1
Utah sucks!

2 Just remember that words don't mean the same thing when a politician (or union official) utter them.

3
USPS pays all it expenses with the sales of stamps and service with a smile.

4 Getting rid of 'first class mail' might work-- along with privatizing the USPS

can't get much worse........

5

The entire bloated, corrupt enterprise that is our federal government is about to unravel in front of us. And it's going to be ugly.

Youuuuuu said it!

(*Little Rascals nod*)

6 This new email thing is really cool. Sheesh.

7
hey how about we produce a USPS Letter Carrier Calendar?

Who doesn't want to see a frumpy unshaven tattooed middle-aged guy wearing shorts and an untucked shirt?

8
We don't cost the taxpayers a dime, either.

9

USPS - just one more example of Dim empowered union leaches, sucking America dry.

Hell yes privatize them.  First fire them all, then let them interview for jobs with whoever gets the charter/contract.  Let them work for compensation like UPS & FedEx. 

10 help! technology is oppressing us!

11 I hope they go to 3 day per week delivery. I have mailed *one* envelope from my house in the last *year*. They have a failing business model.
 
Congress itself does bear some role in their failure; they stopped efforts by the USPS to close facilities or cut the delivery days, but then again that is what Congress does. Time after time.
 
There can be no cuts anywhere ever unless they find their nuts firmly in a vise and the lever being turned towards 'tighten'.

12 Since we will be sending States the Balanced Budget Amendment, why not double up and attach a rider revoking the Constitutionality of the USPS?

13
Imagine giving a salary, pension, and full benefits to the person who delivers the Coupon Pak to you every day.

14 "Of the nearly 3,700 proposed post office closures, slightly more than 3,000 of them have annual revenue of less than $27,500, and a workload of less than two hours per day. Compared with the $100,000 or so it takes to run a post office, many of them are not even breaking even, Granholm said."

15 Our mail lady cannot stand USPS (as an organization).

16
first the evil ATM came and took away bank teller jobs, and I did nothing

17

Health benefits trust fund eh?

 

18 I have more respect for the cocksucker who throws the paper in the permanent puddle in my driveway every morning than those assholes.

19 Brother, could you spare a dime 3 trillion dollars?

20 help! technology is oppressing us!

 Posted by: U.S. Postal Workers Union

Dam Straight!!!111!!

21

The postmaster at my local P.O. told me a few years ago that three-quarters of the USPS's revenue is from direct-mail advertising. Mail delivery isn't so much a government function as it is a government function wrapped in a commercial enterprise -- and their primary offering is junk-mail.

The Postal Service also considers the recipients of mail to be their customers, not the senders who are their paying customers. So it's a commercial enterprise in which they serve customers who don't pay for the service and hate most of the product.

Does this strike anyone as a flawed business model?

22
It's too bad the APWU doesn't have to live by the rules of evil corporations. If a pharmaceutical tried an ad that misleading, the FDA would have them jumping through rings of fire.

23

Let them work for compensation like UPS

 

sorry dude, worked for a while for UPS. They are firmly in the "good" hands of the fucking teamsters

24 Too bad the alternative options are also strangled by unions.

25 What would work is to go back to the Pre-JFK/Congressional action which made it legal for federal workers to unionize.

Of course, like every other real 'fix" for our bloated government that will take any Art V convention. The commies will never allow it and the Repubs would just negotiate it away for a "vote" and a bag of "magic beans".

26 It's supported by a gummint monopoly, though, isn't it?

And, again, what's breaking our back in this country is trying to pay people NOT to work.  Public and private pensions (SS), and medical care, for people leaving the workforce is the biggest financial challenge we're facing.

27

28 Heard the same ad on the radio the other day here in MI...I called BS outloud when I heard the 'not a single cent of taxpayer dollar'

29 Recently I had to send a cd boxed set (pretty large weighing about 10 lbs) back to NYC.  It had arrived by USPS in an extremely large extensively cushioned box and cost $27.  I sent it back via UPS in the packing that was at the center of all the cushioning material with the instructions that it was fragile and insured for $300; total cost $16.  It arrived in perfect condition in less time than USPS had taken.

I doubt that my story is atypical.

30 Ha, Ma Bell. Looks like we were having the same thought.

31 FedEx gives better service anyway.

32 FedEx gives better service anyway.

Posted by: richard mcenroe at August 06, 2011 01:36 PM (qvify)

So does Perez Hilton.

33 The first Congress-turkey to come up with a privatization plan would become the defacto TEA party candidate for 2012.

Looking at you Bachmann...

34

President Dinglebarry Hemorrhoid likes to go after the evil private sector.  The uncontrolled greedy evil and nasty private sector.  Government agencies, like the USPS are precious and sweet.  They nurture and help the citizens of our country.  Private Sector = greedy liars and drain on society..Federal Government =  honest, upright, helpful, cost effective, and overall much more smarter than any private business.

35

We keep encountering those three words that can explain the vast majority of this nation's financial woes.  And those words are:  Public employee unions.

36 21

The postmaster at my local P.O. told me a few years ago that three-quarters of the USPS's revenue is from direct-mail advertising. Mail delivery isn't so much a government function as it is a government function wrapped in a commercial enterprise -- and their primary offering is junk-mail.

The Postal Service also considers the recipients of mail to be their customers, not the senders who are their paying customers. So it's a commercial enterprise in which they serve customers who don't pay for the service and hate most of the product.

Does this strike anyone as a flawed business model?

Posted by: FireHorse at August 06, 2011 01:31 PM (gTGz3)

 

we're the government, we don't need no stinking business model...

37 "Of the nearly 3,700 proposed post office closures, slightly more than 3,000 of them have annual revenue of less than $27,500, and a workload of less than two hours per day.

LOL that reminds me of a really small town near here that I go through on the way to a rural restaurant that my wife and I like to hit every now and then. This town has a total population of 269  as of the last census. It also has a post office.

The Post Office tried to close it several years ago and the town screamed to the congress critters. The post office is still open and I'll bet it is on that list.

38 Yeah, I heard this as a radio PSA the other afternoon, and I thought it smelled fishy.

39
Now, why do you suppose they disabled comments on youtube for that vid?

Hmm, let me think...

40 But, closing all these dinky little post offices will not save them. They still need to kill unions.

To tell you how screwed up the Post Office pay structure is, when I was a kid in GA rural route postman was a "political job". You could not get that job unless you "knew" someone.

People here in SC still fight over jobs at the post office.

41 I believe that prez Barky McWhistledick once used the USPS as a shining example of government success.

42
Even I get more respect than the postal service, and that's saying something.

43 You guys just don't appreciate creative money management, moving and accounting.  If you did you would think this was a marvel of modern accounting.

Charlie Gasparino on Monica.  Wow I didn't realize that the first thing that BO said after the bill passed was that he wanted to raise taxes and he wants to create an "infrastructure bank" which everyone is warning cause the demise of several banana republics in South America.

44 All of you better stop talking like this or we might go, you know, postal.

45 Is there something the Postal Service is doing that UPS and FedEx can't?  Other than the losing cosmic shit tons of money on a business model based in the Jurassic Era, I mean.

46 46 I believe that prez Barky McWhistledick once used the USPS as a shining example of government success.

