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Moving On

The Stamp Collecting Report, I'm Lloyd de Vries.

After less than two years in office, American Philatelic Society president Mick Zais has
resigned to become U-S Deputy Secretary of Education. The White House ethics rules required
him to quit as head of the largest stamp collecting organization….

"…so that there's not only no conflict of interest but the avoidance of any   appearance of
conflict of interest" RUNS :08

We talked to him in February, before his confirmation. The former South Carolina
Superintendent of Education is disappointed at the harsh atmosphere in Washington now.

"I don't see that Education is a partisan issue. I think everybody should be interested in
what in the best interest of public school students." RUNS :09

Zais sees a connection between stamp collecting and education.

"Stamp collecting is clearly the most education hobby that one can have."  RUNS :05

In fact, it helped during his freshman year at West Point.

"World Geography was a mandatory course for all students, and I went to my professor and
said, 'Sir, I don't think I need this course.'" RUNS :08

The future Brigadier General had been a worldwide stamp collector in high school.

"Condescendingly, he said, 'Mister Zais, if you can take and pass our final exam, you'll be
excused from World Geography. Well, of course, I did pass it, and I got out of that course."
RUNS :11

Zais says he leaves behind goals not yet accomplished.

"We need to update our website, enhance our technology. That's the way we're going to reach
the younger collector." RUNS :07

He says the hobby is changing and has ALWAYS been changing. The internet is increasingly
important.

"There are thousands and thousands of collectors out there who are not involved in organized
philately, and we have to have a robust online presence to reach them." RUNS :11

Mick Zais admits he did think about turning down the Trump Administration offer and staying on
as A-P-S president.

"The thought crossed my mind, but there's an adage that when a door opens, you should walk
through it. And this was an opportunity to do something I'm passionate about."  RUNS :10

The new Deputy Secretary of Education says he'll still be a member of the A-P-S and other stamp
collecting organizations, and chances are good he'll still attend stamp shows.

I’m Lloyd de Vries of The Virtual Stamp Club. For more on stamps and stamp collecting,
visit virtual-stamp-club-dot-com.

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