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Congress Brings 'Atlas Shrugged' To America With This New Bill

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Submitted by Simon Black via Sovereign Man blog,

It was known as Directive 10-289, and it was the government’s last-ditch, desperate effort to control the collapsing economy.

The President, along with some of his senior advisors at the Bureau of Economic Planning and National Resources, all widely agreed that the only way out of the crisis was expand government power.

The directive was passed quickly, and among its key provisions:

“Point One. All workers, wage earners and employees of any kind whatsoever shall henceforth be attached to their jobs and shall not leave nor be dismissed nor change employment. . ."

 

“Point Two. All industrial, commercial, manufacturing and business establishments of any nature whatsoever shall henceforth remain in operation, and the owners of such establishments shall not quit nor leave nor retire, nor close, sell or transfer their business. . .”

If you’re searching through your favorite news feed right now wondering why you haven’t heard of Directive 10-289, it’s because the law is fictitious. It’s part of the story from Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged.

At that part in the book, the economy was in a full blown crisis.

The government had engineered one emergency after another, and their only idea to ‘fix’ things was to award themsleves even more power and control over the economy… specifically to freeze everything in place.

No one could be fired or quit his/her job. And no business could stop working. It didn’t matter how much money they were losing.

Crazy idea, right? This could never happen in reality… at least not in the West. It sounds like something straight out of the Soviet Union– forcing unprofitable companies to stay in business.

*  *  *

Enter H.R. 5445, the “Postal Jobs Protection Act of 2014″.

I was utterly stunned when I read this. The meat of the bill consists of just 26 words:

“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no mail processing facility operating as of September 1, 2014, may be closed or consolidated prior to December 31, 2015.”

Let that sink in a minute: they want to pass a law to ensure that NO US postal center can be shut down through the end of next year.

For the sake of context, let’s walk through the numbers.

In its most recent quarter, the US Postal Service lost a massive $1.9 BILLION. That’s far worse than the $699 million loss they rack up over the same quarter last year.

And so far this fiscal year, USPS has lost over $4 billion.

What’s more– the post office has maxed out its $15 billion credit line. They have almost no liquidity left to continue financing operations, they’re not profitable, and they have no capacity left to borrow more money in order to plug the shortfall.

Perhaps most alarming is that, according to the US Postal Service’s own financial statements, its NET worth (i.e. assets minus liabilities) is NEGATIVE $44 billion.

This doesn’t happen by accident. And it’s not the result of some temporary downturn. It takes years… decades of mismanagement and structural issues to reach this point.

Just for kicks, I compared 2-day shipping rates among major carriers in the US for a simple envelope package.

FedEx: $25.12
UPS: $24.16

And the US Postal Service? $5.05 if I order online.

Duh. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the problem here.

Bear in mind that FedEx and UPS are, you know, profitable, earning $3.3 billion and $6.7 billion in pretax income, respectively. (And they each paid an effective tax rate of more than 35%.)

Curiously, when I was in Ethiopia a few weeks ago, there was an article in the local paper there about how profitable the Ethiopian postal service had become.

I mean– postal services around the world have the same problems. A place like Ethiopia has a massive rural population, and it costs a lot to maintain those small offices. Everyone face rising fuel costs and declining volume.

Yet even in Ethiopia they’ve figured it out. They know they can’t continuously run an unprofitable operation, so they reinvent the business model. That’s life.

In fairness, the Postal Service knows what to do. They’re at the end of their rope. And if they’re going to survive, they need to raise revenue and cut costs dramatically.

This includes the uncomfortable prospect of laying off employees and closing down unprofitable processing centers.

But Congress doesn’t want that. And they’re lifting legislation directly from the pages of Atlas Shrugged to ensure the post office keeps operating at a loss.

This is yet another example of incredibly dangerous central planning being planned, proposed, or in progress in the Land of the Free.

Can you see where this trend is going?

*  *  *

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Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:24 | 5236080 spinone
spinone's picture

Congress wants to bankrupt the post office and outsouce mail delivery to Fed Ex, who will promptly raise prices to $2 a stamp.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:27 | 5236081 WayBehind
WayBehind's picture

FedEx, UPS or USPS? Phew, I will go with Amazon same day free drone delivery for my purchases 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:29 | 5236094 Slave
Slave's picture

Post Office bailouts incoming.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:31 | 5236103 NemoDeNovo
NemoDeNovo's picture

Hey what's a bailout here a bailout there, ya know its da 'meriKa way.....Got EBT?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:15 | 5236599 The9thDoctor
The9thDoctor's picture

If American Mail Letter Company were in still in business, we wouldn't be in this mess in the first place.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 22:04 | 5236710 RafterManFMJ
RafterManFMJ's picture

...lost a massive $1.9 BILLION.

 

A rounding error to this Keynesian Freakshow.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 23:45 | 5236949 Osmium
Osmium's picture

Exactly.  How many hours of QE is 1.9 billion?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 23:55 | 5236966 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

Running a postal service is one of the few powers specifically enumerated to the federal government by the constitution.

The federal government is an incompetent piece of shit.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 01:05 | 5237065 BlindMonkey
BlindMonkey's picture

"The federal government is an incompetent piece of shit."

Really? Come on man. You know they do something right. There is always.....damn. I got nothing.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 03:15 | 5237231 The Doofus
The Doofus's picture

I believe in government handouts.  Why the hell not?  Uncle Sam is giving the richest men in the world access to free money? What?  He can't cover my medical bills, too?

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 16:19 | 5238632 sleigher
sleigher's picture

Finally made it back 'eh?  Didn't see you for a few days there.  Were you busy with the children of the rice or whatever you call them?  Should I go read to find out or has every day been the same since I read 1 year ago?  

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 08:29 | 5237445 Croesus
Croesus's picture

@ Simon Black: 

The only reasons the USPS is ANY financial trouble at all: 

1. They are the only government organization that needs to pre-fund their pension program. 

2. They have 207 VP's. 

Consolidating mail centers is basically a cost-cutting measure, and the real point of the law is about appeasing the postal worker's union, THAT'S IT. 

 

 

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 16:55 | 5238713 giggler321
giggler321's picture

...

3. The Fountainhead was better than Alas Shrugged

 

Wonder what's gonna happen before 31st of Dec./2015 and after that date it does not matter?

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 16:05 | 5238586 Tunga
Tunga's picture

Return receipts via Certified US Mail are the mainstay of Tunga's attack on the private collection service known as the IRS.

Court documents prove the IRS is not a department or Angency of the US Goverment.

The Secretary of Internal Revenue is officed in the Treasury Department of the State of Puerto Rico. Her name is Melba Acosta Febo and Tunga has her by the short hairs due to the judicious use of those little green chits delivered only by the US Postal service.

