January cartoon caption contest gets political with Mark Twain stamp

U.S. Stamp Notes by John M. Hotchner

Mark Twain has been honored on postage stamps in two series. In 1940, it was on a 10¢ stamp in the Famous Americans set of American Authors (Scott 863). And in 2011, more than 70 years later, he appeared on a forever stamp in the Literary Arts series (4545).

Twain (the pen name of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. 1835-1910) was an equal opportunity critic of the political establishment.

For example, he said in his autobiography, “The political and commercial morals of the United States are not merely food for laughter, they are an entire banquet.”

In a 1945 essay “The Privilege of the Grave,” he observed: “All large political doctrines are rich in difficult problems — problems that are quite above the average citizen’s reach. And that is not strange, since they are also above the reach of the ablest minds in the country.”

In this realm, as in so many others, Twain was rich in cynicism with a well-developed ability to skewer people and institutions.

As we look toward the prospect of wall-to-wall politics in 2020, let’s use the 2011 Mark Twain stamp as the cartoon caption contest subject for January.

This gives you an opportunity to put yourself in Twain’s white suit to apply his and your caustic wit to the modern era.

You are not limited to politics. There are many subjects equally deserving of biting observations: postal policy, modern electronics and their use, sports as big business, and dozens of other elements of modern life.

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

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. If you send an email, it is essential that you include your postal mailing address.

For each winner, the prize will be a 13-week subscription to Linn’s (a new subscription or an extension). Entries must reach me no later than Jan. 24.

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