Fight for six-day mail delivery

To the Editor:

Do you like when someone tries to trample on your rights and freedoms? If you do not fight for your rights, they will be eroded. This country was founded on such principles. Past generations fought for our freedoms that we enjoy. Let’s make sure that we do not take them for granted.

I have worked for the United States Postal Service for 24 years and have seen an increase in all types of mail, especially parcels. We deliver parcels that are shipped via the USPS, and also for DHL, UPS and FedEx. First-class letter volume is currently falling, but the postal service has been adjusting.

Does Congress need to step aside? No. But they need to adjust, also. In 2006 they imposed a law that requires the USPS to contribute more than $55 billion over a 10-year period for retiree medical costs. This actually includes costs for people that are not even born yet, and who certainly will not work for the USPS since the postal service’s workforce is being lowered. This requirement must be reduced accordingly.

Misguided people want Saturday mail discontinued because they have been told it would save more than $2 billion per year. But at what cost to revenue? The postal service could not provide that answer when asked before Congress.

On March 23, Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., introduced an amendment, that passed, to the current budget that would require political committees and campaigns to pay the full mailing price — no more discounts. If the numbers are correct, it would give the postal service an additional $15 billion per year — yes, billion (visit thehill.com). If such loopholes are closed and the 2006 law is revised, the most trusted government agency will again show a profit.

Dennis R. Jurmu

Kimball, Wis.