Simpsons Controversy

Representative Mike Honda (D-California) isn't pleased with the Simpsons stamps. Are you?

http://www.rollcall.com/issues/54_1...34751-1.html

There are other problems in the US that he needs to focus on that are more impt

This was a topic of discussion at our stamp club meeting yesterday and I heard no person speak in support of the Simpson issue with several of our U.S. collectors indicating this would be another gap in their collection.

Did the Simpson's die . Is it an memorial issue?

AS for Rep. Mike Honda, he needs to get a new staff or read more. This was hardly a state secret.

Mike

I'm a u.S. collector and I love The Simpsons stamps!

hey, we have Stompin' Tom Connors coming up on one of our stamps, this year. Already had Gordon Lightfoot and Anne Murray... I like all of them.

David

Personally, I'm not a fan of The Simpsons AND I would very much like to see more stamps of historical significance.

But having said that, I'm not upset because the US released too many stamps -- particularly if it generates revenue for the postal service. I think they should release even more -- the ones that are collected are "pure profit" for them. Do the Simpsons if the CSAC wants it, but go ahead and do a series of military commemoratives.

I know a LOT of collectors disagree, but there's no rule that says I have to collect every issue. I could collect the new issues with historical or military topics and others might prefer to ignore those and collect the Simpsons, the Comics, the Superheros, etc..

Anyway, just my $0.02

Ok, I actually sent a letter to Linns after reading that "not one" letter was in support of the Simpsons stamps. Here it is (what do you want to bet they don't publish it?):

I am not your "typical' collector. I am 34 years old, a college student who has returned to school after raising children and working low-paying jobs for 15 years, a mother of two teens, and the wife of a coal miner. And I AM THE FUTURE OF STAMP COLLECTING. I mount my stamps while listening to Kanye West on my iPod or while watching the Simpsons or reality TV, after having picked up some McDonalds for dinner because I am always so busy, and always on the go. I read "Cosmopolitan" in addition to "Linns Stamp News". I wear low-rise jeans and tees, with platform heels in a room full of ties and slacks. I buy my stamps on ebay and the internet, instead of your local dealer that you've known for years. I look up the history of stamps online instead of going to the library and I use MySpace and facebook to find new stamp friends. I am a member of MADD in addition to the APS. I use email instead of regular mail sometimes(although I much prefer "snail mail", sometimes it can't be helped). I text instead of calling. I have grew up in a world that is used to instant gratification, meals in minutes and paying my bills online. While this may not be the best of lives, its is my life and the lives of future owners of stamps. Remember, nothing is really ours, we just take care of it for the next generation and......... we are here. The world has changed and so has stamp collecting and stamp collectors. If stamps were like they were the first 20 years of stamp issues, I wouldn't have looked twice at them. I do feel there are many "worthy" people and events that deserve a stamp as much as the Simpsons do, but that doesn't mean there isn't a place for stamps like the Simpsons. We are a world of pop culture, hip hop, and and fast food. I LOVE the Simpsons stamps, and look forward to many more fun, colorful stamp issues in addition to presidents and "worthy" events and organizations. Most collectors I talk to these days feel it's important to get the kids collecting. Well, its not going to happen unless we have issues like this that kids and young people find "interesting". I have two teen boys that I hope to pass this hobby on to, and right now, the only stamps they are interested in are the "cool" ones.

I would have loved to lived in the 40's or 50's. To me it seems like a better time, and people made more time for families back then. It was just a slower-paced world. But until someone builds a time machine, we must live in modern times and live with modern lives. Which includes the Simpsons.

Very nice, stefanib123

Kirk:

My US album (which I pick-up, to-day), goes to 2000. I just collect the stamps I like afterwards.

Stef:

Hear! Hear! I sure hope they publish your letter. Good for you.

David

Look at it this way -- the USPS now issues two kinds of stamps: the traditional ones, which usually commemorate historic events and people; and modern stamps that embrace pop culture. One is not really "righter" than the other, one is just traditional and one is modern.

Collect the one you like, collect both if you want, but just COLLECT!

This sounds like sour grapes to me. I like the Simpsons issue much better than the set on furniture last year.

stefanib123 I totally agree with you,we are so alike in many ways except your sons are older than mine :) I love the simpsons stamps too, got them thanks to good friend in face book. Looking forward to many more cool stamps.

For anyone that missed it........

......Stefani's letter was published and there have been several follow-up letters agreeing with her.

I say, well done Stefani....great letter.

For myself I'm not collecting the Simpsons but I have been using them.

I will collect the Simpsons stamps mint, used, FDC, and even honored them with my local post issue. In fact, I just sent off for the b/w FDOI postmark on some covers and the postal cards today.

My congratulations to you, Stefani are a bit late. I'm pleased to hear that your letter was published and I also, agree with you that stamps like the Simpsons issue are needed to help keep stamp collecting alive.

Marty