Summary

The US Postal Service is facing significant challenges due to political interference, a lack of full staffing on its Board, and changing public habits amidst the rise of digital communication.

Abstract

The US Postal Service, a critical institution and major employer, is currently embroiled in a crisis exacerbated by political maneuvering and long-standing management issues. The appointment of Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General has sparked controversy due to his close ties with President Trump and decisions that appear to politicize the service, particularly around mail-in voting processes. The USPS Board has not been fully staffed since 2010, with political infighting, including objections from both Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders, contributing to the current understaffing. Additionally, the shift towards online communication and shopping has led to a decline in traditional mail services, reducing public support and engagement with the postal service. Despite these challenges, there is a renewed public interest in preserving the USPS, recognizing its historical significance and integral role in American communities.

Opinions

The current Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, is viewed as a politically motivated figure, whose actions are seen as attempts to influence the 2020 presidential election by undermining mail-in voting.
The USPS Board's incomplete staffing is a result of political gamesmanship, with both Democratic and Republican parties sharing blame for the current state of disarray.
There is an opinion that the public's decreased reliance on physical mail is partly to blame for the USPS's troubles, suggesting that changing consumer habits contribute to the service's challenges.
The article suggests that despite the political and societal challenges, there is a growing awareness and support among the public for the USPS, indicating a potential shift in the service's future.

The Three Reasons Why the US Postal Service is In Trouble

The current political crisis might signal the end of the service as we know it

The vulnerable US postal service is currently in the middle of a crisis. The third largest civilian employer behind the federal government and Walmart is facing attacks from all corners.

Louis DeJoy, the postmaster general is dealing with angry protestors outside his house. He is accused of using the service as a political tool.

It is important to note that the USPS has been in dire straights for years. What is happening right now is just a consequence of bad management.

In this article, I will first focus on the history of the postal service then explain the structure of the USPS before finally listing the three reasons why it is in big trouble.

The origins of the postal service

The remarkable ancient Egyptians created a service that dates back to 2000 BC. Letters were put in a sealed box guarded by guards then transported on boats through the Nile.

Explorers found an astonishing letter written by Heqanakt in the tomb of Meseh. The former wrote to one of his employee about the rental fee of a piece of land in Perhaa.

Heqanakht’s letter kept at the Met Museum. Public domain

The brilliant Romans developed a state-run courier under Augustus who was the first emperor of the Roman Empire. The system was called cursus publicus.

In 1516, Henry VIII established the Master of posts and Charles I made the Royal Mail service available to the public in 1635.

The history of the US postal service

In 1639, the General Court of Massachusetts designated the delightful tavern of Richard Fairbanx as the official location to collect mail from overseas. The tavern became the first postal establishment in the thirteen colonies.

Benjamin Franklin was appointed postmaster general in 1775 by the Continental Congress which gathered delegates of the thirteen colonies.

The post office department was created in 1792 and the first stamps were issued in 1847.

Benjamin Franklin and George Washington on stamps issued in 1847. Source from postalmuseum.si.edu

In 1970, fearless workers around the country went on strike to demand change in their working conditions.

Richard Nixon signed the Postal Reorganization Act which became effective in 1971. It allowed workers to collectively negotiate their wages, benefits and working conditions.

Structure of the US postal service

The USPS is an independent agency of the executive branch of the Federal government. It is managed by a reliable board of eleven members.

The President of the country appoints nine members who must be confirmed by the Senate. The nine then select the Postmaster General (he becomes the 10th member). The chief operator is chosen by the group and serves as the 11th member.

The wise words of Benjamin Franklin have always been a reference to the Board:

“Without continual growth and progress such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.”

The current members are unfortunately disconnected from the words of Franklin.

The USPS is accused of being Trump’s political toy but it is important to emphasise that its problems did not start with his election.

Listing the three reasons why the service is having difficulties diol will help us understand the current discussion.

1. The current Postmaster General is politically active

Louis DeJoy was appointed in May 2020. He is said to be Trump’s confident and accused of mismanaging the USPS.

He announced that the postal service won’t be able to meet state’s deadlines for requesting or casting absentee ballots. A move that is designed to influence the November 2020 vote.

In 2016, 25% of voters mailed their ballots and Trump has continuously attacked this option. DeJoy’s decision is clearly a way to help this administration.

2. Problems with the Board

The board of the USPS hasn’t been fully staffed since 2010. It currently has six members if we do not count the general.

Barack Obama has tried to appoint members but his choice was always vetoed by the Senate. Bernie Sanders was among the politicians who went against any Obama’s nominees.

He is now held responsible by many Democrats for the current issues faced by the postal service.

Since 2016, Trump has appointed five members who were all approved. We are now seeing the consequences of the political games played by Senators.

The USPS Board can operate with a minimum of six members as per its regulations. The political quarrels have weakened the postal service which finds itself in the middle of a war between Democrats and Republicans.

3. Lack of support from the population

Postal service around the world is struggling due to the growth of online shopping.

We, the people should take a look at our habits. When was the last time one wrote a letter with a pen and paper, buy stamps or send a card by mail?

It easy to cast the blame of the current crisis to politicians but we ought to examine the role we played in the current situation.

Conclusion

In this article, I wrote about the origins of the postal service, explain the structure of the USPS and listed the three reasons why it is in trouble.

The people have realised how important is the postal service and are now ready to do everything to save it from forces who want to weaken it.

Post offices have always been in the heart of the community, even though they have been ignored for a long time, the current mood may bring a new life to the service.