The Cato Institute warns that the USPS's current handling of mail balloting poses a significant risk of systemic failure ahead of major elections. Key concerns include whistleblower allegations regarding 'batch rejection protocols,' which could invalidate thousands of legitimate ballots, coupled with documented slowdowns in delivery speed and increased rejections for lateness. This instability suggests potential operational or political interference aimed at undermining mail voting integrity. Consequently, the article advises that voters and state election officials must plan to bypass the USPS system by utilizing alternative secure methods, such as drop boxes or early in-person voting, to ensure timely ballot submission.
Why Humans Care More About Rank Than Riches
English Summary
The article argues that human psychology dictates a preference for relative rank (status) over absolute wealth (riches), treating status as a zero-sum game. This bias means people react to perceived gains or losses in one individual's standing, rather than the actual economic creation of capital. Because status is viewed as finite and competitive, political outrage often focuses on inequality and class resentment, even when economic growth benefits all. Policymakers must recognize that addressing relative standing and social perception is often more critical for stability than merely managing absolute wealth metrics.
中文摘要
本文論述，人類心理傾向於偏好相對地位（社會排名）而非絕對財富（物質積累），將地位視為一場零和遊戲。這種偏差意味著人們的反應是基於對個人社會地位感知到的得失，而非實際的資本創造。由於地位被視為有限且具有競爭性，政治上的憤怒往往聚焦於不平等與階級怨恨，即使經濟增長實際上惠及所有人。政策制定者必須認識到，對於社會穩定而言，處理相對地位和社會認知的重要性，往往超過了單純管理絕對財富指標。
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