Less for More

Once again, the USPS (aka the Post Office) is up against the wall in trying to balance costs with revenue. As a result, we can expect longer delivery times and higher postage rates. In other words, less for more. I’ve covered this subject area before in trying to describe the downward spiral created by such rationale, but this specific case has far reaching effects for us all.

Less for more is nothing new. I saw it in the Air Force as Officers’ Clubs increased dues while reducing services. They considered this a way to return to profitability when, in fact, all they did was create additional incentive to seek out other venues for socializing. Many installations now have All Ranks Clubs as a replacement for defunct O CLubs and their brethren, the NCO Club.

The USPS, however, impacts a far greater portion of the population so why is it in such dire straights? First of all, I’d say, it failed to fully appreciate the digital competition created by emails, online bill payment, and the like. Many of us now turn to the computer for solutions that were once provided by the local Post Office. FedEx and UPS have also taken a good bit of the shipping business away by providing what is perceived as better service for an admittedly higher price.

Perhaps I’m too harsh on those charged with running this operation. If so, then the truth is that the whole idea of mail delivery is becoming an anachronism whose day in the sun has come and gone. But many smaller communities still rely on the system due to a lack of options. Satellite internet service is sometimes the only way to get reasonable online speeds and it isn’t cheap. And, of course, one must have a computer to participate.

The other elephant in the room is the self-sustainability mandated by Congress. If we can agree that the USPS provides an essential service, then we must be prepared to offer a subsidy of some sort to ensure its continued vitality. Oh, yeah: we’re not in the spending mood when it comes to our government, are we? So what else can be done?

How about upping the cost of a first class stamp to a dollar? Forget the one and two and three cent increases. And how about ringing up the rate for catalogs and other bulk rate mailings that include credit card offers and the like? God knows most would welcome less of those items in the mailbox. Political pamphlets should be charged the most if for no other reason than they are the most noxious and invasive.

Most would not mind paying more so long as more is received. But paying more for less is a recipe for disaster. The Post Office still plays an important role in today’s society, but should they continue to whittle away at the services they provide it will only accelerate the demise of an institution still valued by a sizable number of folks with little or no choice in the matter. Talk about class warfare...