Congress can't ditch the PO nor should they. The future of the free world depends on them.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:36 | 5236112 surf0766
surf0766's picture

What is the federal Financing Bank for $600?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:50 | 5236157 SamuelMaverick
SamuelMaverick's picture

The Post Office is not losing money. They are being forced to pre fund their retirement funds to the tune of a few billion. Fucking FEDEX gets some of their deliveries contracted out to the Postal Service.

       Get your facts straight Simon.

 

            Maverick

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:56 | 5236182 ThroxxOfVron
ThroxxOfVron's picture

"Fucking FEDEX gets some of their deliveries contracted out to the Postal Service."

Fascism takes many guises.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:16 | 5236408 CrazyCooter
CrazyCooter's picture

For fucks sake, all I want from my government is to deliver my mail and defend my borders and leave me the hell alone. I am getting EVERYTHING BUT THAT!

<wanders_off_mumbling/>

Regards,

Cooter

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 22:21 | 5236751 conscious being
conscious being's picture

Deliver the mail, Defend the border and Leave me alone. DDL.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:21 | 5236434 Rican
Rican's picture

FedEx already has "Federal" right there in the name. Like Federal Reserve!

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 23:47 | 5236952 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

Actually, Federal Express changed their name to FedEx many years ago.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:04 | 5236204 surf0766
surf0766's picture

Get your facts straight. The post office is tax payer money Piss off.  They should not have any pensions.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:15 | 5236240 TheABaum
TheABaum's picture

Everybody "prefunds" their pensions. If they don't they go to prison for breach of fiduciary duty. Idiot.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:31 | 5236461 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

Like Corzine.

eye dee ten tee

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 23:56 | 5236970 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

You made a funny joke! Nobody goes to prison for breach of fiduciary duty, haven't you heard?

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 20:44 | 5239227 TheABaum
TheABaum's picture

Hey do you morons know why there are NO defined benefit plans anymore? ERISA. Morons.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:18 | 5236246 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

@Maverick,

UPS does the same. They are overloaded w/AMZN packages. 

Who gets the difference from the ass raping UPS/FDX charges when it's contracted to USPS? I have a friend who just got a "temp" rural route. I'm going to share what it's like to work in that gulag as a temp.

 


My first day responsible for the entire route lasted from getting up at 5:30 a.m. to finishing at the P.O. at 11 p.m. It was unreal. They had double the normal amount of mail for my route and according to the office manager wouldn't allow me to ask for help. 715 mailboxes, 61 miles, 8 long trays packed with regular mail plus about 20 boxes for which I had to get out of my vehicle. My Jeep was full. I would say up to a quarter of the mailboxes are mislabeled or not labeled at all which slowed me down. Also, the marking procedures for the box deliveries put them out of order (someone else did this for me). Next time, I'll be matching all markers with an address to look for on the box to speed up things a lot. I got a late start from the post office because I am so new to the sorting, 11:00 a.m., two hours behind everyone else. I did have some help with sorting at the end, but we are talking thousands of pieces of mail here for my route alone.

Most of the roads here are numbers, and they zigzag in and out on the route, so memorizing the locations for sorting is going to take a while. My regular route carrier is so concerned I may quit that she's volunteering to come in Saturday to help me even though the office manager and postmaster refuse to schedule official hours for her to help me. My parents think the expectations are unreal and that's why they're having such a hard time hiring people. They've been trying to fill 6 positions all summer, and so far I and another guy (whose family also works for USPS so he is using one of their right-hand-drive cars) am the only ones they have hired who didn't immediately quit. Now I understand why! 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:47 | 5236336 withglee
withglee's picture

My clerk at our little post office is a "temp" ... going on 9 years.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:56 | 5236351 bwh1214
bwh1214's picture

Hold on the sort facilities are government owned, hence they can close or keep them open if they wish.  An important part of our movement is not to reach, stay with the facts. This tyler is reaching beyond all measure.  There was plenty to write about without resorting to this dribble.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:31 | 5236456 moneybots
moneybots's picture

“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no mail processing facility operating as of September 1, 2014, may be closed or consolidated prior to December 31, 2015.”

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:28 | 5236625 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

The U.S, Government considers the 'Postal Service' a 'Semi-Governmental Agency'. It was 'Privatized' in about 1970, as I recall. it USED to be called The United States Post Office (USPO vs. USPS).

A link:

http://usgovinfo.about.com/od/consumerawareness/a/uspsabout.htm

FASCISM is the perfect merger of the Corporate and the State. Il Duche Benito Mussolini stated this, and it still stands as the best description.

IN OTHER WORDS: CONGRESS just stated that the American taxpayer SHALL BE LIABLE for the losses incurred by the USPS through AT LEAST DECEMBER 31, 2015.

I really DO feel sorry for the 'rural carriers' who actually do the work at long hours with RELATIVELY little pay and no support for vehicle breakdowns and such. They must provide THEIR OWN vehicles (usually only bought used after they have had the shit run out of them by the 'Service', because buying a NEW right-hand drive vehicle that is equipped to carry shitloads of mail costs a fucking small fortune). They don't get the full benefits package (which is, of course, the reason for all the losses to begin with). They sort, they drive, they find places on dirt roads that aren't marked, they do their own maintainence on their vehicles, they contract their own insurance... What can they get to drive? An old 'postal jeep' with a 2.5 liter Pontiac 'Iron Duke' (not really an 'Iron Duke', though, because the ORIGINAL was a 4-cylinder version of the old Chevy 230 CID 6-cylinder), or a so-called 'LLV' (they say it's a 'long-life vehicle, but all the mechanics working for the USPS called it a 'LOW-LIFE vehicle, and for good reason) with the same engine, or a fucking 2WD Jeep Cherokee with a 4.0 engine...

HOW DARE TYLER BRING UP THIS SUBJECT! (SARC)

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 08:31 | 5237448 Thom_333
Thom_333's picture

GPS...? Maybe that would help. It´s time you realize that the Postal Service only raison d´etre is helping out keeping tabs on who lives where to help facilitate the next SWAT raid.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 12:51 | 5238011 HughAxton
HughAxton's picture

So they have to pre-pay their retirement obligations, and are therefore losing money....thus they are losing money.  At least they are honest, unlike every other public, private and great society retirement ponzi

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:57 | 5236190 Never One Roach
Never One Roach's picture

It’s bad, yes, I know. But……………..instead of handing several Billions to Ukraine, Billions to Israel, Estonia, Egypt, Africa and a few hundred other countries, why not subsidize the postal service but beef up the work requirements like,” if you want to be a lazy good-for-nothing POS … You’re fired!

