set up a secure electronic messaging and payment system, administered by the U.S. Postal Service.

The U.S. Postal Service should address how people increasingly communicate and do business now, over electronic networks, sending messages and payments via internet and cell phone connections. A secure, legal standard is needed. In many countries, where cell phones are common but banking services are not, people are already using their cell phones as debit cards, sending electronic chits to one another as payment. Credit card and cell phone companies can make such systems available, but will act as a hidden tax on a procedure which, once implemented, may one day become a necessity for all citizens making their daily transactions. The Post Office should have the legal authority to create and administer such a system and to act as a savings bank.