February 2001
The election is now over, and I have a feeling that we, as retirees, are not going to like the outcome. Of course, we will have to take a wait-and-see attitude, but my feeling is that we are going to be busy, busy, busy, contacting our Representatives and Senators as to some of the programs which will be coming out of Washington that will affect the retirees.
Oh sure, President Bush is making noises about prescription drugs and their skyrocketing prices, but is he going to have the final say as to what happens to us or will the lobby for the drug companies give us a token bill that will go through the Congress?
I think the next four years will be a busy time not only for retirees, but for active carriers as well. I am of the belief that the present Administration will set the pattern of privatization that will lead to the Post Office as we know it being eventually dismantled. I hope I am wrong, but I think the first thing we will see go is the Private Express statutes. We already have a deal to work with the Federal Express Company and I do not see where it will stop at that.
But, as I said before in this article, we retirees are going to have to be forever on the alert. We have the time and experience to lobby our elected representatives. We have done it before and we will continue to make our positions perfectly clear to our representatives. We could sure use the help of our active Brothers and Sisters, too!
I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. On a personal note, I am entering my tenth year as a retiree. I know that is not a whole lot compared to some of you out there, but it is a milestone to me, along with the fact that I turned 65 in January. Now I know that some people would not consider that a milestone, but I remember that not too long ago I thought 65 was old. Not any more!!! The biggest problem is that my mind says that I can do things but my body says, NO! NO!
That is it for now. Hopefully I will have more to report on in my next article. Remember, if you wish for me to attend a meeting or two, contact our State President.