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:03 | 5236210 surf0766
surf0766's picture

Yes  good idea. Stop making excuse where none of them are fired for performance

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:41 | 5236313 Beam Me Up Scotty
Beam Me Up Scotty's picture

If you implemented work rules like that, you would lose 90% of government jobs overnight. It wouldn't much matter as most .gov jobs are nothing more than glorified Turd Counter jobs anyway. These people produce absolutely nothing of value.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:31 | 5236632 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

Here's another clue:

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE UNIONS.

Try looking at the USPS as a perfect example.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:58 | 5236532 JuliaS
JuliaS's picture

My friend working at a postal service brags about how easy the work is. She works at a distribution depot close to the airport. On stormy days when flights are suspended the whole department gets to play computer games and browse facebook, while getting paid... well... even when deliveries happen, that's also pretty much all they do, because the handling of mail is all automated. Fucking leeches!

And what is the reaction of my other friend to whom I relay the information? They want to know where to submit the resumes! Shame on you, people! Shame on you!

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 10:00 | 5237533 Bollixed
Bollixed's picture

Back in the day I lived right across the street from a local tavern. On any given day you could walk in the place and see a certain postal worker sitting at the bar from 2pm until 5pm. Every workday.

I worked out of my house back then and saw his postal jeep there everyday. So I asked him once 'what's up with that?' His reply was, 'he was finished with his route by 2pm and if he showed back up at the post office before 5pm they would know he was under-worked and would then add to his route'.

So three hours daily at the bar on company time took care of that...

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:30 | 5236095 spinone
spinone's picture

nice butt

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:38 | 5236648 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

A little too skinny, and the gap's a little to wide, in my personal opinion. Looking at the money tucked in, she also likes to show it to a few too many people. Not that I wouldn't look at it and other things... and enjoy it... but she needs to eat just a LITTLE more, and pick the one she shows it to.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:01 | 5236558 Freddie
Freddie's picture

There will be FREE delivery to all FEMA reducation camps plus free "meds."

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:42 | 5236657 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

AND, they FEDEX will subcontract the deliveries via USPS!

Going long on Glaxo-Smith-Kline... and expanding the portfolio to include FedEx and 'XE'...

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 00:26 | 5237009 tvdog
tvdog's picture

Will I still be able to order medicine from India in FEMA camp?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:31 | 5236100 surf0766
surf0766's picture

Maybe they should not be wasting tax payer money funding their own fucking clothing line to sell to the masses.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:43 | 5236134 Buck Johnson
Buck Johnson's picture

Yep, and Fed Ex is waiting in the shadows for the money to come.

 

 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:47 | 5236146 Grumbleduke
Grumbleduke's picture

As far as I understand this story, your Postal Service has some constitutional protections and rights? Am I right?

So, get rid of an institution your founding fathers thought to be crucial. Postal fraud, anyone? And blackmailing corporations like FedEx or UPS should be a cakewalk (see: yahoo blackmailed with fines), it is not that easy with your postal service.

But maybe I'm wrong.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:33 | 5236637 The9thDoctor
The9thDoctor's picture

Article 1 Section 8 gave the Congress way too much power.

Now they tax to death and use that revenue to provide welfare programs like EBT, WIC, Section 8, student loans, an all sorts of "general welfare"; they regulate commerce such as the stupid NFA laws; they setup a monopoly postal corporation which is highly inefficient. When someone like Lysander Spooner comes in with a more efficient model, he gets shut down.

The founding fathers weren't all in agreement, and most of them were displeased with the Constitution that is so idolized today.

I highly recommend the "Constitution Con" an essay by Michael Tsarion.

I butt heads with the "Constitutionalists" all of the time, because their "G.D. piece of paper" is just that. Congress, the President, and the 9 judges treat the Constitution the same way you guys followed underage drinking laws in college, and follow speed limits today.

Article 1 Section 8 was put in there to leave the gates wide open so the City of London could take over by stealth, because redcoats kept getting their officers taken out by riflemen. The pocket book is a much more effective method, to point where Americans think their monthly "mortgage" payment is an asset!

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 22:12 | 5236723 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

You might be correct on this one; HOWEVER:

Article One Section Eight charges Congress with the power 'To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;'. The 'Federal Reserve Act Of 1913' tried to usurp the Constitution (illegally, because changing the Constitution requires a Constitutional Convention). The SHEOPLE don't even fucking CARE, however.

You state that 'Article 1 Section 8 was put in there to leave the gates wide open so the City of London could take over by stealth, because redcoats kept getting their officers taken out by riflemen. The pocket book is a much more effective method, to point where Americans think their monthly "mortgage" payment is an asset!"

NO. You do NOT UNDERSTAND this matter at all. The FEDERAL RESERVE ACT is UNCONSTITUTIONAL and not REQUIRED TO BE OBEYED BY THE PEOPLE. This 'CONGRESS' has been breaking the SUPREME LAW since 1913. The FUCKING FEDERAL RESERVE ACT is what made the CITY the master; NOT Article 1 section 8!

Article 1, section 10, lays the gauntlet. "No State shall... make any Thing but gold and silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts;". EVERY STATE GOVERNMENT has also been corrupted by Rothschild as well.

It's NOT the CONSTITUTION that's the problem. It's the CORRUPTION and LIES that surround and manipulate the uneducated MASSES perpetrated by the monied interests that bought politicians and the media; in order for the furtherance of the 'END-GAME' goal of obfuscating the TRUTH of the matter that is the TRUE CAUSE of the issue.

I didn't know that the Ninth Doctor was a JOEY ('Skippy, The Bush Kangaroo' was supposed to be a MALE!).

WHO TOLD YOU THE SHIT YOU POSTED, ANYWAY? Was it John Boehner?

 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 22:32 | 5236779 Leraconteur
Leraconteur's picture

So what? Who the hell uses stamps in 2015? Old ladies?\

If you want you can pay FedEx to deliver your Christmas Cards.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 00:29 | 5237012 tvdog
tvdog's picture

You still have to pay some bills by check. Not everything can be done online yet. And no way am I giving the bank authority to pay bills for me.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 01:30 | 5237101 Leraconteur
Leraconteur's picture

Do you know that in most of the world, you get a bill on your door, you take it, you go to a local grocer or convenience store a short walk away, and pay cash?

Many things in the USA are backwards, out of date, stupid, or counter productive. This is just one of many. Glad I left.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 22:45 | 5236814 Greenskeeper_Carl
Greenskeeper_Carl's picture

perhaps one of yall can point out the part of the constitution that gives the federal govt the authority to run some kind of mail service that operates by forcefully taking money from all american taxpayers. Muat have missed that in the enumerated powers granted by the states to the fedgov

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 10:44 | 5237603 tarsubil
tarsubil's picture

That makes sense. Apparently, even with the economy as it is, the postal service cannot manage to hire or keep employees. The new employees get crap for pay and the management is completely disfunctional. The ones that got in while pay was good are retiring. My guess is that the postal service will have severe labor shortages that will lead to mail not being delivered on some regular days within the next couple years.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 13:40 | 5238158 A Nanny Moose
A Nanny Moose's picture

Evidence please? This is bad, because? Do you understand Price? What is a price?

