Have you noticed that you’re getting more direct mail delivered not only by the United States Postal Service, but also by independent delivery agents? The reason is because there’s been a deal in Washington that ties the cost of first class mail to the rate of inflation. So junk and bulk mail is now a much better deal. If you own a business and you’ve done direct marketing with the USPS, be on the lookout for private delivery services that may offer you a lower price. Clark is glad that these third-party deliverers are busting up the USPS monopoly. Not that he totally hates the existing postal service; he actually thinks it’s a great deal that you can get your mail delivered anywhere domestically for 41 cents. But many European countries have already done away with their postal monopolies. Their regular mail can come from a variety of carrier companies. We consumers benefit whenever there’s competition in the free market.