You’ve Got Mail Tattoos

The USPS is seriously struggling right now and many believe it could impact our ability to mail in ballots this election. The financial troubles of the USPS have been amplified by the pandemic, but go back further than 2020. In 2006, the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act was passed, which required the USPS to put aside $5 billion in 10 years for future retiree health benefits. This led the USPS to begin defaulting on payments in 2012 and in 2019, they lost $9 billion. The USPS, which is headed by postmaster general Louis DeJoy, has responded by cutting costs left and right—eliminating overtime for mail carriers, reducing post office hours and removing postal boxes. Many have opposed these actions as they’ve dramatically slowed down delivery and have the potential to prevent people from voting safely during this pandemic.

While some want the USPS to get with the times and are pushing for privatization, others have pointed out that it’s an essential service that benefits millions of people. Many people live outside the delivery lines of FedEx or UPS, so the USPS is the only way they can receive mail. For many individuals, they receive their medicine through the USPS and delays could lead to fatal consequences. And let’s not forget that the USPS is enshrined in our constitution. The Postal Clause empowers Congress “To establish Post Offices and Post Roads,” under Article 1, Section 8. Finally, if I haven’t sold you on the importance of the USPS at this point, let me remind you that without it, there would be no Newman. And without Newman, the “Seinfeld” we know and love wouldn’t exist.

Take a look at some of our favorite tattoos inspired by the services the USPS provides in the gallery below. Then, let us know your thoughts on this story in the comments section on social media. And, if you want to keep the USPS afloat, go to your local post office and buy some stamps!