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 19:46 | 5239121 orez65
orez65's picture

"... and outsouce mail delivery to Fed Ex, who will promptly raise prices to $2 a stamp."

It should be $100.00 a stamp!!

Because you shouldn't be using a stamp for something that you can do over the Internet!!

There are one quarter million USPS vehicles spewing pollutants, doing something of which 99% could be done over the Internet.

Ass hol.s!!

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:27 | 5236085 mofreedom
mofreedom's picture

I am MO GALT dammit.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:27 | 5236086 goldhedge
goldhedge's picture

Who the fuck is John Galt?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 22:28 | 5236767 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

He's a 'nobody'. He used to be an 'industrialist' and a 'capitalist', but one day he went 'mad', and declared his disagreement with the State. His memory will soon be wiped from all official records.

Chocolate rations soon to be increased from one ounce per day to 20 grams.

Next up: Hannity speaks live!

LINK HERE:

http://gunmagwarehouse.com/?gclid=CLeOqLGWysACFY17fgodcSsA6g

(OOPS! Wrong link; SHIT!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3p9s1cSzko

Stay tuned to the Six Owners Network for other crap...

 

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 12:26 | 5237932 pgroup
pgroup's picture

Nicely done - the chocolate ration thingy. Very nicely done.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:29 | 5236089 WillyGroper
WillyGroper's picture

You really screwed the pooch on this one Simon. You know good & well the financial shenanigens engineered during the Bush regime for USPS to fund both pensions & health care for 3 GENERATIONS in advance while giving Feinswines husband cart blanche in selling closed branches. 

No business has such requirements. 

You are FOS!

On a side note...my old boss's boss delivers my mail now. HA, there is a God. He was a flaming asshole.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:36 | 5236115 Ralph Spoilsport
Ralph Spoilsport's picture

+1

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:58 | 5236194 Atlas_shrugging
Atlas_shrugging's picture

Cracked me up

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:05 | 5236201 Dickweed Wang
Dickweed Wang's picture

I agree 100% - this article is full of shit and plays right into the corporate interests that would love to pick up the USPS for pennies on the dollar after an engineered bankruptcy, or or for those firms that would want to see it killed off entirely to get the regular mail business.

The USPS was breaking even, or even running in the black, until the criminals in congress decided to force them to pre-pay a pension plan 50 years (or 75 - I can't remember) into the future.  This required a HUGE payment when the law was instated putting them instantly DEEP into the red and has killed their bottom line ever since.  Since the article doesn't even bring this issue up it tells me that the whole thing is a subliminal sales pitch for the "take the USPS (more) private crowd" or for those that want to kill it off all together to pick up the regular mail part of the business.

BS Alert! BS Alert!

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:14 | 5236402 Yes_Questions
Yes_Questions's picture

 

 

exactly

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:11 | 5236587 WOD
WOD's picture

It was to be funded for 75 full years.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:30 | 5236629 baldski
baldski's picture

You are so right, Dickweed! They are forced to fund their pension plan out 75 years by a Republican controlled congress! Does Congress think Postal employees are so healthy that they will live 135 years! What actuary did the reichwingnuts in Congress consult for this one?

Fedex just lost a lawsuit in California that they were claiming their drivers were independent contractors and not employees. They have gotten away with this for years. What a crock of shit!

 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 22:59 | 5236846 Yes_Questions
Yes_Questions's picture

 

 

FED EX has a place and I can report successful delivery of overnight packages.

 

Totally reliable, and a top notch operation, from my experience.

 

they are not the Mail tho.

 

any company with a brand should stay THE FUCK AWAY from thinking they'll ever be the mail..

 

it'll kill the brand, the public will not like it.

 

I know, there's charts and dollars to be measured and the .gov can't run a business blah blah blah.  

 

unless of course, FED EX takes over the process, but can offer a service where my mail box will not receive any mail..  which ever entity can assure that I will only receive mail when I decide to open it up for reception..  Then... 

 

 

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 01:21 | 5237094 BlindMonkey
BlindMonkey's picture

I used to live by an airport. The most amusing thing happened every morning. The company "Airborne Express" released the vans at the same time and those fuckers shot out of there like hell on wheels. You felt like you were being swarmed by these silver vans trying to outrace each other stoplight to stoplight like teenagers on Red Bull. Crazy shit that was. I think Airborne Express is toast now but I am not sure. Haven't seen any of those crazy silver vans in years.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 10:18 | 5237552 11b40
11b40's picture

Everything submitted by the self-serving Simon Black contains a certain degree of BS. He has a way of writing that specializes in lies of omission.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 13:08 | 5238072 DipshitMiddleCl...
DipshitMiddleClassWhiteKid's picture

So...its more or less a huge ponzi scheme?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:26 | 5236261 robobbob
robobbob's picture

you did well in explaining the details of the specifc example.

what you completely missed explaining is the central point of the article.

in a country touted as the beacon of freedom and capitalism, central planners can and are passing generally unthinkable legislation whenever it suites them.

if today its a particular bastion of a left voting union special interest group and make work jobs program, then in the midst of a full blown nationwide crises, what won't they feel they have the authority to do?

Sovereign man is about preparing for the future. a future where the mentioned government dictates may become common place grasping to protect the status quo rather then ever facing up to the truth. It is the titanic, and rather than admit the boat is sinking, the central planning crew will refuse to let anyone leave.

maybe its just chicken little, but at least you've be made aware of the possibility. the rest is up to you. if it does happen, you can't say you weren't warned.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:36 | 5236293 JR
JR's picture

You know it’s bad when the scenarios from “Atlas Shrugged” can be mistaken for current news of actual developments blurring the line between fiction and truth.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:15 | 5236390 Barnaby
Barnaby's picture

Well no, She wrote the ashkenazi playbook before it was a Thing.

She and Jabotinski probably engaged in arranged anonymous subway frottage on the Metro while their leash-holders steamed about the content of their writing.

Jewroboros, and here we stand, shaking our fists at the sky like Skunk Hour.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:07 | 5236386 Barnaby
Barnaby's picture

Well fucking said.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 23:01 | 5236851 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

NIXON was 'president' during the privatization of the USPO (re-naming it the 'USPS'). FORD funded initial operations, and CARTER pushed for the full deal. REAGAN went along with everything, signing any bills he was told to in order to continue LIVING.

