It feels like every conversation I have had or note I have sent over the past few years has begun with some version of "Despite the weight of the world, I hope you are finding joy." I do this because I do not want to normalize the struggles of the world around us, nor do I want any of us to allow the world's suffering to define our entire existence or our experience of it.
It is a lot to ask of ourselves, I know. It is exhausting to simultaneously seek joy, resist the normalization of cruelty, and accomplish everyday tasks that keep our lives moving forward. I am right there with you. And yet, one act of resistance against what is being inflicted upon society by the current presidential administration is to refuse to do what they want: to turn on another.
I thought about this as I stood in line at the Post Office this morning. The branch was supposed to open at 9:00, and at 8:55 there were three of us in the queue (apparently I'm English now). At 9:05, a few more joined the line, and at 9:10, a few more joined, and the grumbling began. At 9:15, the muttering increased in volume and frequency, until someone started pounding on the door in hopes of getting someone's attention. At 9:20, a few folks left in exasperation, some with colorful commentary spoken into the abyss. And then at 9:30, a counter person showed up. She thanked us for our patience, and the line of about 20 people was let in.
Yes, I was a little frustrated by the whole thing and might have had to leave if I had other commitments, but mostly all I could think of was how the Post Office has been enduring endless attacks on its very existence. Because this administration does not value the Post Office as worthy of federal support and expects it to be profitable, post offices in rural communities will close, postage is being increased, retirement contributions are being paused, and there is a self-inflicted staffing shortage.
I have no idea why the worker was late, but that doesn't matter to me. The Postal System and the workers are being set up to fail. While the worker was apologetic for being late and was efficient with all of the customers, can you imagine what it would be like to work under this kind of national microscope? If your job is no longer seen as a needed service and worthy of federal support, what is the motivation? Having a good work ethic and pride in a job well done only goes so far when you are being asked to do more with less and witnessing your own government buy into the myth that privatization is the solution.
FTR, I see the Post Office, like public education and universal healthcare, as a service for the people and should not be measured by its annual bottom line. Our government seems willing to find billions of dollars for wars of choice, gaudy ballrooms, and retaliation slush funds, so this is not about financial prudence for the people, but about prioritizing and consolidating wealth for the rich.
But back to this morning's events. What was experienced here was the convergence of hubris, saviorism, and greed, disguised as fiscal responsibility. First, this President and his administration believe that if they declare the Postal Service no longer worthy of support because of its inefficiency, it should be taken as fact, and all actions should be based on this new "truth." As planned, this creates conflict, confusion, and chaos that leads to the deterioration of services and morale – which reinforces their point. Then, when the chaos and turmoil erupt and begin to impact the public, they step in and offer "reasonable and responsible" solutions to a situation they created in the first place – all the while gaslighting anyone who calls them out. And lo and behold, those solutions benefit those who are poised to become even wealthier at the expense of those who rely on the US Postal Service for services beyond mail delivery.
And yes, I did have enough time to actually think about that this morning while waiting in line – 30 minutes, in fact. When the wait was over, and it was my turn, I approached the counter with openness and empathy. Thankfully, I was not the only one who chose a path of understanding. Since most of the really frustrated folks left, there was almost a "don't worry, this environment has got to suck" vibe from more than a few. I choose to believe folks understood the contextual complexity of the situation, found the courage not to lash out in frustration, and chose kindness as an acknowledgment of what another human must be going through.
While this was not a huge public act of resistance, it was a moment when a group of people somehow chose a different path – and, as cheesy as it may sound, many small acts of resistance can add up to outright revolution. If you were in line this morning at the Catalina USPS, thank you for doing your part.
For the rest of you rabblerousers, don't miss your chance to do likewise, whether at the Post Office, the DMV, or at the barricades.
Peace,
** While I know that no one was waiting on bated breath for my next think piece, thank you for your patience with my lack of content these past months. Honestly, as I think back over the past few months, my lack of production has been a combination of not believing I have anything helpful or new to offer and the reality that I've been swimming in a swirling pool of self-inflicted and welcomed celebrations and transitions. No complaints, just where I have been. But . . . with one kid married, one kid moved, my last book project nearly complete, and my settling in at the new church, I have cleared some writing space and will share more to honor your support.
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