[tomwed]

"However, the notion that this state of affairs stems [loosing money] from losses attributable to a sweetheart deal with Amazon.com strays far from the defensible fact. By law, the USPS is required, at minimum, to break even on the deal. "
copy and paste in google to read more---and draw your own conclusion

Walmart could buy products cheaper then the local stores. The local stores brought people into town who also supported the restaurants, movies and bars. So many downtowns were hurt. Amazon is making it more difficult for the little guy unless he get's creative.
A long time ago ebay was cutting into the sales of my local my local proshop. The owner started selling on ebay to recover his looses.
When I drive by a strip mall I count the businesses that can be replaced by Amazon and Walmart.