Let’s Put On a Show!

I just want to address this:

Besides, Americans do not much respect the government-run programs that are now in place. Rather than rely on the inefficient Post Office, for important matters Americans prefer to pay a little more for the reliability, good manners, and good spirit of private carriers such as FedEx and United Parcel Service. Service is so much better and more cheerful in the business sector than in the government sector.

We Have a New President by Michael Novak on National Review Online

Speaking as someone who deals with all three services, I can tell you that

1. For the volume it handles, the post office is incredibly  efficient.
2. FedEx and UPS ground are frequently much cheaper than the post office for heavy parcels.
3. People just generally use whatever’s cheapest if they’re paying for it themselves.

I’m curious as to the last time that Mr. Novak actually sent a package himself, rather than passing it on to an assistant or the mail room.