Government subsidizes everything from the water you drink to the car you drive. Why should mail delivery to the nation's rural outposts be the one exception? The U.S. Postal Service is running $8.3 billion short. What had been a branch of the U.S. government became self-sufficient in 1970. To balance the books, it might drop Saturday deliveries, start competing in the direct advertising market, raise stamp prices and shut down 3,700 offices and branches. In Idaho, 23 sites are in the bull's-eye, including Ahsahka, Harvard, the University of Idaho and Tensed. Sure, some of this red ink stems from a faltering business model. The post pffice sells stamps to people who increasingly communicate through email, pay bills electronically and engage in ecommerce. It also competes with private companies for business deliveries. But a lot of it is artificial/Marty Trillhaase, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Other Inland NW opinion:

• Students, give yourself best chance for success/SR
• Like so many of its children, Idaho is on edge & at risk/Statesman
• Mike Crapo ponders life after Gang of 6/Kevin Richert, Statesman
• He's the governor, so send his friends money/Twin Falls Times-News

Question: Should the U.S. government subsidize the U.S. Postal Service to keep the current level of service?