Posted by: Ronster at August 06, 2011 01:48 PM (Oz+gx)

someone on here the other day noted that every time he visit a company it goes out of business.  And every time he picks your team, you cry.  Maybe he should just not get involved?

47 Maybe the USPS should be managed by Fed Ex or UPS?  This way they might turn a profit?

48 Let the federal government burn.  Let it all burn.

49 Slow comment days make me forget about my socks.  (Shit, who am I kidding.)

50 Get serious.  Public employee unions, while admittedly without any redeeming qualities, are not the source of our financial pain at the national level.  They're not helping the states or municipalities for sure, but we're not staring at $115 trillion in unfunded liabilities because of them.  THIS is why we are hosed, remember?

51 I buy a certain product online on a recurring basis (feel free to speculate, being morons you will anyhoo) and recently they added a new shipping option. Before, shipping cost me $20 but I got it within 3-4 days but they used UPS only. The new option is 'best way' and can be delivered by UPS, USPS, or Fedex and costs $15. Hey, $5 savings wtf. Now though, USPS has been the last leg the last 3 shipments and each one has taken the maximum 7-8 days.
 
Still, I have planned ahead and tolerate the later delivery for the $5 savings. It's not all savings though. UPS, not finding you at home, will deliver anyhow on your front porch (and take the risk I guess that you claim it musta been stolen cuz I didn't get it). The USPS will leave you a note and tell you which PO to pick up from. So I have to drive to the PO to get the package usually.

52 President Shitbird did use the Post Office as an example of a Federal Govenment success story.  He compared the US Postal Service to UPS and Fedex to the U.S. Post Office.  It was a colossal gaffe because at the time, the US Postal Service was asking for a bailout.  The President is a pathological liar and cannot be blamed for his comments, he don't know no better.

53 What happens when the money runs out? So their pension fund payment doesn't go on the books. What happens next? They still get a paycheck. Is their union going to initiate a work action? A strike? All those government checks not getting delivered?

54

“It’s no longer acceptable in mixed company, meaning bipartisan company, to use the goddamn word climate. It is not acceptable. They have polluted it to the point where we cannot possibly come to an agreement on it.” — Al Gore

This is a perfect example of a politician who thinks the other guy is always wrong. It’s the “why won’t the other guy give in ?” mentality. We used to call that sort of behavior (i.e. not giving in) as a “principled stand,” but now their “evil” or “terrorists.” The corollary to this is “bipartisanship” when it means the “other guy finally agrees with you.”

55 My mail carrier is the nicest guy in the world.  However, cretins who work the counter at my local Post Office are the slowest, laziest, nastiest jackasses I've ever dealt with. 

First time I sent a care package to our son, I dealt with one of the rudest, snarkiest people I've ever had the misfortune to deal with.

I go to my local UPS Store now and have stuffed shipped.  They couldn't be nicer.  (One of the owners is retired from the CIA.)

56 My mail carrier is the nicest guy in the world.  However, cretins who work the counter at my local Post Office are the slowest, laziest, nastiest jackasses I've ever dealt with.

Our mail carriers and postal employees are great people. But, they are way over paid for the job they do.

57 It's simple--make the USPS in charge of email.

58 46 I believe that prez Barky McWhistledick once used the USPS as a shining example of government success.

Posted by: Ronster at August 06, 2011 01:48 PM (Oz+gx)

You are correct.  You get a cookie, and a brownie for the creative nic for Dear Leader.

59

My mail carrier is the nicest guy in the world.  However, cretins who work the counter at my local Post Office are the slowest, laziest, nastiest jackasses I've ever dealt with. 

I had to go to the Post Office to pick up a package I recieved from Israel, which for some strange reason they couldn't deliver to me directly.

The friendly gentleman who helped me had forgotten to get some ones for his cash drawer and when he asked the supervisor to assist him, the nasty scrunt loudly berated him in front of everybody in line.

I felt so sorry for the guy and gave him a "It's no big deal, dude," but he just shook his head.

Something about the P.O. must attract some serious assholes.

60 Hi Jane, thanks for the cookie and the brownie.

61 "What happens when the money runs out? So their pension fund payment doesn't go on the books. What happens next? They still get a paycheck. Is their union going to initiate a work action? A strike? All those government checks not getting delivered?"

Thank you for allowing me imagine all the welfare goons turning on the government's union goons.

Now that Social Security does direct deposit, don't have to worry about grandma starving or being held hostage by USPS either!

62

I'm not going out there, it's raining!

63

Cheer me up: any examples of countries who dialed it back before they went over to the financial abyss?

Bueller?

Anyone?

64

omg... you know, I have just had a thought which may have been obvious to the rest of you:

The Democrats may have wanted the debt to be downgraded in order to demand ther GOP raise taxes.

65 yup, government jobs are basically entitlement programs.

66

Two of perhaps the most important pieces ever written over at Zero Hedge -  One written today at 12:20 and the other yesterday at 13:06.

The economic catalyst to worldwide contagion is set within the Euro Zone and Germany is realizing to backstop it's fellow Eurozone signatories i.e. the PIIGS, will lead to one thing, their own demise.

I will tell you and listen up.  When you are at the store, buy an extra gallon of water and canned goods because not to understand the esoteric nature of this is no excuse for not heeding sound advice.

Now carry on my fellow morons And have a nice day.

67 O/T:  "F**k you, he's not your boyfriend"  link  (watch the video)

68 Email is a bitch,  ain't it guys?  I know the USPS was gettin' all sassy trying to compete with FedEx and UPS but they don't understand business.  They just like running ads.  I know what the fuck you do and I'll come see you if I need some of that shit you do.  When companies have a shitty location,  they close it.  Not the USPS - full steam ahead,  into the past!

69 Cheer me up: any examples of countries who dialed it back before they went over to the financial abyss?

Estonia!

70 Cheer me up: any examples of countries who dialed it back before they went over to the financial abyss?

No country has ever survived printing money. The governments all collapsed and descended into anarchy. Some were taken over by communist/fascist dictators for life. Others eventually recovered under a different government aided by the U.S. and other Western nations.

There will be no "aid" for us.

71 It's nice to know your UPS guy and your Fed Ex guy and to watch them go above and beyond for you when they come to do the Pick up.   then when you run into the mail carrier they are grouchy and downright mean and nasty.  If you try to even give them a letter that's been through the machine cause, heck they are going back there anyway and it would save you a trip.  Nope they say they can't do it, sorry.  So, more and more you find yourself sending it Fed Ex....

72 O/T

Zerohedge* is reporting that Germany is not going to go through with the Italian bailout.

"German Govt: EFSF Should Only Help Small, Mid-Size Countries - Spiegel"

Shit just keeps getting more real.

*Just a gentle reminder; whatever you do, do not read the comments there. You lose IQ points for every comment.

73 78 70  omg... you know, I have just had a thought which may have been obvious to the rest of you:

The Democrats may have wanted the debt to be downgraded in order to demand ther GOP raise taxes.

Posted by: Truman North at August 06, 2011 02:24 PM (K2wpv)

Raising taxes will cause an even worse economic forecast and probably cause a further downgrade of our credit rating. But that won't stop the Democrats from trying it.

