The news about the imminent closing/relocation of the downtown post office bums me out.

And it's not just because of my assumption that the little P.O. box I have there will wind up someplace less convenient.

No, my disappointment stems partly from the fact that I actively enjoy my weekday visits to a symbol of federal jurisdiction.

I like being in the post office and thinking, "If I'm ever charged with some weapons violations insanity along the lines of Randy Weaver, I fully expect the United States to come after me with the full might of the law."

Local governments can do good things. But over the years they've also come up with such gems as "state's rights" as an excuse to discriminate and school boards discouraging the teaching of evolution. It's a long list actually.

OK, I know there are plenty of people around here who think the federal government is evil. And I would acknowledge that several agencies have lost their way a few times after 9/11. But most knee-jerk Fed-haters are fools or worse, in my opinion.

I have a protected right to say that, of course. We all do. And like the other big freedoms, that's a national reality. It wasn't established by some city council, county commission or noxious weeds board.

   

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