Intro to Saving the USPS

 The United States Postal Office, USPS, has been around since the early 1970s. However, it is now in danger of shutting down if it does not receive financial aid. Currently, the USPS is losing $2 billion a month and President Trump threatened to block an emergency federal loan for it. The coronavirus has only increased the USPS’ need for help.  Despite the dangers, postal workers are still doing their job, with 1,219 postal workers having tested positive for the coronavirus and 54 having died. The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act included a $500 billion bailout for large corporations, but it included no help for the USPS. Basically, there is a large chance the USPS may not exist by the end of the year. 

Why is the USPS important? Well it’s possible closing threatens the center of America’s $1.6 trillion mailing industry, which imploys 7.3 million people. Further, the USPS has historically provided a path toward middle-class stability for a variety of Americans. The USPS today is 37 percent minority and 37 percent female. Further, the possible closing of USPS threatens Americans’ ability to vote by mail, which is especially important in the middle of a pandemic. People in large cities are less likely to vote in person than in rural areas due to the large population and increased risks of contracting coronavirus. Further, many Americans have pre-existing conditions that may lead to severe coronavirus symptoms if contracted, and they may not be comfortable going to a public place. The same applies to older Americans and anyone at risk. Many Americans may also not feel comfortable voting in person regardless due to the pandemic. Mail-in ballots must remain an option, however they remained threatened as long as the USPS is. 

One small thing to do in order to help support the USPS is to send packages or letters through them. Using stamps or mailing from one of their locations, as expected, will give them profit. Consider being a penpal with a friend or mailing them something in the middle of the pandemic. Remember, every small thing counts!