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RhodeIslandOne

(5,042 posts)
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 08:42 PM Aug 2020

Asking "Who uses the postal service anymore?" is a hostile question

I’ve seen a couple people here ask this question like someone who uses it to pay their bills is some kind of asshole or an idiot.

It doesn’t matter what you think of someone who does so. The postal service is there to be used by the American people. It is under siege by a dictator. So stop the privileged snark. It’s really out of line and makes me question ones motives here.

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Asking "Who uses the postal service anymore?" is a hostile question (Original Post) RhodeIslandOne Aug 2020 OP
Answer for them: "You seem to be proud of your ignorance." Patterson Aug 2020 #1
can i use this ? love it. AllaN01Bear Aug 2020 #51
Of course. Please report back. Patterson Aug 2020 #52
ok, will do. would make a neat bumper sticker. AllaN01Bear Aug 2020 #56
I wasn't even sure it made sense. Patterson Aug 2020 #65
Well stated! SheltieLover Aug 2020 #2
I hadn't noticed the snarkies, but you're right. Karadeniz Aug 2020 #3
It's a difficult time..but snark doesn't help. Let's all try and be patient with one another Thekaspervote Aug 2020 #4
What a dumb question! The Velveteen Ocelot Aug 2020 #5
This message was self-deleted by its author Chin music Aug 2020 #6
I use them and have ALWAYS used them Skittles Aug 2020 #7
I pay most of my bills electronically but use the Post Office for other things. Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin Aug 2020 #8
Good thing I have not seen someone HERE make that comment, I would go fucking Eliot Rosewater Aug 2020 #9
Younger folks who don't think they use it because they do all electronically, just don't get it... hlthe2b Aug 2020 #10
You are right Rebl2 Aug 2020 #23
Your utility surprises me Massacure Aug 2020 #46
My city is the same. cwydro Aug 2020 #49
Want Rebl2 Aug 2020 #50
The irony of this (further) treason by Doturd... AZ8theist Aug 2020 #11
you are confused about who is his base......his goal is to hurt Americans questionseverything Aug 2020 #15
I am not confused about his base. AZ8theist Aug 2020 #16
+1 Gidney N Cloyd Aug 2020 #20
+ 2. nt iluvtennis Aug 2020 #42
Bingo. paleotn Aug 2020 #35
The post office has a lucrative business as a last mile delivery carrier for everyone. bullimiami Aug 2020 #12
They tried it. Did a pilot project some years back fescuerescue Aug 2020 #59
A lot of countries run simple national banking throu their post offices. haele Aug 2020 #62
It's also a stupid question. And if someone is offended by me calling them stupid, then don't Ferrets are Cool Aug 2020 #13
As rural resident... 2naSalit Aug 2020 #14
My feelings exactly. paleotn Aug 2020 #34
It is too. 2naSalit Aug 2020 #47
I still do handwritten letters. Solly Mack Aug 2020 #17
Thank you. I live in a distressed municipality. Not everyone has internet access. femmedem Aug 2020 #18
I think marijuana should be legal nationally with USPS the sole distributor nuxvomica Aug 2020 #19
That's a good idea. Another good idea: AZ8theist Aug 2020 #38
this is closer to reality than you might realize fescuerescue Aug 2020 #60
Yeah, we shouldn't forget the protective infrastructure of the USPS nuxvomica Aug 2020 #61
I am a dinosaur. ChazII Aug 2020 #21
Such a Bargain! Roy Rolling Aug 2020 #22
And please remember that the USPS is a service not fooled Aug 2020 #24
all the time! I mail my books to gardeners, tons of seeds, NRaleighLiberal Aug 2020 #25
The mail flows both ways Xipe Totec Aug 2020 #26
I receive my pension check, pay my bills and receive my medicine all by mail. blueinredohio Aug 2020 #27
If they buy anything from Amazon.... paleotn Aug 2020 #28
Yep, and not just Amazon, either. GoCubsGo Aug 2020 #41
Walmart ships to me by FedEx or UPS Kaleva Aug 2020 #67
Many of the businesses who sell through Walmart use USPS. GoCubsGo Aug 2020 #68
+1 dalton99a Aug 2020 #64
Not true Kaleva Aug 2020 #66
this is a rightwing response LymphocyteLover Aug 2020 #29
It's easier to answer the question. Renew Deal Aug 2020 #30
Most of my neighbors are seniors. llmart Aug 2020 #31
Thank you Traildogbob Aug 2020 #32
One very important point - anyone who thinks that way needs their moral compass checked. Bongo Prophet Aug 2020 #33
its the same smuggnes on who uses land line phones . fax . ham radio. morse code . AllaN01Bear Aug 2020 #36
I agree seta1950 Aug 2020 #37
And any similar question is asinine Awsi Dooger Aug 2020 #39
I still use the post office for birthday/holiday cards and to get postal money orders when a iluvtennis Aug 2020 #40
Russians sabotaging our elections *love* useful idiots majdrfrtim Aug 2020 #43
Welcome to DU, where you are constantly judged for "anachronistic" behavior. Coventina Aug 2020 #44
I mail my gd bills and don't need to hear any O.K. Boomer crap. O.K.? Olafjoy Aug 2020 #45
Going paperless as much as possible is environmentally sound. Kaleva Aug 2020 #54
As valid an argument as masses of bird killed by windmills. LanternWaste Aug 2020 #69
Like "Who uses public transit anymore" DBoon Aug 2020 #48
I agree. I don't use them for paying bills but they are/were essential ecstatic Aug 2020 #53
I do everything electronically whenever feasable. Xolodno Aug 2020 #55
It is becoming unusual fescuerescue Aug 2020 #57
The question has been asked here twice RhodeIslandOne Aug 2020 #63
The answer is In It to Win It Aug 2020 #58

