By Richard Hebhardt
As an Alaskan who is deeply concerned about our country’s ability to ensure a fair and secure national election in November (one absent of illegal foreign and domestic interference), including the timely delivery of mail in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am hopeful that all of us — whether conservative, moderate or progressive — will stand up to the Trump administration’s naked efforts to undermine the effectiveness the U.S. Postal Service. Its current actions to sideline critically important sorting machines in many key locations across the country, to furlough key employees including carriers, as well as to prohibit overtime work at a time when it is most needed are not only wrong-headed, but hurtful in their effects upon those who depend upon the U.S. Mail for the delivery of their prescribed medications, Social Security checks, as well as other essential goods and services.
Less than three months before the election and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation, the Trump administration’s actions are therefore a disgrace as well as an blatant affront to the American people who continue to depend upon our time-honored, Constitutionally protected mail service that’s been provided unerringly through two world wars and the Great Depression. More importantly, its actions are a direct assault on our democracy as well as shameless demonstration of a callous disregard for the well-being of millions of Americans. In short, enough is enough. It’s time for all of us to speak up and make our opposition known to Rep. Don Young and Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. Further, to demand that adequate funding be appropriated for USPS to sustain its standard level of service. At stake is the very fabric as well as future of our democratic republic.
• Richard Hebhardt is a 15-year resident of Juneau. Columns, My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire. Have something to say? Here’s how to submit a My Turn or letter.
