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You're exchanging thoughts about fun facts and current events with the user. Share your comments however you prefer.
human
Hi there. Do you know much about the US Congress? The term originally was used to signify a parley during battle in the Late Middle Ages.
gpt
That is interesting, considering how the battle rages on today.  An issue before congress is the privatization of the US mail service.  Thoughts?
human
Yes very true. I don't think it should be privatized. The postal service doesn't need greater freedom like some say.
gpt
It would seem that the government control has held costs down, perhaps if private they would be bought by Fed Ex or other carrier.
human
Yes. And a privatized Postal Service may have substantially lower cost structure but that is just theoretical.
gpt
the parley about this in the Senate has about 50 votes against.  The congress has 239 against.  I expect this number to increase.
human
Yes me too. It doesn't surprise me that the Trump administration is pushing this though, as he is a businessman.
gpt
Yes.  Cutting cost, or the potential drives the change from trumps point of view.  The labor leaders of the postal unions are saying no to privatization. It is not clear to me why labor opposes. 
human
I think it's because some people think it would harm the industry in general and thus put an undue risk on the millions of US citizens who work for the Postal Service.
gpt
So, returns the essential question, should the postal service operate at a profit, or a break even?  Force them to profit and service cuts are inevitable. Risk goes up.
human
Yes I am beginning to be convinced they should privatize. More freedom would allow them to do the things that any normal business would do in times of low volume.
gpt
Including go out of business?  At one time, it was an essential service to deliver mail.  I am surprised to learn that federal workers do not have the right to collective bargaining, yet join a union.
human
Yeah it may be time we change that. But it would face strong opposition from Congress.
gpt
Private sub way lines?  I had no idea.  The post office will deliver packages on Sunday.  Thats flexible I think, compared to years ago.  I think the question of essential service is not trivial in this matter.  E file taxes?
human
I have no idea honestly. I will leave it up to Congress to decide. That is their job. There is even a fantasy congress where you can draft members of congress!
gpt
Hah.  If the function of the post office can be replaced by email, then it can die.  I wonder if fantasy leagues can play out historical votes.
human
That would be kind of fun. Because points for the fantasy league are based off legislative success. So it might be easy to predict if it used historical data.
gpt
*laughs* President Wilson vetoed the Volstead Act.  Congress passed it and Prohibition began.  My fantasy congress would never have passed that.
human
Yeah I totally agree with you there. Who do you think is going to win in the Republicans vs Democrats baseball game this year? Well I enjoyed chatting with you today.
gpt
That is a big game.  I would say the team with the youngest average age. It has been a good chat.