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THE VETERAN

Page 6
Download PDF of this full issue: v33n2.pdf (12.1 MB)

<< 5. Notes From the Boonies7. Cheney-Halliburton cartoon >>

My View

By John Zutz

[Printer-Friendly Version]

I went through some changes while writing this article. I wanted to write about the new G.W. Bush action figure being sold by KB Toys for $39.99. Here's what the website advertises:

BBI proudly introduces the latest issue in its Elite Force series of authentic military 12- inch figures, President George W. Bush in naval aviator flight suit. Exacting in detail and fully equipped with authentic gear, this limited-edition action figure is a meticulous 1:6 scale recreation of the Commander-in-Chief's appearance during his historic Aircraft Carrier landing. On May 1, 2003, President Bush landed on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) in the Pacific Ocean, and officially declared the end to major combat in Iraq. While at the controls of an S-3B Viking aircraft from the "Blue Sea Wolves" of Sea Control Squadron Three Five (VS-35), designated "Navy 1," he overflew the carrier before handing it over to the pilot for landing. Attired in full naval aviator flight equipment, the President then took the salute on the deck of the carrier.

This fully poseable figure features a realistic head sculpt, fully detailed cloth flight suit, helmet with oxygen mask, survival vest, g-pants, parachute harness and much more. The realism and exacting attention to detail demanded by today's 12-inch action figure enthusiast are met and exceeded with this action figure. This incredibly detailed figure is a fitting addition to the collection of those interested in U.S. history, military memorabilia and toy action figures.

www.kbtoys.com/genProduct.html/PID/2431939/ctid/17/ls/default

I was going to write about how calling it an action figure is about as accurate as calling Dummya heroic. I was going to comment on the flurry of email this doll caused on the VVAW lists.

I wanted to mention the friend who commented that the doll should talk, and that it should say, "I'm not a war hero, but I play one on TV." Or the person who wondered if it were wound up would it go AWOL? I was going to go on to use pithy satire to designate fictitious dolls for Cheney, Rumsfeld and all the other chickenhawks.

I was beaten to the punch by Media Whores Online's fake ad, which features G.W. in a cheerleader's skirt:

We proudly introduce the latest issue in our Elite Force series of authentic and historically accurate 12-inch figures, George W. Bush in Phillips Andover Head Cheerleader uniform. Exacting in detail and fully equipped with authentic gear including pom-poms and megaphone, this limited-edition action figure is a meticulous 1:6 scale recreation of the Cheerleader-in-Chief leading his squad in cheering the Andover Varsity Boys' Volleyball Team on to a championship victory. A peppy Bush participated in a death defying 6-man pyramid stunt, then thrilled the crowd with a series of courtside cartwheels.

On the other hand, truth is stranger than fiction. Never underestimate the power of the free market. The following items are for sale as you read this article. Don't wait, volumes are limited.

• The farting George Bush doll: pull his finger, surprise! He'll fart, say seven wacky phrases, and in the tradition of this great president there is a fart song! $19.89.

www.prankplace.com/fbush.htm

• George "Dubya" Bush, a true action hero, the first release from Talking Presidents. This collectible doll is 12.5 inches tall and comes in a patriotic display box. Press the button on George's back to hear him say 17 powerful and patriotic phrases! (Subject to change.)

George W. Bush delivers actual speech sound bites including: "I was not elected to serve one party, but to serve one nation," "We're working hard to put food in your family," "The presidency is more than an honor, it is more than an office, it is a charge to keep and I will give it my all," "I will not yield, I will not rest, I will not relent in waging the struggle for freedom and security for the American people."

George W. Bush is the 43rd President of the United States. Formerly the 46th Governor of the state of Texas, President Bush has earned a reputation as a compassionate conservative who shapes policy based on the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, strong families and local control. $29.99 (Bill Clinton figure also available).

www.talkingpresidents.com/products-af-bush.shtml

• George Bush Jr., War Pig: T-shirts, baseball jerseys, clocks, mugs, and so on.

www.cafeshops.com/bushasawarpig

• This comical President George W. Bush bobble head will always nod in agreement to whatever you have to say. $15.95.

www.earfloss.com/gifts/cat252/2850058.htm

• Get the George Bush talking action figure plus so much more. The George Bush bobble head doll, the George Bush jack in the box, the George W. Bush and family paper dolls (8 dolls, 26 costumes, $5.95), a Bush star lapel pin (looks just like a real Texas Ranger badge, $7.95), and even a bobble head lapel pin, $5.95.

www.americastore.com/georgewbush.html

For anyone who thinks these items indicate Bush's popularity please read the Guardian article which states that the Osama bin Laden doll outsells the Tony Blair doll:

www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,1284,685463,00.html


John Zutz is a member of the Milwaukee chapter and a VVAW national coordinator.


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