FCCPR to demonstrate in support of U.S. Postal Service funding

Visitors to Franklin County post offices on Tuesday will find members of Franklin County Continuing the Political Revolution (FCCPR) outside at noon, demonstrating in support of federal funding for the U.S. Postal Service.

FCCPR’s demonstration comes following President Donald Trump’s recent threat to withhold a $10 billion line of credit approved by Congress in a coronavirus stimulus package unless the Postal Service quadruples what it charges to deliver packages.

According to a FCCPR press release, the organization fears that, if the Postal Service is replaced with a private, for-profit corporation, small communities like the hilltowns might have reduced mail service or perhaps lose that service altogether.

“The Postal Service exists to serve the public,” FCCPR member Doug Selwyn said. “It is the cheapest option for sending letters and packages around the country and the world. Like other businesses, it has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with fewer letters mailed and other services, like passports, curtailed. It should be supported by Congress and the president like the rest of the economy.”

Still, Selwyn said getting federal funding for the Postal Service is only the beginning.

“If we are to think about ways to do things better and not just get ‘back to normal,’ we could plan to return the postal banking system to its rightful place in the economy,” he said. “The post office used to be a place where people could get checks or money orders for a fraction of the price that check cashers now charge. ... FCCPR would very much like to see that service return.”

Selwyn said FCCPR urges residents to write to U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern and U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren to encourage them to support the post office in the next stimulus bill that comes through Congress.

“This is essential to the survival of a Postal Service that serves everyone equally,” he said.

Franklin County residents are welcome to join FCCPR members at their post offices on Tuesday at noon with signs. In conjunction with this campaign, FCCPR has created “SAVE THE POST OFFICE” stickers, which people can stick to envelopes going through the mail. To get a sheet of stickers, email info@fccpr.us.