The Velveteen Ocelot

(115,280 posts)
5. What a dumb question!
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 08:48 PM
Aug 2020

I don't use it for bill-paying, but I still get packages, and because of the pandemic I order almost everything for delivery. Some people in rural areas still don't have internet service so they rely on USPS for everything. Many elderly or disabled people and veterans rely on it to get medications. Small businesses that can't do online billing need it to send out bills and get paid. The bigger point is that the USPS was created by the Constitution as a public service. The notion that nobody uses or needs it is a monstrously stupid RW talking point.

Response to RhodeIslandOne (Original post)

Skittles

(152,967 posts)
7. I use them and have ALWAYS used them
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 08:48 PM
Aug 2020

currently I send care packages to soldiers overseas

anyone who asks WHO USES USPS is an IDIOT

Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin

(107,112 posts)
8. I pay most of my bills electronically but use the Post Office for other things.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 08:49 PM
Aug 2020

Usually magazine subscriptions. Also use it for Christmas cards and gifts.

Eliot Rosewater

(31,097 posts)
9. Good thing I have not seen someone HERE make that comment, I would go fucking
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 08:51 PM
Aug 2020

ballistic.

The USPS is under attack by RUSSIA and a large group of fascists, what part of that does anyone not understand?

hlthe2b

(101,730 posts)
10. Younger folks who don't think they use it because they do all electronically, just don't get it...
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 08:51 PM
Aug 2020

Indirectly one hell of a lot of things they do is STILL impacted by USPS--not to mention how much UPS and FedX still require USPS to make final delivery. And, security-wise, a lot of documents must be submitted with certifications rather than electronic submissions.

Maybe this will wake them up? But, then again, I've seen 72 hours of a handful of DUers saying that "people are making way too much of this"... I can't tell you how (beyond) angry that made me.

Rebl2

(13,311 posts)
23. You are right
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:23 PM
Aug 2020

UPS and FEDEX use it as last leg of delivery of packages most of the time. I mail my utility bills by mail because the utilities in town charge me extra ($4 or $5) to pay to have it taken out of my checking account or put on a credit card-ridiculous.

Massacure

(7,498 posts)
46. Your utility surprises me
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 11:43 PM
Aug 2020

I can understand the credit card fee, but it is almost certainly cheaper to process an ACH (a debit from your bank account) than it is for them to open up an envelope and process a physical check.

 

cwydro

(51,308 posts)
49. My city is the same.
Sun Aug 16, 2020, 02:48 PM
Aug 2020

Paying with credit or debit card incurs a $5 charge.

Stupid, but there it is.

AZ8theist

(5,339 posts)
11. The irony of this (further) treason by Doturd...
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 08:56 PM
Aug 2020

Is that he's soo fucking stupid he doesn't realize he's hurting his base more than anything.

questionseverything

(9,631 posts)
15. you are confused about who is his base......his goal is to hurt Americans
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 09:28 PM
Aug 2020

which is what PUTIN wants


anytime he pretends to want to help anyone but putin ,it is a lie

AZ8theist

(5,339 posts)
16. I am not confused about his base.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 09:33 PM
Aug 2020

His base, for the most part, is rural, white America. These people depend on the USPS more than any other demographic.