74 Posted by: weft cut-loop at August 06, 2011 02:29 PM (DEcmU)
Geez thank God.  I thought all common sense had left Angela's brain.  why would you put yourself on the line for 133% of your GDP which shrunk last time?  It made no logical sense.

75 70

omg... you know, I have just had a thought which may have been obvious to the rest of you:

The Democrats may have wanted the debt to be downgraded in order to demand ther GOP raise taxes.

Posted by: Truman North at August 06, 2011 02:24 PM (K2wpv)

Here, have a nice warm, fresh-out-of-the oven chocolate-bacon brownie.

76 Posted by: The Donkey Show at August 06, 2011 02:30 PM (ijjAe)

BO is going to have to make good on his promise of using a scalpel on everything.  And they are going to have to make him accountable for the reasons why he's cutting what he's cutting.  There have to be cuts, there has to be austerity, there has to be accountability.  And, the republicans, except for Bachman and Pawlenty are strangely silent, well, vacay is important???

77

Canada just had a labour issue with the Canadian Postal Service. The Canadian Postal Service went on 'strike' but it was only in one city at a time - a rotating strike. Like many government departments, I think they know that if they were on strike for any extended period of time, people would make due and realise they aren't worth the cost.

The only issues were for some people getting pension checks from the United States and some businesses that rely on Canada Post. My sister in law had to get something from the government Fed-Exed to her relating to her dental hygenist certification. But aside from that, we could live without.

78 omg... you know, I have just had a thought which may have been obvious to the rest of you:

The Democrats may have wanted the debt to be downgraded in order to demand ther GOP raise taxes.

Posted by: Truman North at August 06, 2011 02:24 PM (K2wpv)

Barky's been trying to destroy the economy for about three years now..

What's a little downgrade?  

79 >> The Democrats may have wanted the debt to be downgraded in order to demand ther GOP raise taxes. Ya think? They had that stupid talking point out there yesterday before the downgrade even officially happened.

80 That whole food stocking thing? On it. And ammo.

81 My personal experiences with the USPS have been uniformly good (certified mail and passport applications).  I must be in an Outer Limits zip code.
I agree that if they are costing the taxpayer bucks, their business model needs review, but in small towns, this is a way to handle bills and payments and get delivery of purchased items.  I also deal with UPS and they are ultra-reliable.
Once we are herded into the camps/cities though, we won't need USPS.

82 80 O/T
Zerohedge* is reporting that Germany is not going to go through with the Italian bailout.

"German Govt: EFSF Should Only Help Small, Mid-Size Countries - Spiegel"


Good call by Merkel. Reality will force the Euros who to survive to realize the folly that is the EU.

83 Posted by: Dave C at August 06, 2011 02:33 PM (rus4r)

I'm listening today and what I'm hearing is getting scary.  they are all over the blogs saying stuff like "republicans have you learned that we don't operate in a vacuum and that the world is judging us, this is a test".  They are really laying on the "the S&P guys say it is the result of the bush tax cuts and not BO's policies that got us here" meme.  By the end of today, unless the republicans start some ravel rousing, blame will be squarely on them.  It's frightening.

84 One of my uber lib friends was asking this morning "didn't we give oodles of money to european banks when the fed was dishing out money to our own?  Well then what the hell did they do with it, that they are so f**ked up?"

ooo I'm sensing anger in the faithful?

85 91 ...By the end of today, unless the republicans start some ravel rousing, blame will be squarely on them. 

S&P essentially just confirmed that the GOP budgets and other austerity measures were sound ones. One of their representatives even said the House R budget would have allowed us to keep our credit rating. So who are the bad guys again?

86

Our mail carriers and postal employees are great people. But, they are way over paid for the job they do.

I was a carrier about 25 Years ago - we really weren't paid that much, about $12.50 an hour, but the health benefits were only $1.65 every two weeks.

87 What's a ravel?

88 Posted by: 80sBaby at August 06, 2011 02:42 PM (o2lIv)

yes, yes we know this but they seem to have an army out there today and these are the times I wish the republicans or the tea party or someone had an army out there right behind them refuting them as soon as they put down the thought.  Tyler is doing a great job but you have to know to go there.  Even in odd places like the fashion sites they are insidiously putting information that is wrong.  And I hate to refute people on a fashion blog for God's sake, I mean is nothing sacred?

89

Also, anyone want to opine on what happens in a society when a political party i.e. the democrats engages in class warfare and dehumanizes it's political opponents? Once the dehumanizing aspect of political epithets enters the common lexicon as it has..... guess what happens?

Christians and Conservatives now are being fitted as the liberals' dehumanized enemy. Even though Christians and Conservatives simply want to represent moral values and fiscal and social responsibility in a peaceful way.

This is where past becomes prologue where a strawman is raised under pretense.  

 

90 #95: I think it's the French word for "rival."

91 @98
I think it's Longislandese for "I'm a stupid twit."

92

omg... you know, I have just had a thought which may have been obvious to the rest of you:

The Democrats may have wanted the debt to be downgraded in order to demand ther GOP raise taxes.

Posted by: Truman North

I wouldn't put it past the geniuses at the WH but they're backed into a corner. The ratings agencies are political animals. They are responding to some pressure, I'm just not sure from where. (Glenn Beckian over the top speculation: CHINA, SOROS?? )

We're near a new recession or already in one. Raising taxes in a downturn, as Obaka admitted, is dangerous stupid. Further, if he does force a tax increase, the economy is not going to react well, extending this shitty economy into 2012.

93 Today Kudlow interviewed the S&P guy and it was very interesting.  It's worth listening to the podcast.  He says he interviewed him on his tv show also.

94 Little known facts I have learned abut the post office through shipping my sales on eBay:

1.  Fed Ex handles a large chunk of their Priority Mail.
2.  To drum up postal service business,  you can order FREE shipping boxes from them in a variety of sizes. Since 25 of a similar size shipping box costs me about $20.00 at a local supplier, figure out how much they are subsidizing small businesses and independent sellers with this.  Not that I am complaining, but it does cost them a lot of money.
3.  At an auction house I frequent,  box lots are often offered in those same FREE boxes.
4. Stamps do not have an expiration date.  If you have a 1972 6 cent stamp  you can combine it with other old stamps to make the current postage.

95

Posted by: weft cut-loop at August 06, 2011 02:48 PM (DEcmU)

< This ain't no recession. Don't kid yourself.

96 Don't make me come to your house and talk to you personally. Now you want all that junk mail now don't you?

97 What's a ravel?

Posted by: Y-not at August 06, 2011 02:44 PM (5H6zj)

It's rut you ruse when you rall rourt into ression.

98 Posted by: Postmaster General Henry Atkins at August 06, 2011 02:50 PM (GZitp)

In my friend's apartment building area where they keep the mail, they have installed a shredder.  So you can open your mail down there and stick all the junk mail right in the shredder.  They did it to cut down on the costs of garbage pick up.  My friend says it is absolutely brilliant.  the entire building is using it and this way you aren't throwing a lot of paper in your personal garbage.

99 There are elderly people who still need mail delivery, because they don't do things like bill paying electronically, especially if they don't have computers or someone to set it up for them. So we need SOME mail delivery. Cut home delivery to 3 days per week. That will meet the needs of the 85 year old, and no one cares if their junk mail is only delivered a couple times a week. Same problem as everything else associated with gubmint spending or gubmint monopoly, liberals don't want to face reality.

