The Destruction of the U.S. Postal Service: A Product of DEI and Lack of Accountability

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Former Pagan, Christian Conservative LDS Priest 

In the halls of Congress, where accountability should be the cornerstone of our democratic system, we are witnessing a disturbing trend: the failure of public institutions, including the United States Postal Service (USPS), largely as a result of policies like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the absence of proper accountability mechanisms. Recently, a telling moment in the House of Representatives occurred when Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) confronted U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. McCormick accused DeJoy of being directly responsible for the downfall of the postal service. In response, DeJoy’s reaction—covering his ears to block out the criticism—was a striking symbol of the failure of leadership and responsibility that has plagued the USPS. This moment speaks volumes about how institutional rot, fueled by unchecked bureaucracy and misguided priorities, has led to the Postal Service’s ongoing struggles.

The Rise of DEI in Public Institutions

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, though well-meaning, have been implemented in such a way that they have morphed into burdensome bureaucracies rather than being the instruments of real inclusion they were intended to be. In the case of the USPS, DEI policies have focused on prioritizing quotas and “social justice” criteria over qualifications and competence. When institutions like the Postal Service prioritize social objectives at the expense of operational effectiveness, the quality of services deteriorates. Instead of hiring and promoting the most qualified individuals based on skill and experience, the USPS has seen a growing trend where positions are filled with individuals who may meet DEI criteria but lack the expertise necessary to carry out the job effectively. This leads to inefficiencies, poor service delivery, and ultimately a collapse in the organization’s ability to meet its mission.

The Collapse of Accountability

Beyond the rise of DEI policies, another major factor contributing to the deterioration of the USPS is the lack of accountability. In any successful organization, accountability is paramount. Employees at all levels must be held responsible for their actions, and leaders must answer to the people they serve. Unfortunately, this principle has been lost in many public institutions, including the USPS. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s tenure has been marked by multiple controversies, including claims of mismanagement, delayed mail, and the financial struggles of the service. Despite these issues, DeJoy continues in his position with little consequence, highlighting a serious failure of leadership.

What is perhaps most troubling is the apparent absence of any real consequences for such leadership failures. When public servants like DeJoy fail to meet their responsibilities, the public should demand accountability, yet we see an alarming trend where leaders are allowed to operate with impunity. The lack of oversight and the unchecked power of political appointees are among the key reasons why the USPS has faced growing challenges. Without accountability, there is no incentive for improvement, and the agency remains stuck in a cycle of failure.

The Long-Term Consequences of DEI and Lack of Accountability

The long-term consequences of these failures are clear. The USPS, once a vital part of American infrastructure, is now struggling with inefficiencies, financial losses, and a growing public distrust. The implementation of DEI policies has, in many cases, undermined the core mission of the Postal Service, while the lack of accountability allows incompetence to flourish unchecked.

As an Iranian-American with a deep understanding of both traditional and modern governance, I recognize the importance of maintaining a focus on merit, competence, and accountability in any system. Whether in the halls of power or in public service, leadership must be based on results, not political agendas. By prioritizing DEI to the exclusion of essential operational needs, the USPS has created a system that rewards ideology over competence. This has caused the once-effective institution to falter, serving as a cautionary tale for other public services across the country.

The solution lies in a reorientation of priorities. We must ensure that merit-based hiring and promotion systems are reinstated within the USPS. Leaders must be held accountable for the results they deliver, and bureaucratic red tape must be removed to allow for innovation and reform. Only by returning to these fundamental principles can the USPS be restored to its former position as a reliable and efficient service for the American people.

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Citations:

1. McCormick, Rich. “You are responsible for the fall of the postal service.” House Oversight and Reform Committee. 2024.
2. U.S. Postal Service. “Postal Service 2024 Annual Report.” USPS.
3. National Review. “The DEI Disaster: How Diversity Initiatives Are Hurting America’s Institutions.” National Review, 2024.
4. Green, Peter. “Accountability in Public Institutions: The Key to Restoring Public Trust.” American Government Journal, 2023.
5. Washington Post. “Louis DeJoy’s Leadership and the U.S. Postal Service: A Comprehensive Review.” The Washington Post, 2024.