YOU, however, are a DOUCHE for failing to realize the FACTS before stating that IT WAS BUSH'S FAULT. Which one, by the way?

Maybe it was MARVIN. He was Governor of Florida while the MINA OPERATIONS relocated. WAIT A MINUTE... he was also a member of the Board of Directors of SECURACOM (STRATOSEC), which was in charge of security for United Airlines, Dulles International Airport, AND the WTC Complex (until September 10, 2001)...

"On a side note...my old boss's boss delivers my mail now."

SO: You had a boss who also had a boss, and he was the boss of YOUR boss. I'm confused, now.  Should I refer to the boss of your boss as a 'boss, once removed'? Since you and your boss and his boss have all had careers (in whatever you did), I would assume that your boss's boss must be pushing 120 years old.

I didn't realize that the USPS had surplus used Rascal Scooters in their inventory of auctionable equipment (they must have bought these mistakenly from Walmart). How do they handle, coming up your dirt and gravel easment?

Have you put up signs warning your boss's boss about the dangers of climbing in to the Kelvinator on your front porch and closing the door?

YEAH, YOU screwed the POOCH on this post. 'It's BUSH'S FAULT!'

FUCK! WHAT a MAROON!

If directions to your house include the phrase 'turn left on to the GRAVEL ROAD'; you might just be...

"No business has such requirements."

General Motors, in the late 1960's, when the Unions took over... OR, the Social Security Act...

YOU are truly a piece of work!

Sun, 09/21/2014 - 08:21 | 5240012 J2nh
J2nh's picture

The 2006 Postal Accountability Enhancement Act was a bipartisan legislation and was passed by a bipartisan Congress.

 

The prefunding requirement addresses a mgabillion dollar pension and healthcare shortfall in coming years.  Declining business, increased pension costs, save now if you want to keep the taxpayers off the hook.

 

The USPS has missed the 7 Billion dollar annual payment 3 times and even without the payment the USPS loses billions annually, justifying the need for the prefunding which came too late in the declince.  The legislation in question was sponsored by the union that is demanding future closings and efficiency improvements be put on hold.

 

Ultimately the taxpayers are going to pay for the pensions and benefits.  

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:30 | 5236096 starman
starman's picture

America is fucked! Let me repeat, America is fucked!

Recession in 3 2 1...

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:39 | 5236120 Berspankme
Berspankme's picture

The sheer amount of bullshit thatis being kicked down the road is staggering. When this fucker implodes,it's gonna be epic- one for the ages

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:18 | 5236243 Bangalore Equit...
Bangalore Equity Trader's picture

Listen. What will be the clue? You'll see the American "WAR" machine fully engaged everywhere.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 23:36 | 5236927 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

And,

What's your point?

It's not like they already don't have over 700 military bases in 176 countries around the globe, or something like this.

'Checkpoints' of car travelers with 'no-refusal' blood tests during the 'holidays'...

HUM-VEES used by local police departments to perform S.W.A.T. raids on the wrong addresses and launching 'flash-bang grenades' into bedrooms and burning infant children, and shooting and killing dogs who bark, and shooting people six times IN THE BACK and sucker-punching 78-year-old women, and strip-searching 3-year olds and grandmothers who have had mastectomies before 'allowing' them to board privately-contractaed airline flights, and...

What did you say, again? I must have missed your point.

http://www.informationliberation.com/

"Listen. What will be the clue? You'll see the American "WAR" machine fully engaged everywhere."

I think that you are a little slow.

It's not like you are stupid or something, but perhaps you haven't fully understood the magnitude and the timeline of current events. 

I will try NOT to be a complete asshole here, but I'll tell you what THE SIGN is.

REPEAT AFTER ME, SLOWLY:

WHEN   THE   SAUDIS   BACK   OUT   OF   the   OPEC   ACCORDS   WRITTEN   BY   HENRY   KISSINGER    AND   PASSED   INTO   LAW   BY   NIXON   .   .   .

Your so-called 'clue' about "WAR MACHINES' being engaged is about 13 years late (USAPATRIOT was passed in 2001).

 

Other than that, keep your chin up and endure the shit your masters tell you to endure, 'Bangalore'.

DOWNARROW in 3,... 2,... 1,...

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:59 | 5236548 JuliaS
JuliaS's picture

Recession (Depression) never ended. No need for the countdown.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 23:01 | 5236853 Yes_Questions
Yes_Questions's picture

 

 

its a count up:

 

Depression since...

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 23:59 | 5236972 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

WAIT!

Alex, I think I know the ANSWER!

It was 1871!

(Audience moans, and Alex Trebeck sighs, and knows that this is bullshit as he reads the official 'Jeopardy' rules for the 'audience):

"The correct answer is 'What was 1871?' I'm sorry, but you didn't phrase the answer correctly. THE JUDGES have decided that YOU LOSE due to this fucking techincality. Since you are deemed to be 'CHATTLE' ever since the ACT of 1871, and subject to any whims that we see fit, you are no longer able to claim 'immunity', since your parents regisered you as an 'official' citizen under the Title Act which was ALSO passed in this year. Since you didn't phrase the answer correctly, I have no choice but to make you forfeit any gains this evening under Admiralty Law. The District Of Columbia has it's own 'Broadcasting System' (named the 'Columbia Broadcasting System', or 'CBS',), and my paycheck depends on it's sponsorship and full support. Just because you actually know the answer does not mean that you followed the express rules of the CORPORATION in expressing this correct answer. Therefore, I have no choice but to announce that LaToya Chauntae is the NEW winner."

 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:32 | 5236107 kowalli
kowalli's picture

don't worry. +- of a bad asset don't make any difference

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:35 | 5236108 LawsofPhysics
LawsofPhysics's picture

Henceforth we declare that no one is allowed to fail, no one is allowed to sell their investments, gravity no longer applies, etc. etc. etc.

Who are these fucking idiots?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:38 | 5236118 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

Project Venus insanity ward block F.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:39 | 5236303 JRev
JRev's picture

Magicians?

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 02:39 | 5236994 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

"PLANET P PROJECT".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2NK_xeYsUI

Idiot Spirits and Principalities and Powers running the Idiocracy.

NOT 'magicians'. They rank far lower than yourself.

EDIT:

Watch the voting.

I see a plus one/minus one, a zero, a 'minus one', another 'zero', and a whole lot of other bullshit.

Greens and Reds battle out the 'Battle of the Bands', LIVE at GRAZZARI'S on the SUNSET STRIP!

Fucking AYE!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WElvEZj0Ltw

TONY CAREY:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE5M-hG2Q2Y

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 03:10 | 5237186 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

NEGATIVE ONE is the 'NEW NORMAL'!

