in the grand scheme of things, $.44 is not a lot to send a letter or card across the country.
My understanding is that the need for the hikes is because the USPS lost up wards of $2.8Billion last year, and are already $2.3 billion in the hole for 2009.
While the USPS might be a "dying" industry for letters, they are cheaper than FedEx or UPS, and unlike UPS, the packages usually arrive intact. They also deliver packages from Switzerland on Saturdays
I usually sent my cousins in Italy Christmas cards this year. They all called to thank me. With text and email, sending cards has been forgotten. However, I cant tell you how appreciative they were at the gesture.
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"One fart can foul the air for everyone" - Esteemed philosopher
"If avoiding the nasty $hit is being a snob, them I am guilty as charged."- Same esteemed philosopher.