More proof that our elected officials are out of touch

In a recent speech, President Obama said that UPS and FedEx were doing fine, but “it’s the post office that’s always having problems" as part of his argument that the healthcare bill will not put private insurers out of business. Just a couple of points here:

1. Why is it ok in the president's mind for the government run post office to be "always having problems"? Isn't this just more proof that the government cannot regulate individual businesses into making profits? The government already runs a failing postal service, a failing social security program, a failing Medicare program, a failing Medicaid program, failing car companies, and now we also want to create a failing national health insurance company.

2. Even if it were a true statement that UPS and Fedex are doing ok, what does this have to do with healthcare? Everyone (except the president) understands that the US Postal Service is in trouble in large part due to competition with the internet for everyday mail and their inability to deal with that competition - people are emailing and paying bills online where they used to send letters and mail their bills. Since the post office does not receive government funds, but they are subject to government rules, congress has regulated them out of competition. UPS and Fedex specialize in transporting packages, which is a segment with which the internet cannot compete. In fact, people purchasing more products online has lead to an increase in this segment. In the case of healthcare, congress is planning to use taxpayer funds of which they seem to think there is an endless supply.

These facts are so simple and evident to anyone who thinks yet, based on his recent statements, our president either doesn't get it or he thinks we are too stupid to understand it.