This is not a joke, a FOAF, a rumor, or an urban legend! The US Postal Service announced this past Monday that singer, actor, and outspoken activitst Paul Robeson will appear on a 37-cent stamp to be issued in January 2004. Click below to view the design:

Paul Robeson stamp

I know that the White House does not have a direct hand in choosing the subjects, let alone the actual designs, for US stamps. That is done by the Postmaster General upon the recommendation of something called the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Council -- there was an episode of the TV show The West Wing which explained the process -- but I am certain that either the President or Congress could block a particular stamp if they really wanted to. I just hope that GW and the boys/girls on the Hill leave well enough alone this time.