100 96 yes, yes we know this but they seem to have an army out there today and these are the times I wish the republicans or the tea party or someone had an army out there right behind them refuting them as soon as they put down the thought.  Tyler is doing a great job but you have to know to go there.  Even in odd places like the fashion sites they are insidiously putting information that is wrong.  And I hate to refute people on a fashion blog for God's sake, I mean is nothing sacred?

Tomorrow is Sunday, and the Republicans are sending-out the fiscal cons. Everyone else knows what to say from the budget debate, which was to start next month but will now start this month. So you can stop with the "concern".

101 yeah, thanks for your concern.

102 Posted by: 80sBaby at August 06, 2011 02:53 PM (o2lIv)

I don't know, I'm an independent and the republicans look awfully weak to me and I'm not alone.  so far only Bachman and Pawlenty and in small measure Palin have stepped up to the plate on this.

You think like a conservative I don't and I'm not impressed with the republicans at all.

103 52 46 I believe that prez Barky McWhistledick once used the USPS as a shining example of government success.

Posted by: Ronster at August 06, 2011 01:48 PM (Oz+gx)

someone on here the other day noted that every time he visit a company it goes out of business.  And every time he picks your team, you cry.  Maybe he should just not get involved?

Posted by: curious at August 06, 2011 01:50 PM (k1rwm)

How could you know that you little troll?  I'm the one that said it.

104 Shift change. 

105 Why doesn't His Awesomeness use the term "acted stupidly" in situations like this with USPS, where the need for services has plummeted and any adaptations have been minimal? For years, I've wondered why they still have Saturday delivery and post offices open on Saturdays. Geez.

106 Harry Reid: Those evil wingnuts should now agree to a tax increase

More euphemistically: "The action by S&P reaffirms the need for a balanced approach to deficit reduction that combines spending cuts with revenue-raising measures like closing taxpayer-funded giveaways to billionaires, oil companies and corporate jet owners. This makes the work of the joint committee all the more important, and shows why leaders should appoint members who will approach the committeeÂ’s work with an open mind - instead of hardliners who have already ruled out the balanced approach that the markets and rating agencies like S&P are demanding."

107 lata folks have a pool bbq to go to......

108 I'm canceling my mail.

109 You think like a conservative I don't and I'm not impressed with the republicans at all. Posted by: curious at August 06, 2011 02:55 PM (k1rwm) YEAH, WE GET THAT.

110 Hey USPS bitchezzzzz,  suck it!  Scoreboard!!

111 @115
Make sure to eat a really heavy meal and drink about 10 tequila shooters before you go into the pool. 

112 The USPO lost $17 billion over 2009-2010 and is on pace for the same.Let's face it,it's just another form of Welfare,not a business.

113 reid needs to spend the rest of his miserable life in a federal supermax facility; thanks you fucking retards in nevada...

114 Who do we remember for getting the mail through? The Post Office? No, private carriers - Wells Fargo, the Butterfield Overland Stage Lines, the Pony Express. Maybe it's time to go back to the future.

115 110 Posted by: 80sBaby at August 06, 2011 02:53 PM (o2lIv)

I don't know, I'm an independent and the republicans look awfully weak to me and I'm not alone.  so far only Bachman and Pawlenty and in small measure Palin have stepped up to the plate on this.

You think like a conservative I don't and I'm not impressed with the republicans at all.

Aw, does somebody need a box of tissues?

116 144 Well,who didn't see THIS coming?Balanced approach my ass.The feds get more than enough of our Goddamn money already.Control your spending you bitches!!

117 116 I'm canceling my mail.

Posted by: Kramer at August 06, 2011 02:58 PM (FZZ94)

You don't listen very well do you son?

118 She's not impressed with the Republicans because they don't all suck Donald Trump's dick like she does.

119 Come on , the USPS doesn't take a cent of taxpayer money and GM paid back all of the taxpayer money too. Both instances are tied to the same reality.

120

FYI curious, I'm not very impressed with you.

121 I love this gem from troll girl:

Even in odd places like the fashion sites they are insidiously putting information that is wrong.  And I hate to refute people on a fashion blog for God's sake, I mean is nothing sacred?

Posted by: curious at August 06, 2011 02:45 PM (k1rwm)

122 115 lata folks have a pool bbq to go to......

Posted by: curious at August 06, 2011 02:57 PM (k1rwm)

I'll bet.

123
FedEx made $865 million pre-tax in its fourth fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2011.

What!? That's not fair! Take their money and give it to the USPS. Also, unionize FedEx employees, order them to drive solar-powered vehicles, prosecute them for ableism (I've never seen a wheelchair person delivering packages) and force them to relocate their headquarters from Tennessee to California so we can give tons of jobs to illegal aliens.

There!

124 "115 lata folks have a pool bbq to go to...... Posted by: curious" Is it in Europe or the Hamptons? Cause, you know, it's cheaper to go to Europe.

125 It's not really fair to compare the USPS with commercial services.  It's set up to subsidize rural customers at the expense of urban customers.  If you privatized it that would mean people like me (in the SF bay area) would pay less, but people in BFE would need to pay ten times what they pay now for a letter (also letters addressed to them).

Personally I'm okay with that - there are plenty of economic advantages to living rural, and anyway in this country where you live is a choice.  But in terms of political will there's no way this service is going to be eliminated and replaced by commercial delivery.

126 D'ya like golf, Mr. Kramer?

127
S&P essentially just confirmed that the GOP budgets and other austerity measures were sound ones. One of their representatives even said the House R budget would have allowed us to keep our credit rating.

Nice. Got a link? I hope our fiscons pound that on the Sunday shows.

128 I think Issa should introduce a bill to make the APWU's statement that the USPS receives "no taxpayer dollars" correct. Cut all payments to USPS, demand a return of loaned money if any, and provide no further subsidies or special arrangements resulting in Federal expenditures. Also, revoke Post Office status as "Federal Property" and remove any other special legal status the USPS enjoys that other delivery services do not. That should make the union happy, because they won't be bald-faced liars after that.

129

FedEx made $865 million pre-tax in its fourth fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2011.

And in the eyes of Democrats and Obama, every dollar FedEx created was an affront to their gods, if they had them.

130 S&P essentially just confirmed that the GOP budgets and other austerity measures were sound ones. One of their representatives even said the House R budget would have allowed us to keep our credit rating. So who are the bad guys again? Posted by: 80sBaby at August 06, 2011 02:42 PM (o2lIv) Can you say "rebelling against intimidation attempts by the White House? I knew that you could.

131

I don't know, I'm an independent and the republicans look awfully weak to me and I'm not alone.  so far only Bachman and Pawlenty and in small measure Palin have stepped up to the plate on this.

You think like a conservative I don't and I'm not impressed with the republicans at all.

 

HAHAHAH!!!!!!!!  I got a laugh out of this one.

132

And in the eyes of Democrats and Obama, every dollar FedEx created was an affront to their gods, if they had them.

Posted by: Stateless Infidel at August 06, 2011 03:14 PM (GKQDR)

They do. Back in the day, he was called Baal.

