Toys for Tots reverses Jesus doll stance. And dollmaker has a MISSION:

[Bluebear]

http://www.one2believe.com/

Let's see, one talking Jesus doll at $24.99 times 10 million children . . .the Toys for Tots publicity stunt, you couldn't BUY advertising like this:

=====
Final score: Jesus 1, Marines 0. Turns out a 12-inch talking Jesus doll may end up in the hands of needy children this Christmas after all.

The Marines' Toys for Tots toy drive reversed course Wednesday and decided to accept 4,000 dolls from the Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co. after initially saying they could be inappropriate for non-Christian kids.

"We realized it's a lot less time-consuming to find homes for the dolls than it is to answer media and complaints," said Bill Grein, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, in Quantico, Va., who said the dolls, which retail for $20, quote six Scripture verses from the gospels of Matthew and John, including, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/lifestyle/292434_tf116.html?source=rss

[fasttense]

1. The religious right gets it's way by being annoying.

"We realized it's a lot less time-consuming to find homes for the dolls than it is to answer media and complaints,"

I feel sorry for the kid who only gets one toy and it is a boring Jesus doll. Even if the kid has wacko Christian parents, it has got to be a disappointment.

[aquart]

2. