| 11/28/2005 3:00:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | Stamp increase isn’t unreasonable
OUR VIEW
The U.S. Postal Service takes a lot of heat because the cost of first-class postage has increased seven times since 1985.
Now, the Postal Rate Commission has recommended a 2-cent increase for a first-class postage stamp effective Jan. 1, 2006.
The way we see it, 39 cents is still a bargain for sending a piece of mail anywhere in the U.S.
The problem is that there is more competition than ever ... e-mail, cell phone text messaging, faxes. They’re all faster and usually less expensive than the U.S. mail.
There is one big flaw in the rate adjustment request. While first-class mail would increase 2 cents, the cost of presorted advertising mail would rise only 1.1 cents to a total of 21.4 cents (2 ounces or less).
That doesn’t seem right.
Have you checked your mail lately? Advertising mail accounts for at least half of all the mail handled by the Postal Service. You know, the stuff many of us call “junk mail.”
We’re not advocating lots of restrictions on advertising mail. The free flow of advertising is important to a free nation’s economic prosperity.
However, those responsible for sending out advertising mail should bear a bigger share of the postal price increase. They’re filling up more mail bags than anyone else and should pay accordingly.
More people are paying their bills electronically, and that’s one way to save on postage.
But there is a place for tradition. We know the enjoyment we get sending and receiving Christmas cards this time of year. Those greetings are special. We treasure the personal messages and the cards themselves. We can’t imagine getting the same joy from a Fax or e-mail ... 39 cents seems like a real bargain to let someone know you’re thinking of them.
|
Reader Comments
Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Article comment by:
Russell Knox
Correct, the rate increase is effective Jan. 8th, not the 1st.
|
Article Comment Form
|
