The clip below shows American citizens' reactions to the rise in stamp prices, when it occurred in May 2008. Last year, the stamp prices only raised by one cent and May 11, 2009 they are set to rise again by another 2 cents, making the price 44 cents. These reactions will still, most likely, hold strong today and will probably be even heightened because of the economic crises. All of the three reactions make strong points regarding the postage stamp increase and are worth looking into. What do you think about the rise in stamps for the fourth consecutive year?
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It is interesting to think about the various ways that the economic crisis impacts our daily lives. The "forever" stamps might appease some of the people who are upset about and most affected by the rate increase.
ReplyDeleteI can not find a clip of Kramer from "Seinfeld" ranting about how the mail is useless but I agree with his sentiments. I of course do not think that that is the appropriate action to be taken right now but I'm all for the mail service being phased out altogether.
ReplyDeleteAs for this debate, I feel like it's almost a lose lose situation. I don't think raising the price of stamps will do anything. I think it's been done in the past and it hasn't worked so why should it work now? Plus, with the price of stamps going up, people are just going to stockpile Forever stamps now. Since, my idea of the elimination of the post office won't probably be coming into fruition any time soon, it means that people will still be using the post office for a very long time. Even if people don't usually send letters (people like me) they will still be sending out letters for years to come and it's still a better investment now to buy Forever stamps. Plus, remember recently how high gas was? People stopped buying gas as often, if it all. If a product gets too high, it won't be used and I feel this is what will happen with stamps. Especially considering how easy other alternatives are. I feel like raising the price of stamps goes against basic economics.
And as for shortening the mail week, there's of course major drawbacks with that as well. Mainly, if the work week is shortened, then jobs will be hurt. I think all other reasons (i.e. one mentioned in class that some people are late mailers so if one weekday was canceled then it might affect people who procrastinate when mailing) are just trivial matters. Yes, all major issues will have drawbacks in a realistic setting, but these trivial issues should be be considered.
But despite the loss/ impact of the U.S. Postal Workers, the question is about what's best for the U.S.P.S. and I feel that's shortening the week. I feel it's the better option for the issue at hand- which is what will keep this business afloat. And while I am not ignoring the major consequences this will have, I feel, from what I've heard, that this is the best solution
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ReplyDeleteAlthough this price increase comes at an unfortunate time for the consumer, I can understand why stamp prices are on the rise. I am always amazed that for as cheap as 41 cents a letter can be mailed almost anywhere in the US. I would imagine the two cent increase has to do with inflation. However, I would have to attribute most of this to raising oil prices. The article I have attached shows some of the incredible price increases. According to the article oil prices increased by ten percent on Friday.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12400801/