Propaganda has long been the lifeblood of nations. For as long as people have been able to communicate they've showcased their politics or qualities — be they good, bad, true or false — in the best possible light. Case in point, the quote, "The size of a lie is a definite factor in causing it to be believed ... " Hitler said that. While I'd prefer not to quote him, his use of wholesale propaganda was more successful than most anyone in modern history.

Not surprisingly, since the mid-1800s, postage stamps have been one of the most utilized purveyors of propaganda. Not only are they delivered to virtually every citizen within a country, they also travel the world. Before air travel and readily available information, that little sticky piece of paper in the corner of a letter or package was an effective means to portray a country's attributes.

Of course, today, things have changed. The word "propaganda" has negative connotations and — save for countries such as North Korea — doesn't apply to most stamps any longer. But, they're still used universally, and rare is the person who doesn't glance at one on a letter.

In 2009, Americans and people around the world will get scores of positive images thanks to the selection of upcoming stamps to be issued over the coming 12 months. Some are expected, such as two saluting Alaska and Hawaii on their 50th anniversary of being admitted to the Union. A stamp for Oregon's 150th anniversary is on the slate as well.

In February, the 200th anniversary of Abe Lincoln's birth is being celebrated with four stamps showcasing different periods in his life. In unison, the U.S. Mint will be issuing four new one-cent coins showing similar Lincoln-life images. WARNING: With the issuance of both the stamps and coins we can expect a cavalcade of "collectible" companies releasing "limited-edition" sets. Be sure to remember something you can get at face value in your change or at the post office rarely goes up in value.

If it isn't already evident with the election of the first black U.S. president, the advancement of race relations in the country is being highlighted with a selection of 12 civil rights pioneers being honored on a special souvenir sheet. So, too, with stamps commemorating African-American educator Anna Julia Cooper and author Richard Wright.

The arts will be represented with issues remembering poet and fiction writer Edgar Allen Poe, and screen legends Gary Cooper and Bob Hope. The latter would normally round out television notables but, this year, the Postal Service is releasing an entire sheet of 20 stamps focusing on early TV stars. The black and white staples range all the way from "Lassie" and "Howdy Doody" to "Phil Silvers," "I Love Lucy," "The Honeymooners," "Dragnet," "The Twilight Zone" and more. Any of those on mail going abroad are sure to raise a few eyebrows.

The lure of the sea is captured on five stamps featuring lighthouses on the Gulf Coast. Previously issued lighthouse stamps have proven wildly popular among collectors and the general public, so these should follow suit. Another water-related scenic sheet of stamps dips under the ocean to show off creatures of the deep living amid a kelp forest.

Rounding out the issues is a "King and Queen of Hearts" "Love" stamp along with two others intended for wedding invitations and the usual selection of Christmas and Hanukkah releases. There are more on tap to be issued in 2009, but, as usual, the USPS is producing so many it's impossible to list them all in just one column.

I'll do my best to keep you posted with as much First Day of Issue information as possible. In the meantime, pick up a pen, and get ready to start writing.

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of four upcoming Abraham Lincoln Anniversary stamps has been sent with this column."

To find out more about Peter Rexford and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.