Can people who are paid by and work for the government be considered “private citizens?” In my mind, yes. While they are government bees, they are not elected. And, the President shouldn’t be trashing American citizens in the first place. So, when a president comes a slurring, they have every right to get upset
U.S. Postal Service managers are upset with President Barack Obama for denigrating the Postal Service as part of his argument defending the idea of creating a government-run health insurance plan to compete with private insurers.
In a town hall meeting last week in Portsmouth, N.H., Obama sought to reassure the public that creating the so-called “public option” health insurance plan–a government-run health insurance organization that would compete with private sector insurers–would not mean the death of private insurers. He pointed to the financially troubled Post Office as an example of a government-run system that does not compete very well with private delivery services.
All in all, Obama was correct, though, I doubt he meant it to come out the way it did. I’m sure he did ye olde face palm afterwards when he heard what he said. However, was it completely fair to diss the USPS like that? They do have to run under government rules not always set by the organization, but, by others. People send way more electronic mail and communicate through other electronic means, making sending letters worthless for many. Of course, they aren’t great, either. But, is that any reason for Obama to diss them?
But the Postal Service has said things are looking up, and in an Aug. 14 letter, Ted Keating, president of the National Association of Postal Supervisors, criticized President Obama.
“On behalf of 35,000 members of our association, I am writing to express our collective disappointment that you chose to use the Postal Service as a scapegoat and an example of inefficiency,†Keating wrote.
“Your negative comments on the Postal Service–without knowledge of the facts–was not only a disservice to members of our organization, but to all the postal employees,†he added.
“Employees of the Postal Service are largely represented by unions and management associations, all of whom strongly supported your candidacy last year,†the letter said. “For our support we do not expect any special consideration. However, we would like to be treated fairly and not have our current situation misrepresented, especially by the commander-in-chief.â€
So, not only did he diss private citizens, but, his own voters. Good job, Sparky!
So, add them to the list which includes Special Olympians, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Big Oil, Big Pharma, Wall Street, Joe The Plumber, Nancy Reagan, people with Guns and Bibles, Fox News and its employees, most Conservatives with his DHS report, Tea Party attendees, not to mention every person who stands against his attempt to implement single payer. Oh, and every American when he called America “arrogant.” And, heck, really, every person who bought into his hopenchange lies.
Plus, let’s not forget all those around the world who insulted, some of whom are elected officials, and others private citizens..
