Bogart Stamp

“New Postage Stamp Gives Bogart His Due,” Aug. 1: Do we really need variety in our postage stamps? We spend untold (because no one has ever told us) dollars on “celebrity” stamps.

Never heard anyone complain that they were denied a valued service because a stamp simply said USA 32 cents. Post office officials claim they need to “pass on” increased costs. Is it possible they might “pass on” a cut if they “passed” on celebrity stamps?

HERMAN MEDNICK

Culver City

Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and oh, how I hate to mention this one, Bugs Bunny! This morning’s news gave another, Humphrey Bogart.

Why can we not have only the American flag on our stamps? I believe stamp collectors are running the show. Let’s “stamp” this expensive printing out! Taxpayers are paying for this, and the post office has the gall to mention another hike in the cost of stamps.

JOAN SEVERIN

Hemet

As the husband of a successful portrait artist I read the extensive coverage of the Bogart stamp with interest. Everyone seemed in attendance at the stamp’s debut: Postal Service dignitaries, Bogart’s widow, their two children--everyone except the artist who created the image.

You would have thought the portrait fell out of the sky fully painted. Didn’t anyone think to give credit to the artist who painted the picture?

DAVID ALEXANDER

Long Beach