HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Some of the first attendees at the rally are pictured braving the rain in front of the Lock Haven Post Office.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS
JoAnn Bowes, left, and Rose Reeder are pictured in front of the Lock Haven Post Office with rally signs in support of the USPS.

LOCK HAVEN — Several peaceful ralliers gathered outside the Lock Haven and Mill Hall post offices Thursday as part of a “Save the USPS Rally” organized by the Clinton County Democratic Committee.

The demonstration was part of a nationwide day of action by U.S. Postal Service workers and advocates opposing alleged plans by the Trump administration to privatize the USPS or transfer it to the Department of Commerce, which would strip it of its independence. Some view this as the first step toward selling off the 250-year-old institution.

The USPS, established by Congress, has operated as an independent federal agency since 1970.

“We’re here to protect something that belongs to all the American people,” said Rose Reeder, of Lock Haven, one of many protesters carrying signs with slogans such as “U.S. Mail, Not for Sale,” “Protect Postal Workers” and “My Mail, Not Musk’s.”

Sheila Kapur, of Mill Hall, emphasized the impact the changes would have on rural areas, including Clinton County.

“This will hurt rural communities more than it does urban or suburban ones,” she said.

Kapur noted the postal service delivers to 169 million addresses six — and often seven — days a week, providing essential items like life-saving medication.

Rally goers expressed concerns that privatization could lead to delays and weaken regulations meant to protect mail security and personal privacy.

JoAnn Bowes, of Lock Haven, said she believes Republicans should also be speaking out, as the issue affects everyone. She added that she wanted her local postal workers to know she was there advocating for them and their job.

At both locations, in Mill Hall and in Lock Haven, postal workers came out and thanked them, they said.

The rally was one of several organized by the Clinton County Democratic Party in recent weeks opposing what they view as the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle federal agencies.