[History] USPS tried to monopolize email? (c. 1981)

["Peter Trei" <trei@process.com>]

    Since I saw Paul Raine's presentation on proposed USPS electronic
timestamping and CA services (btw, they are also proposing to 
archive business e-correspondence for a fee), I've been trying to
recall a nasty little episode from about 15 years ago.

   Paul was adamant that the USPS would never seek a monopoly 
position on any e-service. 

   However, back in the early 80's (It had to be in the 1980-83 range, 
I suspect  1981) I clearly remember a proposal that the USPS be 
granted the monopoly status as email carrier that it then and 
still enjoys for first class mail. As I recall, the proposal would 
require email to be routed to the nearest post office to the 
destination, and there printed and delivered as paper mail.

   Needless to say, this did not happen. I am not certain, but would
not be at all surprised, if this suggestion actually emanated from the 
letter carrier's union. I remember a line from some official, along 
the lines of "We don't know exactly what this thing [email] is, but 
we own it!"

   I know that I am not hallucinating this, but the above is pretty much 
all I recall. Anyone else have more details?

Peter Trei
trei@process.com