WASHINGTON — Whom would you put on a stamp? Charlie Sheen? Lady Gaga? Yourself?
Hoping to boost sagging revenue, the U.S. Postal Service on Monday abandoned its longstanding rule that stamps cannot feature people who are still alive and is asking the public for suggestions.
A burst of interest in stamp design and collecting could bring in new dollars, since stamps that are collected rather than used for postage provide added revenue.
Poking fun at the Postal Service’s money woes, comedian Stephen Colbert has been pushing to become the first living person depicted on a government-issued stamp. But he faces competition.
Cyndi Scarlett, 54, of Alexandria, Va., who works in humanitarian development, touted her choice of Apple Inc. founder Steve Jobs, citing his company’s role in reshaping everyday life, from the Macintosh and iPod to the iPad. “He has changed the face of technology in America,” Scarlett said.
Elizabeth Saunders, 38, a former educator who lives in Washington, said first lady Michelle Obama deserves the honor.
Justin Pierce, a 29-year-old consultant from Arlington, Va., had a TV personality in mind for the first stamp: actor Charlie Sheen, who was fired from the show “Two and a Half Men” last season.
“He’s an American icon,” Pierce said.
Other suggestions included evangelist Billy Graham, President Barack Obama, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, model Tyra Banks and paralympic athlete Bonnie St. John.
People can view upcoming stamps at and beyondtheperf . The Associated Press