 

133 Get rid of that bloated beast the USPS and contract it all to civilian carriers. Like the rest of this inefficient, debt ridden government this has been long in coming.

134 Re: Sidebar, Nebraska Mine discovery I smell coming: 1) Large campaign donations from Chinese sources to Obama (or equivalent transfers indirectly). 2) A new Federal park or monument in Nebraska! Just like Clinton.

135 124 144 Well,who didn't see THIS coming?Balanced approach my ass.The feds get more than enough of our Goddamn money already.Control your spending you bitches!!

Harry Reid knows he can say whatever he likes without being personally held accountable at the ballot box. The only reason he ever compromises is for electoral purposes on behalf of his colleagues (ensuring control of the Senate) and the WH (so that Obama appears more conservative than he is).

136

Why, oh why, couldn't this have been the EPA?

Or the NEA? Or the CPB? Or any number of useless, redundant federal agencies that cost us a fortune, are staffed with union thugs and don't really care if they work or not, they just show up and mark time until they retire?

137

With the incredibly well run smear campaign by the handsome Democrats, IÂ’m very worried the evil republicans might not be successful in their campaign to destroy America?

 

 How can we get our message out  about how we want to wheel granny into a BBQ pit and feast on her roasting corpse?

 

138

I hope some enterprising young moron or moronette can find the video of Cavuto talking to Rep Steven Cohen (D) just now on Fox.  Cohen just compared himself to a bank robber in his quest to raise taxes on the rich.

Compared himself to a bank robber.

139 I'm just an indepentant, so I don't understand the evil machinations of you conservatives. How can we work together to help spread our dreams racial eugencics and genocide?

140 Comparing the USPS and FedEx is not exactly fair, is it? Not exactly apples-to-apples.

Talking about if we should have a postal service is one thing; talking about if the costs are worth the services that are provided above and beyond what FedEx provides, the whole thing.

But trying to say that it loses money while FedEx, which does not have to do what USPS has to do, makes money is a little bit disingenuous.

141 Lata!  I'm off to Zurich because it's soooo much cheaper than driving to the Hamptons from NYC with all the awful traffic.  I'm taking three of my lib/Dem imaginary friends with me.

And I've put all of you h8trs on my super secret comment filter.  So there.

142

Compared himself to a bank robber.

Posted by: Truman North at August 06, 2011 03:23 PM (K2wpv)

 

He shoulda used Robin Hood, it would have played better to the base.

Or maybe not.

143

By the end of today, unless the republicans start some ravel rousing, blame will be squarely on them.  It's frightening.

Posted by: curious at August 06, 2011 02:37 PM (k1rwm)

"Rabble" rousing, as in stirring up the street thugs, not "ravel".

Curious has been full troll today, huh? Libtard "friends" in full throat.

144 Gary "Let's Do It" Gilmore, now that guy knew how to die.

145 I know...let's put Baroness Warnock in charge of APWU benefits...

146 135 Nice. Got a link? I hope our fiscons pound that on the Sunday shows.


“If you get to $4 trillion mentioned by the President in an April 13 speech, by the Bowles-Simpson commission and by Congressman Paul Ryan, that along with economic growth would’ve done the trick” to preserve the triple-A, [John Cambers] told Cavuto.


Last part is the catch, of course. But they always specified what they wanted and last night's statement was more in-line with what the Rs are advocating than the Ds (austerity and growth). But how do we get there? That has been and remains the problem.

147 146 I'm assuming he meant to say Robin Hood. Could be a Freudian slip, their real intent is to rob from taxpayers, producers. At least that guy from Vermont is honest about being a socialist.

148

I don't know, I'm an independent and the republicans look awfully weak to me and I'm not alone.  so far only Bachman and Pawlenty and in small measure Palin have stepped up to the plate on this.

The stupid is painful in this one,.............

149 Lata!  I'm off to Zurich because it's soooo much cheaper than driving to the Hamptons from NYC with all the awful traffic.

We have decided it is in our best interests to subsidize your trip to the Hamptons. Have a nice time there.

150

ItÂ’s not much, but I felt the need to write something in tribute to our fallen.

 

151 But trying to say that it loses money while FedEx, which does not have to do what USPS has to do, makes money is a little bit disingenuous. I'm glad FedEx doesn't load my front porch with crap I don't want and never asked for and suck while they do it. Hey, you know what's really disingenuous? Claiming to be self-supporting while sucking at the Federal teat.

152 146 I hope some enterprising young moron or moronette can find the video of Cavuto talking to Rep Steven Cohen (D) just now on Fox.  Cohen just compared himself to a bank robber in his quest to raise taxes on the rich.

Compared himself to a bank robber.

They speak like this on the House and Senate floors.

153 "US Treasuries remain the flight-to-quality asset of choice" - Barclays

154 I saw the clip with Cavuto and Cohen.  The look on Cavuto's face was priceless.

155 I believe that prez Barky McWhistledick once used the USPS as a shining example of government success.

Actually, he said something about the USPS always having troubles, while FedEx and UPS did OK. He was trying to defend government-run health care with this weird fucking example. One more reason to suspect he might not be the giant-brained genius the MFM pretends he is.

156 On the plus side, shredded junk mail can be made into compost, right along with the grass clippings and leaves. 

157
Posted by: 80sBaby at August 06, 2011 03:27 PM

tnx

158 Oh to be a fly on the wall at Camp David this weekend, with Barky McGenius, Valerie "the Ferret" Jarrett and Barky's "special friend" Reggie Love.

159

Actually, he said something about the USPS always having troubles, while FedEx and UPS did OK. He was trying to defend government-run health care with this weird fucking example.

That does ring a bell. Now I must give up my cookie but not the brownie for I have eaten it.

160 they are all over the blogs saying stuff like "republicans have you learned that we don't operate in a vacuum and that the world is judging us, this is a test".

Don't forget, you're the fucking imbecile who assured us that, because of all you were hearing, and the cocky attitude of your "friends", something big was up, and the Republicans were going to get owned in the 2010 elections.

How'd that work out? You fucking dipshit.

161 Sorry if this has been mentioned, but I just warmed up the intertubes (solar-ly, btw, in sunny OK).  Did anyone catch Amilya Antonetti on Cavuto? She just needs to be wound up and faced in the general direction of Zero.

162  Did anyone catch Amilya Antonetti on Cavuto? She just needs to be wound up and faced in the general direction of Zero.

Posted by: Marybel at August 06, 2011 03:39 PM (Hic+o)

Yes.  I immediately developed a girl crush. 

163

Srsly, Jane. I would buy tix for that face2face.

164 they are all over the blogs saying stuff like "republicans have you learned that we don't operate in a vacuum and that the world is judging us, this is a test".

How is any business of "the world", which I assume you mean Europeans?  Fuck them.

165 I can't help but feel the post about our 31 dead warriors should take a prominent place at the top of the page, at least, above the head-boobs.

This is a monumental loss.

166 171

Srsly, Jane. I would buy tix for that face2face.

Barry would cry.

167 Dennis-I was raped by an alien-Kucinich was on Cavuto making about as much sense as usual. None. Businesses aren't paying enough taxes, especially those evil oil companies.

168

JEF is a stuttering clusterfuck of a miserable failure.