YAY!

I WIN!

Does this mean I have been accepted as 'RAYCISS'  because I made reference to 'La Toya'?

I now wish to defer my critisism to all the 'civil sevants' who have kept the peace since 1933 (or, was it 1913?).

Without YOUR fealty and continued servitute, the goals of your masters would not have been possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Lg4gGk53iY

GOD-DAMNED STUPID MOTHERFUCKERS... Just like the unionized 'Postal Service'...

Bunch of Communized 'Archie Bunkers', anyhow...

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:36 | 5236111 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

Paging Cloward–Piven strategy, your table of two is now available. Again, paging Cloward - Piven, your table is ready. 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:16 | 5236242 ClowardPiven2016
ClowardPiven2016's picture

here I am....can I have a booth please? You take EBT cards right? And do you pay your dishwasher a "livable wage" of $15 per hour?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:40 | 5236309 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

No.  It's a machine.  Leave a tip.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:41 | 5236125 Wile-E-Coyote
Wile-E-Coyote's picture

Surely this is back door nationalisation!

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:45 | 5236135 logicalman
logicalman's picture

Can I get off this ride now, it's making me feel like I want to vomit.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:49 | 5236148 Jack Burton
Jack Burton's picture

The nearest town Duluth Minnesota has a mail handleing facility, a sorting and distribution center. Over 100 high paying jobs are there, and it is slated to be closed and the work sent to Minneapolis. The USPS tried over 3 years ago to shut this Duluth facility to save money. Congress ordered then 3 years ago to cancel the closing, then again the next year, the USPS tried to close it again. Congress stepped in and demanded it stay open. Just last month the USPS ordered Duluth Mail facility closed and refused threats from local politicians to deamnd it's staying open. The USPS thus told the local congressmen to fuck off! Well, now I see the answer, pass legislation.

Lets be clear, this is a desperate attempt to force the USPS to lose more and more money in order to retain some of the few high paying blue collar jobs left inside America.

So, here we go again. The congress once again has saved these 100+ people in the Duluth mail handling facility. It is now a fucking joke. Just pay people who are not needed, 50 + thousand a year and make the USPS pay it!

America is a joke, a fucking joke. This is USSR level manipulation of the economy.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:54 | 5236169 kowalli
kowalli's picture

USSR had free education, medical treatment and many other free and good things..

so it's not ussr level...

You don't have anything in USA and pay for all...

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 10:38 | 5237591 headhunt
headhunt's picture

Yeah, and the free shit crowd killed the country.

There is no free ride even in communist countries.

That is why Putin has stolen Crimea, the only thing that keeps Russia afloat is the energy it sells.

New energy sources on the way and good by communist Russia.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 02:30 | 5237162 MedTechEntrepreneur
MedTechEntrepreneur's picture

Here is the fix.  Lets have the Fed take over the USPS.  Stop looking at the books and pay for it all, off-balance sheet.  Perfect!  

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 10:34 | 5237579 11b40
11b40's picture

No, here is the real fix.

Let the post office also perform basic banking functions, make community based loans within small geographic regions & issue credit cards with interest rates pegged a few points over prime.

Kill several birds with one stone.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:52 | 5236162 NoDebt
NoDebt's picture

There is a an 'Atlas Shrugged Part III - Who is John Galt' movie out.  I gotta be slipping or something.  I didn't know until yesterday.

http://www.atlasshruggedmovie.com/

 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:29 | 5236270 djsmps
djsmps's picture

Probably because the first two did so well.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:52 | 5236166 oudinot
oudinot's picture

In the third century AD, the Roman economy was in tatters.  Diocletian who became Emperor around 285 AD put in a law that male children had to do the same business, occupation  as his father.  The only exception was joining the military.

As crazy as it may now seem this law stabilised the crappy economy and the Eastern Roman Empire lasted another 180 years after that.

So those who think the American empire will expire shortly are in for a surprise; it will get shoddier, creaky and Fascist but may last another 50 years or so.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 18:54 | 5236172 kowalli
kowalli's picture

2-3 years...

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:49 | 5236339 oudinot
oudinot's picture

''2-3 years'

On what historical or contemporary premise?

Pray tell.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 00:17 | 5236997 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

'For he knows that the time is shortened...'

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 07:44 | 5237400 petolo
petolo's picture

The Black Swan Premise milord!

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 07:50 | 5237402 petolo
petolo's picture

sorry, double posr!

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 13:11 | 5238081 DipshitMiddleCl...
DipshitMiddleClassWhiteKid's picture

2017, after buffets index derivatives expire and he collects the premiums he the markets are going to fucking TANK

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 09:21 | 5236193 Cacete de Ouro
Cacete de Ouro's picture

Download my latest scaremongering crap and give me your email address. Then I'll send you lots of marketing emails and stock tips on stocks that me and the other Casey boys have positioned ourselves in. It's a hoot.

Yours truly (from an Estancia somewhere in the high Argentinian desert),

Simon Black
a.k.a. Casey's manservant

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:06 | 5236200 Son of Captain Nemo
Son of Captain Nemo's picture

But Alan Greenspan "worshipped" her?...

He said she was the best dominatrix he's ever had!  Nobody could "kick you in the nuts harder", drag you around the dungeon wearing a dog collar with a "strap-on" and pour hot candle wax on your genitals better that Madame "Ayn"!...

I don't have a direct quote from Alan, but rest assured when the markets were ready to tank at the end of 2002 several individuals heard him give G.W. the "green light" to invade Iraq telling him -Give me a war!

What a good pupil of Ayn 'he was!  He owes much of his success to her!

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:22 | 5236436 Yes_Questions
Yes_Questions's picture

 

 

++Madame "Ayn"!...

 

 


Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:03 | 5236211 Wilcox1
Wilcox1's picture

All they have to do is make it illegal to be a failure. Problem solved.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:03 | 5236213 kchrisc
kchrisc's picture

They want, need, the billions of fiat that flows to the banksters and Wall St. via USPS pension funding to continue.

I.e. How broke, morally and financially are they?!

An American, not US subject.

 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:11 | 5236225 WeNeedaRealGovt
WeNeedaRealGovt's picture

So we have cheap postal service in this country that costs us a measly $2Billion/yr.  And I can mail a two day letter for $5.05 and that's bad.

If you think this should change you're brain-washed by the GOP/AyneRand scum.  And you probably voted for "W" but no longer admit it in public.  In other words your a stupid fu#k!

