Postage paid

We have recently voted into a second term a president resolutely committed to government that portends to be the state-as-father and demands an ever-larger share of your paycheck. Where will this lead?

For one window, look no further than the U.S. Postal Service. You can walk into the largest branch in Western Wake County at 10 a.m. on a Monday morning to mail a package, only to find service restricted to one station rather than the customary three. The line of customers stretches to the door.

“Why is only one station of three open on a Monday morning?” you venture to ask.

“Three employees soon to retire did not show up for work today,” she sheepishly intones.

Three employees who know the federal government will pay their salaries and benefits whether they show up on Monday morning or not. Who else could do that and still have a job on Tuesday?

Welcome to the future. Prepare to stand in line – and to pay the salary of those who simply choose to do their own thing on Monday morning.

Paula Rinehart

Raleigh