U.S. Notes Cartoon Contest, May 12, 2014

By John M. Hotchner

An alternate design for the American flag was the predominant theme for the May cartoon caption contest featuring the 1952 3¢ Betsy Ross commemorative in Figure 4.

That was followed by a large group of entries talking about different ideas for color combinations for the flag.

From the first group, William Kriebel of Philadelphia, Pa., suggested that George Washington might be saying, "Stars?! I wanted polka dots!"

Thomas Heifner of Panama City Beach, Fla., represents the second theme with Betsy Ross saying, "But General, I'm certain you specified red, white and green."

Impossible though it might be, several entries brought the subject into the present day with the all-too-often seen offshore manufacturing of goods sold here. The first one of these received was from Lewis Ludwig of Port Angeles, Wash., who has Ross apologizing, "Sorry George, I forgot to remove the Made in China tag."

Another major theme was the application of computers to the process. Ken Bonvallet of Westerville, Ohio, has a modern Betsy Ross saying, "General, I know you can get this flag cheaper online, but I provide free shipping!"

The nonphilatelic line winner is also a reflection of the modern day. I don't know its origin for certain, but it does seem to fit the situation depicted on the stamp. It is from Bob Bialo of Cary, Ill.

The philatelic lines submitted all tended to be long and involved, as is this winner from Duncan Teague of Arlington, Tenn.: "George, if I put the word 'forever' in the blue space, I won't have to keep adding new stars every time the number of states goes up."

Both winners will receive Linn's Stamp Identifier published by Amos Hobby Publishing, or a 13-week subscription toLinn's (a new subscription or an extension). The book has a retail value of $12.99.

Here are a few of the runners-up:

"General, enough war stories. I'm not turning over the flag until I get paid!" by Edgar Dunlap of Gainesville, Ga.

"Buy one! Get one free!" from John Nickle of Rusk, Texas.

"Heavens to Betsy! It's perfect!" sent by David Vikan of Dickinson, N.D.

"If you think I'm going to sew your britches after all this work, you're crazy!" by Mark Choma of Collinsville, Ill.

"We have a visitor from Warsaw, Pole-land, who will demonstrate some innovative ways to display the flag," from M. Denis of Bridgeview, Ill.

"It's beautiful, Betsy, but I told you it had to fit on a postage stamp," sent by Milt Keiles of Monroe Township, N.J.

Thanks and a tip of the hat to all who entered.

The next cartoon caption contest will be announced in the July 14 Linn's.