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:31 | 5236462 Eahudimac
Eahudimac's picture

Fuck Obama.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:03 | 5236563 swmnguy
swmnguy's picture

No, thank you.  I'd rather not.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 00:24 | 5237006 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

After Sasha and Melia have been sequestered, and Choom-wife has landed in Chicago to direct 'school lunch programs', Valerie Jarrett come to him the still of the night, and tells the ONE that it's gonna be WAY better than all those fags he gave himself to, as she straps on her weapon of ASS destruction and tells him to suck on it...

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 12:58 | 5238032 MisterMousePotato
MisterMousePotato's picture

Am I the only one who has noticed that, unlike the press's constant coverage of the Bushes' daughters, even the slightest mention of Sushi and Malaria has completely stopped?

Wonder what Obie threatened 'em with? (Or maybe it was unnecessary - after all, they're on the same team.)

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 10:31 | 5237572 headhunt
headhunt's picture

said the retired union postal employee...

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:22 | 5236250 limacon
limacon's picture

This can only work in a fully Feudal system like the early Western Europe one .

Who do they have in mind for Lords and Peasants ?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:31 | 5236273 JR
JR's picture

A major reason that the Congress just plows ahead into this senseless waste is so that congressmen can give jobs to people in their areas and get money for their districts. If the post office were private, Congress would not be involved. It’s involved because it’s subsidizing the postal system probably in a hundreds ways. And not only that, Congress prohibits real competition in mail delivery.

In short, the post office is government; its employees are federal employees and it has a federal monopoly on US mail delivery and rates. Postal officials go to Congress when the agency wants to raise stamp prices.

And the taxpayers, as Jim Quinn says, are responsible for its losses. Because, God forbid, "we own it." We just aren't part of the management. If 70% of the people want Saturday delivery ended, and it is not ended, that shows you just how little our "ownership" means - until it comes to the losses.

But we can wait in line an hour or more for service, cause there’s no competition to force the U.S Postal Service to accommodate customers.

USPS Chief Operating Officer Megan Brennan earned $225,308 in 2011, but brought in a total of $358,996, and Chief Information Officer Ellis Burgoyne earned $220,846 but brought in $508,688.

Top 300 salaries in HQ in 2011; Number in group - 300; Average Salary - $151,210; Average years of service – 22; Vice Presidents – 28 - $189.000 – 25 years; District Managers – 49 - $163,135 – 32 years; Plant Managers – 57 - $143,101 – 29.

Combined list Number 415 - average $152,428 – years 25

The average income of the 645,950 total workforce, including benefits, was $74,789. http://www.savethepostoffice.com/it-was-very-good-year-salaries-usps-executives

As for 2012, the Federal Times Blogs writes:

Postal Service again restrained on top executives’ pay in ’12

January 6th, 2014 | Pay & Benefits Postal Service | Posted by Sean Reilly

The U.S. Postal Service continued to keep a comparatively tight lid in 2012 on senior executive salaries, according to its recently released annual report to Congress. By law, the Postal Service has to list all employees whose pay exceeded that of a Cabinet secretary. For calendar 2012, that threshold was $199,700; a dozen USPS executives and officers made more than that, down from 13 in 2011 and 38 in 2010, according to the official rundown.

Here’s the 2012 list (found on p. 66 of the annual report):

Paul Vogel, president, digital solutions, $312,175* **

Pat Donahoe, postmaster general and chief executive officer: $276,840

David C. Williams, inspector general: $263,684**

Ron Stroman, deputy postmaster general: $245,000

Anthony Vegliante, chief human resources officer and executive vice president: $240,000*

Joseph Corbett, chief financial officer and executive VP: $239,000

Megan Brennan, chief operating officer and executive VP: $235,000 (see above)

Mary Anne Gibbons, general counsel and executive VP: $230,000*

Ellis Burgoyne, chief information officer and executive VP: $230,000* (see above)

Jo Ann Feindt, VP, Southern area operations: $224,300

Dean Granholm, VP, Pacific area operations: $219,116

Drew Aliperto, VP, Western area operations: $219,000

For fiscal 2013, incidentally, pay and bonuses for non-bargaining unit employees remained frozen, the report says, adding that this was the six straight year that compensation for executive officers was affected “by either a freeze in salary and/or a non-payment of performance lump sums.”

*Now holds a different position, is no longer with the Postal Service or was not in this position for the entire 2012 calendar year

**Includes annuity paid by the Office of Personnel Management

http://blogs.federaltimes.com/federal-times-blog/2014/01/06/postal-service-again-restrained-on-executive-level-pay-in-12/

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:36 | 5236474 max2205
max2205's picture

They vote too

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 00:30 | 5237013 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

A quarter million here, a QUARTER BILLION THERE, A QUARTER TRILLION EVERYWHERE...

HEY! Corporations are people, TOO!

The USPS defecit is, once again,?

 

How much was that?

 

 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:34 | 5236277 Otto Zitte
Otto Zitte's picture

It only lasts through the fake DC elections. its an expensive political maneuver to capture votes from the predominately DNC post office zombie horde. 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:47 | 5236660 Freddie
Freddie's picture

Some people posting here know jack about the USPS or work there. 

Mail volumes have been droppinga dn since obama - the economy is far worse and volumes keep dropping faster..  You have te internet and you have a criminal govt destroying the economy and Amerika. 

So keep everything open even though their business is dying.  The union has resisted any improvements like 5 day delivery,  Most streets should have a centralized box to speed up delivery. Some towns do have it. 

80% of carriers are good.  Porbably 50% of the inside woorkers are good.  The bad ones are total shit.  Most facilities are loaded with union goons who will cry racism if they are expected to do any work. 

Every postal office I have been in has broken glas doors where the A/C is going full blast with wide open doors.  This is at about 4 locations that I have been to. 

Finally, postal increases have destroyed 3rd class-bulk rate or as detractors call it junk mail.  Junk mail pays less but it very automated and mails in tonnage. With the advent of internet - junk mail was one of the last uses that people or business could use the USPS for,  You can email or fax.  Bill pay is all online along with bank and brokerage statements.  The blowhards, many posting here tonight, will be the first to attack junk mail.  It was one of the few areas the USPS could have maintained volume.  The USPS is f***ed like the rest of the country.

Congress with ISIS, Ukraine and open borders is a sign that the USA has gone total full retard.  Thank evil Democrats and RINo NeoCOns scumbags. 

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 00:51 | 5237040 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

'GOOD' and 'BAD' are RELATIVE terms.

You must be in a totally-occupied city (OR ELSE, you are an employee).

LOVE is like OXYGEN:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc1sgCT7X2c

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 00:42 | 5237033 MontgomeryScott
MontgomeryScott's picture

I was checking the map, trying to find the described 'STATE' of 'DC'. It doesn't seem to be any part of any legitimate 'government'.

Those within the City might try to disgree with my statement (along with residents of the Vatican).

Let me check the other 'legitimate' governments.

