able to build roads? I think not. The Feds could put themselves out of the road building business if they stray too far from what was meant by "Post Office" in Section VIII of Article I.
No, I did not see the debate, but I appreciate the commentary and wish there was a thread here for it. It appears Newt has been consistently good and may have the best overall score so far.
Liberalism - government of the people by the theories and for the ideologists
An interesting point, Dan
Submitted by Blonde on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 2:42pm.
Having said that, the Founders didn't envision technological innovations such as the telegraph, shortwave radio, or the internet.
Instantaneous communication mitigates the need for snail mail. Packages are delivered in a more efficacious manner by private concerns. It's my belief that snail-mail will go the way of the buggy whip...but until it does, we do need a post office....albeit a contracted one. One without subsidies for bulk (junk) mail. One without subsidies at all (many corporations are now charging for paper bills, as well they should, IMO).
One of the basic tenets of federalism is that the federal government should do that which the state and municipal governments cannot do. Following that logic, the federal government still should be involved in producing and maintaining the national interstate transportation infrastructure....the interstate highways. It is the responsibility of the states to build and maintain their local transportation infrastructure. Whether this rises to the level of needing a constitutional amendment (unlinking the roads and the post office) is an issue which should be discussed.
As I said, an interesting point.
Handy Reference Guide to Obama's Gaffes and Goofs ~ Currently Numbering 200 (and Counting)
Love snail mail~
Submitted by GG_NB on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 3:49pm.
The postal system is a mess (I blame the Big U), but I don't look forward to its collapse. There is nothing like a handwritten note in your box. Sure, it's just me and about 112 other people in the U.S. still writing letters, but we're sad.
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
GG,
Submitted by Dave. on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 8:14pm.
Hey, all you have to do is buy a scanner.
Then you can handwright whatever you want, acan it into the computer, and email it. :-)
Yeah, I know.
It's not the same thing.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November
Dave~
Submitted by GG_NB on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 10:42pm.
No, not the same at all. I want to use my pretty pen on my pretty stationery -- and then put my pretty letter in the pretty envelope...and address it in my pretty handwriting and stick it in my pretty mailbox!
Wah!!!!!!!!!
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"
~Ronald Reagan
I'm related to four college students
Submitted by Radical1979 on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 8:19pm.
all of whom require snail mail on a regular basis. Guess I'll just have to switch to Fed Ex.
:)
a Two Cent Stamp is Worth What?
Submitted by Avitar on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 2:36pm.
Two cents in 1900 is now worth $1.60 today, because of inflation. The congress makes the Post office do business with Union labor racketeers and then imposes price controls. Of course the post office is going bankrupt. Good Grief!
Little Debs was on Fox and
Submitted by ricklail on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 2:55pm.
Little Debs was on Fox and Friends this morning with her take on the debate. She was spouting the DNC talking points to the max. She then made a comment about the Senate turning down the jobs bill and blamed on it Republicans. She then broke into a diatribe about McConnell. Brian Killmeade lite into her over her comments. He had just taken her off her memorized message. I have tried to find the clip at Fand F but couldn't. Talk about lost when she is interupted in the same message she spouts she is lost. Please Democrats keep this idiot in the forefront. She is the gift that keeps on giving.
The Secret List
Submitted by jon_torlin on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 3:08pm.
This should be of great concern.
Nevermind if you think that the two "Americans" who were killed in a drone strike was a good thing or not. What's really concerning about this is how they didn't even try to deny it, they are just saying "we're not talking about it."
Carney: Not going to engage
Who knows what'll happen next?
-Jon
Remy's Occupy Wall Street Protest Song
Submitted by Kingfish17 on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 4:28pm.
Remy's Occupy Wall Street Protest Song
This parody is a must listen. You will absolutely love it.
"You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayer’s dime." Barack Obama
How does this happen?
Submitted by kata on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 6:59pm.
First it was "Super Size Me". Each of my children have now seen this movie each and every year they've been in High School. Now being added to the curriculum is Food Inc.
Imagine picking through all the insane waste of time laws that are brought to the table in every state's legislation. Now imagine that law, which had no legs (and was eventually killed) being published in a movie. Now imagine that movie becomes school curriculum.
Then ask yourself how that happens.
Supersize Me
Submitted by Radical1979 on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 8:13pm.
Thank God for that movie. Who knew that eating only McDonald's food for 30 days would be bad for someone? I mean I would have thought it would make you really healthy. And that is considered a good movie?
Had Lysander Spooner
Submitted by Vonu on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 8:07pm.
Won his case in front of the Supremes. Oh well, at least we've had two centuries of snooping on people's mail to show for it.
→ Obomba wants another war
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 8:34pm.
Anything to save Eric Holder's butt! Somehow some Saudi Diplomat is more important than passengers at JFK when it comes to interdicting terrorists.
I hope everybody remembers the guffaws from the press, painting the JFK airport and Fort Dix plots as your basic "Gangs that Couldn't Shoot Straight"?
And who doesn't remember the Iran-Contra Hearings? Well, we've got Eric Holder, who suckles at the breast of the President, supplying weapons to the enemies of the Mexican Common Folk.
Holder is some kind of Billy BadA$$ now because he supposedly stopped an assassination plot?
I ain't buying it. Too convenient.
Now the Saudis are talking payback against Iran? Wonder who the Saudis' Muscle Man is?
I believe the plot was real
Submitted by James2306 on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 8:45pm.
I just dont believe that it was anything done by the administration that caused them to get caught. The story of the Iranian finding an agent istead of a gang smells like bs to me. I think if a 12 yr old can find a drug gang then so can a foreign agent I think he did find them and made his offer. I also think they probably thought about this for a few minutes and said we will talk to you tomorrow and called the agency and turned him in. Whatever you may think of drug gangs and illegals they are not stupid a moments thought would probably have them thinking " If we do this we wont be facing the FBI or the DEA no american troops will be coming into our neighborhoods we wont have all those nice rights and court lawyers we will have gitmo and military tribunals the hell with that." then set the iranian up with a nice hispanic agent to gather all the evidence they need.
Pacifism is a luxury bought with the blood of the valorous
→ Of course it was real
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 8:55pm.
And the Administration has been sitting on it since June.
But I'm still waiting for Obama to prove he's a man of some moral character who will appoint a special investigator to avenge the death(s) Eric Holder is involved with.
CA
Submitted by Radical1979 on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 9:02pm.
I hope you aren't holding your breath. Holder will not be thrown under the bus until Obama absolutely has to. Unless Holder has something BIG on Obama, in which case they'll go down together.
→ Radical
Submitted by Cool Arrow on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 9:13pm.
Most of me knows you're right. And it's certainly not beneath Obama's followers to lampoon the widow of a slain Border Agent.
Yes, I know this President hates law enforcement, a group he readily proclaims "acts stupidly", but the stink is all over Holder.
Cool, I'm buying this Iranian plot like I did Obama killed Osama
Submitted by Dave. on Wed, 10/12/2011 - 9:42pm.
Which means not even a little bit.
-Dave
Vote for the American in November