/filling in for that guy

169
  Do I detect a bit of disdain cropping up vis-a-vis Curious?  Maybe getting caught up with the role-playing?

  You know, if y'all are getting socked, it'll make AJ look like a child trying to play with the adults.


  Just sayin.....

170 These Sunday talk show tip sheets are different, as some of the names are different-- for the same date.

171

Businesses aren't paying enough taxes, especially those evil oil companies.  GE

FIFY

172 I am now repeating myself repeating myself.

173 Not to worry about a tax increase. Boner and McConnell will appoint a few RINOs to this panel to give them cover.

Then the weeping turds there and here will say it was the "best deal we could get" and we'll fight on the next hill.

And best of all, only a "moderate" can turn PA red.

174 167

Actually, he said something about the USPS always having troubles, while FedEx and UPS did OK. He was trying to defend government-run health care with this weird fucking example.

That does ring a bell. Now I must give up my cookie but not the brownie for I have eaten it.

Posted by: Ronster at August 06, 2011 03:36 PM (Oz+gx)

Yeah it was some dumb example to explain how private companies can do just fine when dealing with the same stuff as a government run entity.  The problem with this is that the Post Office is run really shittily so it a poor example to show that the government could run healthcare.  And Fex Ex and UPS are forbidden by law to actually be in competition with the Post Office so while they are in similar types of work they aren't in the exact same work like government run healthcare would be with private insurers.

175 How many times has Barky stood in a line at the Post Office?

176 I am now repeating myself repeating myself. I repeat myself when under stress.

177 US credit downgraded??


brb, there's a Conga line happening

178 181 Not to worry about a tax increase. Boner and McConnell will appoint a few RINOs to this panel to give them cover.

Then the weeping turds there and here will say it was the "best deal we could get" and we'll fight on the next hill.

And best of all, only a "moderate" can turn PA red.


Unless the congressional Dems get frightened enough to change their stripes-- which they could, given how much elections mean to them -- this panel will end in gridlock and the sequester "forgotten".

179 Link to the Obama post office story in my name.

180

I'm assuming he meant to say Robin Hood. Could be a Freudian slip, their real intent is to rob from taxpayers, producers.

No, he said he robbed banks because that's where the money is===  tha's why he is hitting up the rich

 

181 I'm still beyond disgusted (but not surprised) that he didn't mention the credit down grade during his Saturday radio blather.

Perhaps he's like a little kid, who believes if he pretends something didn't happen, then it didn't.

182 Lata, morons. I'm off to shit golden nightingales from my silken colon.

183 I suppose we should pay for the USPS, too.

184 Cranky old tools in South Carolina are going to keep us afloat for the next century.

185 Perhaps he's like a little kid, who believes if he pretends something didn't happen, then it didn't.

He's been trying to do that with the 2010 elections.

186 Unless the congressional Dems get frightened enough to change their stripes-- which they could, given how much elections mean to them -- this panel will end in gridlock and the sequester "forgotten".

Not a chance. Pelosi and Reid will appoint 5 hardcore commies from totally safe blue districts/States. All it will take is one RINO and it is a tax hike or automatic defense cuts and SS/Medicare cuts. 

The conservative wing of the Republican Party has been totally nullified.

187 189 I'm still beyond disgusted (but not surprised) that he didn't mention the credit down grade during his Saturday radio blather.

Perhaps he's like a little kid, who believes if he pretends something didn't happen, then it didn't.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at August 06, 2011 04:05 PM (UOM4

He completely buys into the idea that if he doesn't talk about it then its not a crisis.

188 brb, there's a Conga line happening

Posted by: Presidebt Petey at August 06, 2011 04:02 PM (AnTyA)

 

MAMBO!

189 Perhaps he's like a little kid, who believes if he pretends something didn't happen, then it didn't. -------- I'm trying to do that with yesterday.

190 194 Not a chance. Pelosi and Reid will appoint 5 hardcore commies from totally safe blue districts/States. All it will take is one RINO and it is a tax hike or automatic defense cuts and SS/Medicare cuts. 

The conservative wing of the Republican Party has been totally nullified.


Judging by the names being floated for the committee-- if it still happens-- I disagree. Also remember that any suggestion must come before the whole Congress for a vote. Furthermore, sequestration is not binding in the sense that it must be self-enforced (though the president plays a part, too). But it's rarely worked.

191 C'mon evabody...don't be frettin' 'bout the downgrade


It's 'Lectric Slide time!!

192 199 194 Judging by the Republican names being floated for the committee...

193

He completely buys into the idea that if he doesn't talk about it then its not a crisis.

Posted by: buzzion at August 06, 2011 04:08 PM (GULKT)

 

Or that the world magically transforms the instant the bullshit leaves his mouth.

His arrogance is astounding to the point of being baffling. I've stopped trying to figure him out.

194 Also remember that any suggestion must come before the whole Congress for a vote.

So, just like the underlying bill, whatever crap comes out of the committee is passed with the wupport of socialist RINOs and Democrats. Yippee.

195 or 'support' I suppose.

196

You can do it! IT'S ELECTRIC!

BOOGIE WOOGIE WOOGIE!

197 I love my birfday month..

C'mon, baby...do the Dougie..

...go M'chelle
...go M'chelle
...go M'chelle

198 203 Also remember that any suggestion must come before the whole Congress for a vote.

So, just like the underlying bill, whatever crap comes out of the committee is passed with the support of socialist RINOs and Democrats. Yippee.


I doubt tax increases will pass the House. Actual tax reform by lowering rates, yes, but not hikes. The baseline is also a safeguard (Section 308 of the '74 Budget Act-> FY 2011 CR baseline).

199
Tim Geithner is personally responsible for the downgrade. He should be fired. And Obama's next appointment should be raked over the coals for weeks just to embarrass Obama.

200 Also remember that any suggestion must come before the whole Congress for a vote.

Remember the rules for this crap and the committee. Its an up or down vote only and if either house defeats it we get the automatic cuts.

This is not like previous committees and all it will take is one Republican on that committee "crossing over" for a deal.

201 Also keep in mid that previous reforms to lower rates turned out to be tax increases.

202
here's a quick snapshot of Boy-genius' greatest hits:

July 2009: Tim Geithner Not Worried About Dollar Weakness

February 2011: Geithner Not Worried About Oil Prices

March 2011: Sec Geithner Not Worried About Japan Selling US Bonds

April 2011: Geithner: No Risk US Will Lose AAA Rating

203 Tim Geithner is personally responsible for the downgrade. He should be fired. And Obama's next appointment should be raked over the coals for weeks just to embarrass Obama.
Posted by: soothie

Daaaamn good thing the GOP has a pro-forma House session in effect. Otherwise we might have woken up on Monday to a new appointee.

204 they serve customers who don't pay for the service and hate most of the product.

Does this strike anyone as a flawed business model?

Not in the least.

205
here's the kicker:

August 2011: Tim Geithner Not Worried About Losing His Job Even Though He Sucks And Should Be Tarred & Feathered And Run Out Of The People's Government

206
Geithner doesn't worry about anything because he's a govt hack.

207 Does it bother anybody else that both the repubs (Boehner, etc) and the dem party (Obama, Reid) are much more interested in assigning blame than fixing the problem??  Assign blame after, not during the crisis.

