The Postal Service is running out of money. The Postmaster General says it is facing losses of historical proportions.

How could this happen? Clearly the Postal Service has not been run well for years. It’s the same old game. They raise the rates and people use it less. Then they claim they’re losing money and raise rates some more and people use it even less.

Here’s what needs to happen. The Post Office is a relic. In an age when we are able to receive and pay most of our bills online, let’s junk the Postal Service and turn whatever remains of it over to private industry. Federal Express, UPS and several other package distribution companies do a fine job of delivering packages. Either they or a private firm could deliver whatever old-fashioned letters and other materials people still want to send each other.

Instead of getting a federal bailout, the public should bailout of the Postal Service. That’s my thought. What do you think? Visit calthomas.com and let me know. It won’t cost you a stamp.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.