OF COURSE Putin wants the destruction of America. That's why he installed a traitor in the WH. Too bad the one he picked is the stupidest asshole in history.

bullimiami

(13,043 posts)
12. The post office has a lucrative business as a last mile delivery carrier for everyone.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 08:56 PM
Aug 2020

It’s an evolving business like everything.

I think the post office should get into the email provider business.
Imagine you have a secure usps email address that can be yours forever. No more tied to google or Apple for your primary email.


fescuerescue

(4,448 posts)
59. They tried it. Did a pilot project some years back
Wed Aug 19, 2020, 10:27 AM
Aug 2020

it failed pretty hard.

(About 10 years ago, I used to consult with USPS about their network security)

The challenge is that email is an EXTREMELY low margin business. How much does google charge for your mailbox? Zero. Competing with zero means you sell customer data and push advertising.

I really like the idea, but it's something that would have to be government subsidized.


haele

(12,581 posts)
62. A lot of countries run simple national banking throu their post offices.
Wed Aug 19, 2020, 11:42 AM
Aug 2020

Since the post office already handles notary services, money orders and travelers checks, there is no reason why they can't also be set up as small local checking and savings account community servicers with e-bill-pay options. Heck, some grocery stores do that now. The payday lenders will hate losing high fee check cashing, but if the post office doesn't get into lending or credit cards, it should be a great community service.

Haele

Ferrets are Cool

(21,063 posts)
13. It's also a stupid question. And if someone is offended by me calling them stupid, then don't
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 09:15 PM
Aug 2020

wear those shoes.

2naSalit

(86,067 posts)
14. As rural resident...
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 09:26 PM
Aug 2020

I use it nearly every day. We receive machine parts, medication, some animal feed items, animal medications, seeds, and other stuff through the mail all the time.

If someone needs to make themselves feel superior with their ignorance, I say...








Fuck 'em.



paleotn

(17,781 posts)
34. My feelings exactly.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:43 PM
Aug 2020

We're on a first name basis with our regular mail carrier. And they probably know more about everyone in our little community than anyone else. If we get a big package and it's raining, he will drop it in our mud room if we're out. He and the lady in our little post office are as much a part of our community as any of my neighbors. In fact, they are our neighbors. It's like that in the hinter lands.

2naSalit

(86,067 posts)
47. It is too.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 11:50 PM
Aug 2020

Out here in this valley and the one I lived in before, towns under 1500 population, we're all neighbors, we share the fire dept. and other essentials and that's how it is. It's the old fashioned kind of neighborly thing. In the last place I lived, where winter lasted at least six months, if someone was going to freeze to death, even someone I didn't get along with too well, I'd still help them and they would do the same. With brutal winters, we all kind of made sure everyone else made it to spring, or at least tried. Survival mode in a community is a good thing and makes for a stronger community. Too bad there isn't more of that in this country.

Solly Mack

(90,740 posts)
17. I still do handwritten letters.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 09:33 PM
Aug 2020

I send packages using the USPS. Receive them that way too.

I need and want the USPS to thrive and endure.

femmedem

(8,188 posts)
18. Thank you. I live in a distressed municipality. Not everyone has internet access.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 09:49 PM
Aug 2020

It was a big barrier for students who were learning remotely this past spring, so I'm sure their parents aren't paying their bills online.

I have a mother with dementia. She hasn't been able to use the internet for years, but at least I can still mail cards to her.

The bookkeeper for the nonprofit I work for prefers that we pay our bills with checks, and it makes it easier for me to document our expenses when I write grant reports.

There are also plenty of people in my city who don't havge a bank account. They pay their bills with money orders.

I'm glad I didn't see the posts you're referring to, but I'm grateful for your OP.

nuxvomica

(12,365 posts)
19. I think marijuana should be legal nationally with USPS the sole distributor
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 09:54 PM
Aug 2020

Maybe more people would find it useful.

I myself make great use of it. I have been able to send a physical thing, a letter, across the country in 3 days for the price of a Forever stamp!

AZ8theist

(5,339 posts)
38. That's a good idea. Another good idea:
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:57 PM
Aug 2020

Making the PO a community bank. Simple savings and checking accounts.

Put the blood sucking "pay day lenders" out of business permanently.
This would do more to help eliminate poverty than multitudes of other options.

fescuerescue

(4,448 posts)
60. this is closer to reality than you might realize
Wed Aug 19, 2020, 10:32 AM
Aug 2020

buyers and sellers of drugs over the internet exclusively use USPS.

