Letter to the editor: USPS critical to flow of information

The United States Post Office, first headed by Benjamin Franklin, was codified in our Constitution. It gave Congress the power to establish post offices and postal roads. The USPS was created to provide independent and unbiased delivery of information and resources. Privatization of this government agency would threaten this mission.

The United States Postal Service is the only government agency that is not taxpayer funded. It exists only on what income it generates. Yet it serves every single citizen, no matter where you are. It is legally bound to deliver the mail. Private companies have more opportunities to be influenced and are not motivated by a sense of pride and patriotism.

The 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act required the USPS have in reserve post-retirement health care costs up to 75 years into the future. No other government agency has this requirement. The USPS should be allowed to pay the costs of retiree health care costs on a pay-as-you-go basis as the rest of the federal government and two-thirds of private industry do. This, combined with other investment reforms, would eliminate its running deficit. Without this constriction, the USPS would be in the positive.

The citizens of the United States demand and deserve the unfettered, unbiased flow of information essential to keeping our country informed and free.

Janet Golia

Manor