Page 15 - Demo

THE CHICKEN STAMP CENTENNIAL(CSAC), was formed as a non-partisan, apolitical screening group to restore integrity to the stamp-selection process. Appointed by the Postmaster General, the very first group consisted mostly of philatelists and artists. Over the years, it has been credited with greatly improving the quality and relevance of U.S. postage-stamp design. Past Committee members have included actor Karl Malden (an avid stamp collector) and arts patron Joan Mondale (wife of the former VP). The 2020 roster included Cheryl R. Ganz, who had been the Curator of Philately at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. When the CSAC was formed, it prohibited stamps honoring commercial enterprises, individual cities, towns, or colleges. By 2020 there were eleven criteria that had to be met before any stamp proposal would be considered. For example, a deceased individual could only appear on a stamp after they had been dead for at least three years. And stamps could not honor government agencies, non-profit organizations, associations, and similar entities. Despite its rules, the CSAC has not had an entirely stellar record. Critics point to stamps honoring Bugs Bunny (1997), Daffy Duck (1999), and Porky Pig (2001). And the Committee approved an Atomic Bomb stamp in 1995 which, somewhat amazingly, made it through the design process before being cancelled because of public outcry. Not to be overlooked, very few people have expressed any fondness for the 1995 President Richard M. Nixon stamp.The establishment of the CSAC did not stop people from complaining about, and belittling, the chicken stamp. In 1965, J. Edward Day, who%u2019d been appointed Postmaster General by President Kennedy four years earlier, wrote, %u201cThe chicken stamp represented the absolute low point in postal subject matter.%u201d In 1992, Linn%u2019s Stamp News had a Horrid Stamp Survey. Their avid readers voted the chicken stamp the second worst in the singleCSAC Stamp Subject Selection Criteria%u2022 The U.S. Postal Service and the members of the Citizens%u2019 Stamp Advisory Committee (CSAC) have set certain basic criteria used in determining the eligibility of subjects for commemoration on all U.S. stamps and stationery.%u2022 U.S. postage stamps and stationery will primarily feature American or American-related subjects. Other subjects may be considered if the subject had significant impact on American history, culture or environment.%u2022 The Postal Service will honor extraordinary and enduring contributions to American society, history, culture or environment.%u2022 U.S. stamp programs are planned and developed two to three years in advance. In order to be considered, subject matter suggestions should be submitted three or more years in advance of the proposed stamp.%u2022 Living people will not be considered at the present time. Beginning in 2018, proposals for a deceased individual will be considered three years following his/her death.%u2022 A memorial stamp will be issued honoring U.S. presidents after they are deceased.%u2022 Events of historical significance shall be considered for commemoration on anniversaries in multiples of 50 years.%u2022 A balance of stamp subjects that includes themes of widespread national appeal and significance will be considered for commemoration. Official postal cancellations, which may be arranged through the local postmaster, may be requested for significant local events or commemorations.%u2022 Commemorative postage stamps will be issued at intervals of 50 years from the date of the state%u2019s first entry into the Union.%u2022 The stamp program commemorates positive contributions to American life, history, culture and environment; therefore, negative occurrences and disasters will not be commemorated on U.S. postage stamps or stationery.%u2022 Due to the limitations placed on annual postal programs and the vast number of locales, organizations and institutions in existence, it would be difficult to single out any one of the following for commemoration: government agencies, localities, non-profit organizations, associations, and similar entities. Stamps or stationery items shall not be issued to honor religious institutions or individuals whose principal achievements are associated with religious undertakings or beliefs. However, these subjects may be recognized with commemorative postmarks.%u2022 Stamps may be issued for the five active-duty branches %u2013 Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. This includes Reserve/Guard components of the current organizational structure. Stamps for the major service academies will be considered on a case-by-case basis for 50-year anniversaries (or multiples thereof).