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For broadcast on CBS Radio Network stations 
November 10-11, 2001:


Bad Timing.


The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.
 
For several years, the U-S Postal Service has been issuing 
and re-issuing stamps for minority holidays: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, 
Cinco de Mayo. When the rates change, new versions of these 
stamps are printed, so we can keep using them on our greeting 
cards or general mail.


On September first, the U-S issued an Eid stamp, the Muslim 
holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. 
Ten days later, fanatic Muslim terrorists struck the United 
States.


Muslim-Americans wanted their own stamp for some time. It's 
attractive -- dark blue with gold lettering -- but there are 
unofficial reports it's not selling well, except in cities 
with large Muslim communities. The Postal Service says it's 
too early to tell.


One dealer even went so far as to use the stamp on decorated 
envelopes that blamed Muslims -- ALL Muslims -- for the attacks. 
That angered the Postal Service.


Meanwhile, if you spot a regular piece of mail with one of these 
Eid stamps on it, save the envelope: It could be rare.


And that's stamp collecting this week. 

I'm Lloyd de Vries, CBS News.

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