US Stamps

Put yourself in the U.S. Capitol for September’s cartoon caption contest

Apr 28, 2021, 5 AM

The cartoon caption contest stamp for September is the 1969 6¢ stamp showing the U.S. Capitol in a pastoral setting that likely belies what is going on under the dome, given the current election and other divisive issues in Congress. Put yourself in the seat of one of these representatives, and tell me what you might be saying or thinking about one of these issues, or about beautification, the theme of the stamp. There will be a prize for the best philatelic and nonphilatelic lines. The rules to enter the contest are in the accompanying article. Entries must be received by Sept. 23 for a chance to win a prize.

By John M. Hotchner

From robocalls to television to sometimes divisive discussions with friends and family to the front page of your daily newspaper, you can’t escape the ever-present presidential election. Why should the cartoon caption contest swim against the tide?

Realizing that half the entries on this subject probably will not be printable, I have selected the 1969 6¢ Beautification of America stamp showing the Capitol with azaleas and tulips (Scott 1365) for the September cartoon caption contest.

Put yourself under the dome as a senator or Congressional representative and tell me what you might be thinking or saying to your colleagues about the current election. Or if you prefer, you can ruminate on beautification, stamp collecting, any other issue before the Congress (such as its own pay and benefits, United States Postal Service reform, etc.), or a topic of your own choosing.

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There will be two prizes given: one for the best philatelic line, and one for the best nonphilatelic line.

The important thing is to use your sense of humor, because entries with a humorous twist have the best chance of winning a prize.

Put your entry (or entries) on a postcard if possible and send it to me, John Hotchner, Cartoon Contest, Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125, or email it to jmhstamp@verizon.net. Be sure to include your mailing address.

For each winner, the prize will be the book Linn’s Stamp Identifier, published by Linn’s (a retail value of $12.99), or a 13-week subscription to Linn’s (a new subscription or an extension).

To be considered for the prizes, entries must reach me no later than Sept. 23.

Why not enter now, while you’re thinking about it?