Why? Because it requires a Federal warrant to search your package. Fedex and UPS don't require a warrant at all. All a Fedex employee needs to search your package is a knife.

As a result, USPS is by far the safest way to get your package. And if it arrives without delay (and it's a small amount), you can be sure it hasn't been searched because the time to go through all the hoops will delay the package and is a giveaway.

nuxvomica

(12,365 posts)
61. Yeah, we shouldn't forget the protective infrastructure of the USPS
Wed Aug 19, 2020, 11:38 AM
Aug 2020

There are so many ways to get into trouble for screwing with them that no private carrier can offer, as long as criminals are not put in charge, that is. I keep being reminded of the Batman episode where the Penguin was elected mayor.

Thanks for the info!

ChazII

(6,198 posts)
21. I am a dinosaur.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:01 PM
Aug 2020

I don't pay on line. I use a Forever stamp and my mail carrier walks our streets, up to the house to deliver and pick up the mail.

Roy Rolling

(6,856 posts)
22. Such a Bargain!
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:16 PM
Aug 2020

I love the Post Office here in New Orleans. For just 55 cents I can send a letter 2,000 miles to California! Even if it addressed to Baton Rouge.

Thanks, Henny.

not fooled

(5,791 posts)
24. And please remember that the USPS is a service
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:27 PM
Aug 2020

not a money-making venture. Like many other things, the terminology has been deliberately subverted to get people to think of it as a "business" that must "show a profit." No doubt it does for the overall economy considering how many aspects of commerce are facilitated by the USPS, and would be hindered by higher-cost private carriers. Just like highways--only rabid privatizers and greedy rent-seekers think of highways as something that should show a profit, aka a means to directly extract money from us.

And, the USPS would be operating in the black without GOPee kneecapping in the form of the mandate years ago to pre-fund 75 years of retirement for postal workers, which no other part of the government (or business, for that matter) is forced to do.

Xipe Totec

(43,872 posts)
26. The mail flows both ways
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:28 PM
Aug 2020

Just because you may not use it to send stuff, you definitely use it to receive stuff.

And you can't make it one way only; it would be pointless. Mailman is there delivering mail, might as well pick up mail going back and not go back empty handed.

paleotn

(17,781 posts)
28. If they buy anything from Amazon....
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:30 PM
Aug 2020

the last miles in most places are done by the USPS. Especially important the last 5 months. If you have prescriptions delivered, they more than likely comes through the USPS. Your vote early or absentee ballot? That's right...USPS. They're still a vital part of our infrastructure. They handle hundreds of millions of items per day and employee more people than anyone in the US except the federal government and Walmart.

GoCubsGo

(32,061 posts)
41. Yep, and not just Amazon, either.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 11:11 PM
Aug 2020

A lot of online vendors use the USPS to deliver orders, including Walmart and those who sell through Walmart, and the various vendors on eBay, just to name a couple.

Kaleva

(36,147 posts)
66. Not true
Wed Aug 19, 2020, 04:40 PM
Aug 2020

I live in the boonies of Upper Michigan and everything I've ordered from Amazon is delivered to my house by FedEx or UPS. I think you may be thinking of those who order from Amazon but are not Prime members.

Renew Deal

(81,802 posts)
30. It's easier to answer the question.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:32 PM
Aug 2020

Because it is possible that people are so disconnected that they don't know.

llmart

(15,501 posts)
31. Most of my neighbors are seniors.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:37 PM
Aug 2020

One set of mailboxes is within view of my front picture window. So many of the seniors who live here make going to the mailbox a big deal. It's almost comical to watch. They look for the woman in the little truck and as soon as she drives off, or sometimes even before she's finished they are right there getting their mail.

I'm a senior also and though I pay most of my bills online, some of the utilities want extra money from you to pay their bills online, so I still mail them a check. I don't care if it's only a dollar extra. I'm a frugal person.

I still do my income taxes by hand and mail them off. I get two magazine subscriptions that I thoroughly enjoy. My sister and I still write letters occasionally. I also do greeting cards.

In fact, I just met a new neighbor while she was coming back from the mailboxes and she said, "Wonder why I didn't get any mail today? I usually get something." I don't know her yet, so I refrained from saying, "You can thank the idiot in the White House for that."

Personally, I don't get much mail, but I would feel sorry for the older people in here who don't do computers. There are plenty of them.

