The US Postal Service: The Hidden Backbone of American Life and Democracy
The new Postmaster General said that the USPS is a beautiful ballet that nobody understands. It’s a machine that chugs behind the scenes to connect us from coast to coast, but the mechanics are a mystery.
In this episode of Hold That Thought hosts Taylor and Becca peek behind the curtain to understand how USPS works. They discuss the nostalgia of letter writing and the symbolism of USPS’ service mandate. They explore the postal service’s history, from the first post office in the 13 colonies to the pivotal role mail played in the American Revolution and building the political ethos of the US. They unpack how the voting power of millions relies on USPS, and the sobering fact that that right is in jeopardy today.
Topics: USPS, Postal Service, United States History, Mail, In Plain Sight, Universal Service Mandate, Democracy, Politics
Resources:
Quadruple increase in rejected California mail-in ballots signals problems with Trump meddling in future elections
How we generated a response rate of 63% by ignoring the brand guidelines
MIT Election Lab
Why the Short-Lived Pony Express Still Fascinates UsVoting by Mail: Center for Election Confidence
On mail, meaning and the artwork that appears on US postage
The Citizens’ Stamp Advisory CommitteeHow the US Post Office Has Delivered the Mail Through the Decades