208 216 Does it bother anybody else that both the repubs (Boehner, etc) and the dem party (Obama, Reid) are much more interested in assigning blame than fixing the problem??  Assign blame after, not during the crisis.


_yes.

209 Whoops @ 191. Apparently the Germans aren't going to pledge 133% of their GDP to keep Italy the EU afloat.

On the upside, Obama will have someone else to try to blame for the crash Monday.

210 Turbo Tax Timmeh should never have been given the job in the first place. He bears a large part of the responsibility for the meltdown when he purposefully avoided having his Wall St buddies comply with regulations.

He should be in the pen getting ass-raped.

He worked for Rubin at the Fed and was his protege. After Rubin was awarded his position at Citigroup for getting Glass Steagall repealed, Turbo Tax was given the position as head of the NY Fed.

This is Chicago-style corruption of exponential orders of magnitude.

Timmy was widely known as the heir apparent to Rubin at Citigroup...basically because he did Wall St's bidding.

Timmy was rushed into the Treasury position. Why? Remember the fucking idiot GOPers who voted for his confirmation because he was supposedly "uniquely qualified"?

HORSESHIT. He was put there to try to cover the tracks of the fucks in the Treasury, in the Congress, at the ratings agencies, and in the Congress who fucking murdered our economy and made themselves filthy rich

211 209 Remember the rules for this crap and the committee. Its an up or down vote only and if either house defeats it we get the automatic cuts.

7/12 of the committee must agree and they have a further list of rules. Also, while it is an up-or-down vote, Congress is only to sequester by way of honor. Discretionary caps are far harder to overturn, but a sequester that takes place starting in 2013 is much easier.

This is not like previous committees and all it will take is one Republican on that committee "crossing over" for a deal.

We have had over a dozen joint select committees in the past 70yrs. The only difference from some of those others is that this one can report legislation, but there is nothing that forbids it. This is like the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy (JCAE).

212 I once had the mailman come down the street and wait at each mailbox for several minutes while he read people's magazines.

I took pictures.

213 History of select committees

Excellent citations

214 Hey Andy, you should really know what you are talking about before you go shooting your mouth off. The USPS is the ONLY federal agency that is mandated by Congress to PRE-PAY it's FUTURE retiree health benefits to the tune of $5.5 billion a year. No other federal branch of gov't is tasked with doing this. Go find another tree to bark up, douchebag.

215 We have had over a dozen joint select committees in the past 70yrs. The only difference from some of those others is that this one can report legislation, but there is nothing that forbids it. This is like the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy (JCAE).

We never have had a committee that has an automatic trigger like this.  Even the base closing commission has no automatic triggers.

AND yes they can call for tax increases, every Democrat that has talked about this committee has said so as well as numerous Republicans.

216 Once again you ingrates are losing sight of the important issue of the day: Rick Perry failed organic chemistry at Texas A & M. How can he think of running for President?

217 I've heard the ad multiple tines and never failed either to start chanting, "B.S.!" to it or to punch up another station.

218 224 We never have had a committee that has an automatic trigger like this.  Even the base closing commission has no automatic triggers.

All they did was add the latest "new and improved" version of Gramm-Rudman-Hollings, which was and still is a joke. Who is actually going to enforce it?

AND yes they can call for tax increases, every Democrat that has talked about this committee has said so as well as numerous Republicans.

The Democrats and Lindsay Graham types can argue that they have permission to use an alternate baseline that would allow them to raise rates but the reference to Section 308 of the '74 Budget Act is in the bill.

219 they are all over the blogs saying stuff like "republicans have you learned that we don't operate in a vacuum and that the world is judging us, this is a test". And the test was, you 'tards, cut deficit / debt by $4T. Instead they "cut" only 50% of that at best. In pre-affirmative action days, to score 50% was - as it was so cleanly stated - to flunk. Barky's first "F" on the public record! But he's pleased as punch, thinking that HE scored his first personal "AA+" and now he's in territory far beyond that of mere mortals.

220 Budget Control Act of 2011, Section 401(b)(5)(D)(ii)-- emphasis mine:

(ii) CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE ESTIMATES. — The Congressional Budget Office shall provide estimates of the legislation … in accordance with sections 308(a) and 201(f) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974[.]


Section 308(a)(1)(A) and Section 308(a)(1)(B)-- emphasis mine:

(A) comparing the levels in such measure to the appropriate allocations in the reports submitted under section 302(b) for the most recently agreed to concurrent resolution on the budget for such fiscal year (or fiscal years);

(B) containing a projection by the Congressional Budget Office of how such measure will affect the levels of such budget authority, budget outlays, revenues, or tax expenditures under existing law for such fiscal year (or fiscal years) and each of the four ensuing fiscal years, if timely submitted before such report is filed; and...

221 As is stated in the bill by way of reference, the committee is bound by the FY 2011 CR baseline. They cannot raise rates because of the assumptions in that baseline about the Bush tax cuts, which would mean any rate increase sort of $3.5T would count as adding to the deficit.

222 This is what the Dems are saying:

http://is.gd/uvRnge

And the Republicans are NOT the Lindsay Graham types, in fact it the opposite of the RINO types.

223 Their are two real questions here, is this prepayment going into a "lockbox" or does the USPS have a drawer full of IOUs; second if this prepaymeny is so critical "why arent they doing it with everyone else".

224 231 This is what the Dems are saying:

http://is.gd/uvRnge

And the Republicans are NOT the Lindsay Graham types, in fact it the opposite of the RINO types.


They can say that but we have a 3rd party, which is CBO. The CBO is bound by law. How would they get around this?

225 Update: By comparison, while the USPS was busy losing $3.1 billion, FedEx made $865 million pre-tax in its fourth fiscal quarter ended May 31, 2011. --------------------------------------------------- That's a great update, Andy. Let me ask you something: Is FedEX tasked with delivering mail 6 days a week to EVERY SINGLE MAILBOX in America? Or is FedEx a FOR-PROFIT PRIVATE CORPORATION that can pick and choose the services they provide based on profit motive?

226

That's a great update, Andy. Let me ask you something: Is FedEX tasked with delivering mail 6 days a week to EVERY SINGLE MAILBOX in America?

They are forbidden by law from doing somethins such as this.  You're as ignorant as Obama.

227 Is FedEX tasked with delivering mail 6 days a week to EVERY SINGLE MAILBOX in America?

No, because that's an obvious waste of resources.

228 Posted by: Jean at August 06, 2011 05:40 PM (pawS5) ---------------------------------------------------------- That's a question for Congress, Jean. All I know is that USPS must make these payments to the federal gov't. I don't know what they do with them. All USPS is asking is to be released from this burden to help maintain sustainability. The USPS, for intents and purposes, is self-sustaining. They do have a $15 billion credit limit with the gov't. If they borrow this money they must pay it back. I would love for a USPS-bashing commenter here to tell me what other federal agency is self-sustaining and has also CUT 150,000 jobs in the past 5 years.

229 You're as ignorant as Obama.

Posted by: buzzion at August 06, 2011 05:51 PM (GULKT)

That's  like the atom bomb of insults

230 This is what DeMint says

http://is.gd/pMjDJR

And that stuff from the bill does not say they are prohibited from raising taxes. It only states how CBO will score their "cuts" which the targeted cuts really aren't cuts anyway AND everybody agrees on that.