Israeli

State

Intelligence

Service

"Stacking 'em deep, and selling them cheap"...

CONYERS is good, I suppose (for you).

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:33 | 5236283 Snoopy the Economist
Snoopy the Economist's picture

What kind of crap is this? I paid ~ $20 to ship a 35lb box about 150 miles in 2 days. A simple envelope costs $25 to ship 2 days?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:37 | 5236296 the grateful un...
the grateful unemployed's picture

the creed of the european fascists in the 30s was they were going to make the trains run on time, (or run period) whenever you trust vital services to for profit business, when the profit disappears so does the service. suppose the public utility wasn't making a profit do they quit generating electricity? nuts like AR believe its all or nothing. the postal service guarantees service to rural customers,  you're mad at the Congress for keeping some postal facilities open, but not for funding the war in Syria, which caused the ISIS problem in the first place?? boy are they loving this thread in the beltway, haha fooled again..

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:41 | 5236311 Quaderratic Probing
Quaderratic Probing's picture

Its a direct subsidy of  the user by the taxpayer.

If they build a bridge that you dont use its the same. 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 19:47 | 5236334 Barnaby
Barnaby's picture

Middle-class ripple effect:

Gammy (now a 60s or 70s kid) doesn't have the cash for her sub-crotchfruit.

Fiat is no longer on the move in every other obvious birthday, holiday or other card.

Postal carriers start quitting because they no longer pull in the weekly schwag.

Newly-hired postal carriers become so "low hire" that the service must denigrate its products whilst elevating the stamp on a quarterly basis.

Congress implements a closure freeze and all these deficient meatbags stay employed.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:11 | 5236393 tlnzz
tlnzz's picture

Central planning does not equate central control. Our Government is going to learn this the hard way. "Out of chaos comes order, out of order comes chaos".

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:12 | 5236396 Joebloinvestor
Joebloinvestor's picture

They made the defense industry consolidate.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:19 | 5236423 Flatchestynerdette
Flatchestynerdette's picture

I wish zerohedge would hold off on using the nuclear option of Directive 10-289 for something really noteworthy - like the entire business environment.

The piddling post office not consolidating for 1 year after they have consolidated (my own post office was merged with another and its chaos - the staff from the one don't talk to the staff from the other, if you get the supervisor from the newly merged facility he knows squat, and its a nightmare. Moral is at an all time low and my mail isn't being delivered correctly) over the last 2 years is just a stop-gap so people will know where their post office is/isn't and nobody can squat on a po box address in an attempt to take it over.

This time out for bratty government service people who are also contractors not unionized is a good thing. Let them all learn how to get together before a new round of closings occur.

 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:24 | 5236441 Dr. Engali
Dr. Engali's picture

Don't confuse Simon Black with Zero Hedge. They are two separate entities.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:37 | 5236647 optimator
optimator's picture

Flatch, I'm sure you know the problems.  Every Postmaster General that retires has party that costs over half a million bucks for starters.  Then the dumb time wasting "rules" that come and go.  Chock the wheels every stop for example.  I've three mail trucks on my street.  One does only packages, one does the 1st class and I don't know what the third does, but I've seen him swap out mail with the other two!!  Typical Government operation.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:45 | 5236504 Colonel Walter ...
Colonel Walter E Kurtz's picture

I thought we already had such a government mandate.

http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/nlrb-orders-cnn-to-rehire-100-employees-...

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:49 | 5236517 mijev
mijev's picture

Post Office execs have been frantically emailing each other trying to work out how they could be losing so much money.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:52 | 5236523 potato
potato's picture

Ukrainian finance minister getting thrown into a trash bin

http://img-9gag-lol.9cache.com/photo/a7KrNYe_460sa_v1.gif

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 20:59 | 5236550 No Quarter
No Quarter's picture

Actually, Fedex often carries USPS mail/packages on expidited service- consumer reports did a piece on this (actually for who ships expidited packages most carefully, but i though that tid-bit was interesting)... its a sublet service FOR the USPS. Carried at a loss to the USPS. Pretty fucked up. But everyone on Ebay is happy, right?

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:22 | 5236613 robnume
robnume's picture

The USPS was always the only bureau who consistently made profits, in years past. Now, all of a sudden they're broke. Nothing political to see here...move along. TPTB just want to privatize everything in search of very short term profits; that's their business model. To hell with the next generation, market competition or fair prices. The USPS, which I use solely because I can afford their prices, is being rigged out of existence. Even here, kids, TPTB are robnume.

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 10:32 | 5237576 falconflight
falconflight's picture

Profitable just like Amtrak.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:24 | 5236618 Perimetr
Perimetr's picture

Just print more money and give it to the Post Office!
That fixes everything else

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 10:27 | 5237565 headhunt
headhunt's picture

Mail it to the USPS a dollar at a time - that would be the ultimate government ponzi scheme.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:46 | 5236663 adr
adr's picture

Fuck UPS after they changed to dimensional weight. You can load a box full of bricks and it will cost less to ship than a larger box filled with a single lighter product.

Shipping for my company tripled after the change.

 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 21:56 | 5236695 trippy64
trippy64's picture

As one f the few ennumerated constitutional provisions, it has to keep running. 

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 22:06 | 5236715 tony bonn
tony bonn's picture

i am sick of this goddamned crap about how the usps should be profitable or compete with ups....the postal service is a governmental service to benefit everyone....people whine and mew about a few billions usps is losing while they happily pay taxes and vote for murderer congressman to spend trillions on wars of imperial aggression and murder and kill thousand and millions to protect america's paranoid hitlerian national security....

now most of the people at the post office are arrogant assholes and should be fired and i can think of a few at post offices in metro atlanta who should be shitcanned at the earliest opportunity. but getting rid of usps or demanding that it be profitable is a hypocritical crock.

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 22:25 | 5236762 Leraconteur
Leraconteur's picture

It is not a gov service, it does not benefit everyone, and it is no longer needed.

No one sends letters or cards. Only very old women.

The remainder of the mail consists of direct mail ads and flyers, all of which are revenue sources for the USPS and trash for the landfill. Beyond useless.

Nations with 1/10th the per capita nominal income or gdp have profitable postal services that charge much more money. Few use them, most will use a private courier on motorcycle or small delivery vehicle. Private, you pay much more than post service, and everyone can get everything.

It's not 1950. If we want to keep post offices around for nostalgia, fine. But private sector can replace this tomorrow. It simply is not needed, and the argument that those who cannot afford it need it no longer holds water. People can get their packages other ways, this won't cut off anyone. 

Sat, 09/20/2014 - 00:07 | 5236988 Buckaroo Banzai
Buckaroo Banzai's picture

According to the constitution, it is in fact a gov't service.

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