Old deal; new deal: a Modesto proposal

Modesto Post Office, California - any offers?

In the 1930s, as the United States struggled with depression and widespread poverty, one of the government measures was to implement a widespread programme of public works, providing facilities and infrastructure of public benefit and lasting quality.

Amongst these was a series of Post Office buildings. ‘In less than a decade, the Roosevelt administration built over 1,100 post offices, distinguished by fine architecture, materials and detailing, as well as by a lavish programme of public art that, for the first time, reflected back to patrons and workers their regional identity.’

Eight decades later, as the United States struggles with a new depression and public corporations and services face declining budgets and mounting debts, one of the solutions proposed is to sell off to private bidders those buildings erected for public benefit and the economic, social and cultural stimulation of ordinary people.

Meanwhile it is reported:
The US Postal Service "has announced radical plans to cut one in five jobs, reduce services and water down [that is, ask Congress to legislate to release them from legally binding agreements with unions] staff retirement and healthcare deals as the government agency struggles to keep costs in line with plunging demand."