The class system in postage stamps

I WRITE to comment on proposed postal rate increases and the "forever" stamp that would remain valid regardless of the increases (Page A5, Feb. 27). Justification for the rate increases and the "forever" stamp, such as increased fuel costs, do not disguise that these changes would benefit the wealthy and businesses at the expense of average and low-income postal customers.

It seems that postal fuel cost increases are largely due to bulk mail, which weighs more and costs more to transport per unit than first-class mail. Yet it costs less to send bulk mail .

People at or below average income are far less likely to stockpile "forever" stamps than are businesses and wealthier individuals . Those least able to afford postal rate increases will then eventually subsidize the cost of honoring outstanding "forever" stamps when rates go up again.

The "forever" stamp strategy also gives the Postal Service a short-term windfall with up-front purchases of the stamps. No government agency has ever been frugal with a windfall.

JAMES CRONIN
Mansfield