231 236 Is FedEX tasked with delivering mail 6 days a week to EVERY SINGLE MAILBOX in America? No, because that's an obvious waste of resources. Posted by: stirren' the pot at August 06, 2011 05:51 PM (sOXQX) ---------------------------------------------------------- I didn't make the comparison. Andy did. You have two different business models, wildly different responsibilities, but Andy wants to trumpet FedEx's yearly profits. It's a dumb comparison.

232 Or is FedEx a FOR-PROFIT PRIVATE CORPORATION that can pick and choose the services they provide based on profit motive?

They can pick and choose HOW they do it and WHO they want to do it for them..and they can can the dead weight.

Profit motivation is the mother of innovation and efficiency

233 Larry, the post office has the exclusive right to deliver 1st class mail.  It's protection has lead to a lousy business model.  They used the profits from 1st class to subsidize delivering junk mail for decades.  At least spam has little to no delivery costs.  When computers and the internet made the concept of a paperless society concievable the Post Office needed to get with the times.  The multitude of profitable private package carriers and electronic mail is relegating the Post office to the dustbin of history like the Pony Express.  The government cand protect it for a while but eventually market forces will prevail.  Adapt or die. 

234 They are forbidden by law from doing somethins such as this. You're as ignorant as Obama. Posted by: buzzion at August 06, 2011 05:51 PM (GULKT) -------------------------------------------------------- Are you suggesting that FedEx would just LOVE to deliver mail to 10 mailboxes spread over 10 miles, but they are prohibited by law from doing so? You are an idiot.

235 Posted by: Ohio Dan at August 06, 2011 05:59 PM (KdI6b) ------------------------------------------------------ You make many good and ACCURATE points, Dan. That's refreshing in this topic thread. The decision has to be made. Is the delivery of mail a government service...........or should it be treated like a business? The government seems to be stuck in the middle on this. I know the future of the post office is very bleak. You fine people are going to have to get used to picking your mail up at Walmart eventually. I just hope those Walmart employees don't start getting too nosey when grandma sends you that b-day card with cash in it.

236
Are you suggesting that FedEx would just LOVE to deliver mail to 10 mailboxes spread over 10 miles, but they are prohibited by law from doing so?

You are an idiot.

Posted by: Larry Dickman at August 06, 2011 05:59 PM (4t9J5)

Mail is so much heavier than the packages they already deliver there, huh?

237

I'm suggesting that they are forbidden from competing with the USPS so for you to suggest they would like to do it is immaterial.  They cannot do it in any capacity so they are forbidden from attempting it in any way that would be proven to be cost effective.  Of course they wouldn't being doing it six days a week.  They're not even allowed to ty doing it one day a week because the federal government is potecting its worthless money pit.

Dipshit.

238 Posted by: Larry Dickman at August 06, 2011 06:05 PM (4t9J5)

So Larry...what do you do for the USPS..amd are you gonna go all you-know-what on us?

239 239 This is what DeMint says

http://is.gd/pMjDJR

And that stuff from the bill does not say they are prohibited from raising taxes. It only states how CBO will score their "cuts" which the targeted cuts really aren't cuts anyway AND everybody agrees on that.


Cuts from the rate of growth, yes.

Whether or not the Dems can raise tax rates and count that towards deficit reduction is dependent on the baseline. From Keith Hennesey:

"The key technical detail is that the CommitteeÂ’s recommendations on taxes will be measured against a current law baseline for taxes. Under current law, certain taxes are scheduled to go up in 2013, most notably the individual income tax rates and rates on capital gains and dividends. Normally Republicans dislike a current law baseline on taxes, but in this case it helps them."


They can eliminate loopholes and deductions with both counting towards deficit reduction, but not rates, capital gains and dividends, AMT, or tax extender-like provisions. So they can propose increases but those do not count towards the committee's goal, leaving the Dems boxed-in by the baseline.

240

Regulated industries tend to get fat and lazy.  I can buy electricity for 5.7 cents per 1000 kilowatts from national suppliers as opposed to 9.3 cents from Duke, the local regulated generator.  Duke can sell it elsewhere for the reduced price.  Duke is losing customers left and right in its protected area. 

The Post Office's cure for losing money has traditionally been go ask for a raise on postage from Congress.  What connection to market forces has Government ever shown. 

Go to the 3 day delivery.  Shut down unprofitable branches and services.  Find new revenue generators. The Post Office is an incredible entity but it has a choice, compete or die.  It works in nature.  It works in business and it is the reality the Post Office has to deal with.

241 I can go 3 days without mail.

242 I haven't read all the comments but there are many and I'm sure my post has been written above.  The federal government cannot compete with the private sector in any capacity, except, perhaps, waging war, and I'm not even sure about that.

The Post Office must be privatized.  Let the U.S.P.S. compete with U.P.S. and Fed Ex and anyone else who wants to enter the market.  But we will need a federal agency to police the private carriers.

243 Thanks for sharing, please keep an update about this info. love to read it more. i like this site too much.

244 I do find it slightly amusing how some people in here are making broad assumptions with little to no information. You need to realize the postal service is a cash cow that the federal government plans to milk dry. Let's look at some fun facts.
The Post Office has overpaid in to the civil service retirement system (which no one has been enrolled in to since 1982) approximately 75 Billion dollars. When the GAO told the feds they need to return the overpayment, the feds offered 6 Billion to be paid back over 30 years to even the balance sheet.
The Post Office is required by law to pre-fund retiree health benefits, something no other federal agency is required to do. That yearly payment alone is the cause of the net loss every year.
FedEx and UPS have both done studies to see how much they would have to charge to do the same (as required by law) 100% address delivery for a first class letter of one ounce or less. 44 cents for the Post Office, just under 3 dollars for FedEx or UPS.

Now on the flip side of things, there is a lot of fat cutting that does need to be done at the Post Office. Industry standard for employee to supervisor ratios is typically around 20:1. At the Post Office it's closer to 7:1 due to nepotism and getting a promotion "down on your knees" with completely unqualified people being put in charge as a reward. At my facility there are supposed to be 2 operations managers, but on any given day there will be anywhere from 5 to 8 managers on the floor.

What do you call 5 managers of distribution operations standing in a circle? A waste of a half million dollars...

245 Bierman, et al: Quantitative Analysis for Business Decisions and Larry Stone's works on Optimal Search. I would also joining MORS (Military Operations Reaserch Society) - their papers and conferences occasionally produce that AhHa moment.

246 Operating the postal services is one of the explicitly mandated functions of the Federal government. It is arguable that the function is no longer necessary, but the argument should be made, not assumed. The USPS delivers books and magazines at a subsidized rate, something that I believe was true from the start - regarded as a public good. Also, the Post Office was a money sink from the start of the Federal government, and a political football. Postmaster positions were patronage jobs, and in the 1790s at least, postmasters were notorious for "losing" the newspapers of opposing political factions. A bit of weird trivia: the first practicing Jewish Senator was Benjamin Jonas (D-LA, 1879-1885). He was a former Confederate army officer. His father lived in Illinois, and was a Republican and friend of Abe Lincoln, who appointed him (and later his widow) postmaster of Alton, Illinois.