Traildogbob

(8,584 posts)
32. Thank you
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:42 PM
Aug 2020

I really appreciate all of you standing up for us dinosaurs that still mail in their bills. For those willing to give all your info to the Mnuchins and Kudlows of the banking giants, good, I am sure it is convenient if your are a busy person. But that is not a reason to snark at those that have a little more faith in writing checks and using postal carriers. WHEN the GOP/Putin blow up our financial system and the Mnuchin and Kudlows have all that info, YOU can trust they want drain your life savings. I guess 2007-2008-2009-2010 taught you nothing about trusting those thieves. The USPS employ’s hundreds of thousands of dedicated workers, that pay taxes, buy good and help drive our economy, and a very large percent are veterans.

Bongo Prophet

(2,641 posts)
33. One very important point - anyone who thinks that way needs their moral compass checked.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:43 PM
Aug 2020

Even if I never used the USPS, it wouldn't stop me from caring about a vital service that helps other people's lives. If it matters to others, it has importance and is worth defending. Called the common good, you know?

AllaN01Bear

(17,383 posts)
36. its the same smuggnes on who uses land line phones . fax . ham radio. morse code .
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 10:47 PM
Aug 2020

however in many ways the post office is the life blood of this country.

 

Awsi Dooger

(14,565 posts)
39. And any similar question is asinine
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 11:02 PM
Aug 2020

"Who still reads a newspaper?"

"Who still has a landline?"

There are higher numbers of Americans doing those things than involved in other activities deemed popular. Don't be dense enough to confuse relationship to prior numbers to whether or not millions and millions still participate

iluvtennis

(19,758 posts)
40. I still use the post office for birthday/holiday cards and to get postal money orders when a
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 11:06 PM
Aug 2020

check is required for payment (some still exists) and I don't want my personal check (with account number and routing info) put in the mail. Using postal money order is security blanket for me.

Also use post office priority/express mail for getting various legal documents out - the majority of legal documents have to be mailed or Faxed - you can't email them.

BTW, 80% of my purchases from Amazon are delivered via the USPS.

The post office is ESSENTIAL!

majdrfrtim

(317 posts)
43. Russians sabotaging our elections *love* useful idiots
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 11:18 PM
Aug 2020

to ask that question in advance of this year’s presidential election.

Just sayin’ . . .

Coventina

(26,874 posts)
44. Welcome to DU, where you are constantly judged for "anachronistic" behavior.
Sat Aug 15, 2020, 11:18 PM
Aug 2020

It happens all the time, and it is really disappointing to see.

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
69. As valid an argument as masses of bird killed by windmills.
Wed Aug 19, 2020, 07:06 PM
Aug 2020

Avoiding the death of birds as much as possible is environmentally sound too.

I love the pretense, though.

DBoon

(22,288 posts)
48. Like "Who uses public transit anymore"
Sun Aug 16, 2020, 02:47 PM
Aug 2020

It is the voice of arrogant privilege showing its contempt for anyone who relies on basic government services.

ecstatic

(32,567 posts)
53. I agree. I don't use them for paying bills but they are/were essential
Tue Aug 18, 2020, 08:29 PM
Aug 2020

for the following things this year: Serving other parties in a court dispute, submitting my passport renewal, receiving my passport, receiving my vehicle registration, and receiving/mailing my ballot during the primaries and runoff election. I'm sure there's more that I've forgotten.

I don't use the blue box often, but I did use it for dropping off my ballot. I don't feel comfortable mailing sensitive documents from my mailbox, so the blue boxes are quite handy for those situations.

Xolodno

(6,341 posts)
55. I do everything electronically whenever feasable.
Tue Aug 18, 2020, 09:42 PM
Aug 2020

With that being said....

I occasionally sell stuff on ebay, the USPS is far more economical than UPS or Fedex.

I live in a rural area...there is no delivery. You have to have a PO Box. And we get our ballots via mail.

I almost always order items on Amazon, Chewy, etc. Some of those items get delivered to our door...other times, they drop it off at the Post Office. But Wait! There's more! We ordered an expensive package once...the company used a second rate delivery company. They said they delivered it and placed it in the mail box at the porch....when there is no mail box....and the gate is usually locked.

fescuerescue

(4,448 posts)
57. It is becoming unusual
Wed Aug 19, 2020, 10:21 AM
Aug 2020

Especially among the younger folks.

I can't remember the last time I mailed something out. It's been probably a year or two.

But older and middle age folks still mail their bills in quite commonly.

And it's not so rare that it would confuse any younger person.

As to whether the comment was snark, it's impossible to know without the context. Was it an old Republican? yea it probably was. If it was a young democrat it may just be naivety.

In any event, ignore it. It's not like the person asking the question has any influence or control over it anyway.

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