New Issue: Jimmy Carter (USA)

My reviews of new issues are normally focused on GB, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, but yesterday the United States Postal Service (USPS) issued a new stamp that seems to have had a lot of reaction on social media.

Is it controversial? You'd think so because some people seem to be quite angry about it. But I don't really think it is. It says more about the USA at the moment, and maybe social media too, than it does about the stamp. The stamp, which is the latest in the USPS's "Forever" series, shows a picture of former President Jimmy Carter.

I don't know much about Jimmy Carter but helpfully the USPS's website tells us more: The U.S. Postal Service commemorated the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter today with the issuance of a commemorative stamp on what would have been his 101st birthday. The dedication ceremony took place at The Carter Center in Atlanta.

“Born in 1924 in Plains, Georgia — a town of just 600 people — Jimmy Carter’s story is one of humble beginnings leading to a lifetime of extraordinary service,” said Thomas J. Marshall, general counsel and executive vice president of the U.S. Postal Service. “During his presidency from 1977 to 1981, he confronted many challenges and achieved many milestones. But perhaps the most remarkable chapter began after he left the White House. Rather than retreating to a comfortable retirement, he and his wife, Rosalynn, embarked on what many consider the most consequential post-presidency in American history." The stamp art is a 1982 oil-on-linen painting created as a life study by artist Herbert E. Abrams (1921-2003) in preparation for painting Carter’s official White House portrait. Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp.

As a Forever stamp, the Jimmy Carter stamp will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

As I said there has been a bit of reaction, including some people suggesting Mr Carter should not be on a stamp and others arguing it should be Donald Trump, but this isn't really about the stamp but how divided America has become. You shouldn't have to completely agree with someone's politics to feel that the stamp is a nice tribute to someone who tried their best to make a better world. Other people on social media seemed to think that the stamp was some sort of rebellion - "an act of defiance" one person said.

It isn't. It might feel like that, but it definitely isn't. It's totally normal.

Every US President who has died has been on at least one stamp. It's a US tradition. People objecting seem to think Jimmy Carter should be the first President NOT to be honoured this way - why? People who seem to think Donald Trump should be on the stamp forget that this honour is for Presidents who have died and that living Presidents can't be shown on stamps. I know that and I'm not American. As for the whole "act of defiance" thing, it's just normal. It's what the USPS does, and has always done. What's the big deal? This is just another former President getting the usual treatment after they've died. I think it's a nice tradition and shows respect. I like the fact that the stamp was launched on what would have been Jimmy Carter's 101st birthday. But what do I think of the stamp?

Design Quality - I think the design is a good one. A nice portrait of Jimmy Carter and a simple but effective design. Like all the USPS stamps for former Presidents it aims to show respect and it does this well. 8/10

Theme and Subject Choice - It's a historic tradition and I think it's a great one. Every former President is pictured on a stamp and I think this is a really good thing to do. It doesn't matter how long they served, which party they were a member of... it shows respect to the office of President. It would be ridiculous and unheard of if the USPS did not create a stamp for Jimmy Carter. It's not a political statement. 10/10

Historical and Cultural Relevance - Obviously these stamps showing former Presidents are of historical relevance, not only in the USA but the rest of the world. 10/10

Innovation and Creativity - There isn't much of that on show, but I would't expect there to be. It's a portrait of a former President who passed away earlier this year. 5/10

Collectability - Clearly some like it and some don't (which sadly seems based on politics). I think it is a very collectable stamp and part of a lasting tradition. 7/10

Personal Appeal - I have no strong feelings either way, just like I have no strong feelings about the many USA stamps I have that show their former Presidents. It's part of history. I don't feel excited about this stamp but I definitely like the tradition behind it and I don't understand why it should be controversial. 6/10

Overall score: 46/60