For my Libertarian friends

Exactly, if I lived in Kentucky and couldn't decide between Rand or his opponent Id think "Who would I rather go to a frat party with?"
Clearly Mr Paul is a more fun guy!

While some of the clerks in our local branch are very slow and not courteous, I have to say that as far as deliveries go, I've had very few problem in all my years with stuff actually getting where I send it.  Overall I give them a B+ based on personal experiences. 

I think the Post Office's "monopoly" is one of those institutions most Americans still, believe it or not, kinda like and appreciate; with the now endless assortment of media & telecom companies that may or may not still exist in 5 years, it seems to be a comforting constant.  As for its service, until you've been overseas you don't realize how efficient the mail service here is, and can't complain about the USPS with much authority or perspective.

Atavachron wrote: I think the Post Office's "monopoly" is one of those institutions most Americans still, believe it or not, kinda like and appreciate; with the now endless assortment of media & telecom companies that may or may not still exist in 5 years, it seems to be a comforting constant.  As for its service, until you've been overseas you don't realize how efficient the mail service here is, and can't complain about the USPS with much authority or perspective.

Good points David.  I have had problems with foreign post services.  Some costly ones.  I think the PO is necessary for the time being, but I think it can and will need to streamline and modernize like everyone else.  I also think they need more management of certain clerks that I mentioned.  These people need to move their ass and earn their good wages.  Christ some of these ladies have no idea what its like to work private sector, they'd be out on their ass for their slowness and crabbiness.  But again, as far as what happens to your letter once it enters the "machinery" they seem pretty damn efficient to me. 

The Post Office does a decent job most of the time, but I still would like to see the whole thing privatized.

Epignosis wrote: thellama73 wrote: The Post Office does a decent job most of the time, but I still would like to see the whole thing privatized. f**k that, they cost us over $100 last year by destroying a large collection of items we were selling.

Well there you go! Down with the Post Office!

Equality 7-2521 wrote: Also as much as I like PBS, a majority of people shouldn't have to pay for TV shows that a small minority of people want to watch. If people want PBS they fund it completely via donations.

I believe PBS gets about 10% from the Gov, the rest is private, whether from viewers or foundations

Equality 7-2521 wrote:    You brought PBS into the discussion, and .0001% would be too much money. The amount doesn't make it any better really.

well then you need to change the whole allotment system, including that of any other important publicly funded thing like the military; in other words, the money is there and is set aside automatically for a given service, and therefore must be used for said service--  but I know you realize that,  just wanted to point it out

Equality 7-2521 wrote: The military is intrinsically different because it serves everybody and supposedly cannot be provided on the free market. I don't support any form of taxation though so there would be no money to set aside in my government.

gotcha

BTW-  interestingly, some polls shows PBS as #2 after the military in what taxpayers believe is the best bang for their buck.  I don't put much stock in polls, but it would be useful to know if that is accurate.

Equality 7-2521 wrote: Atavachron wrote: Equality 7-2521 wrote:    You brought PBS into the discussion, and .0001% would be too much money. The amount doesn't make it any better really. well then you need to change the whole allotment system, including that of any other important publicly funded thing like the military; in other words, the money is there and is set aside automatically for a given service, and therefore must be used for said service--  but I know you realize that,  just wanted to point it out The military is intrinsically different because it serves everybody and supposedly cannot be provided on the free market. I don't support any form of taxation though so there would be no money to set aside in my government.

This is a point where I disagree.  If the military indeed serves everybody, then everybody should pay for it.  I have no problem paying a few bucks a year to finance the fine men and women who protect this country from hideous foes.

Of course, I think they should be financed through a consumption tax rather than an income tax, but I've spoken on that before.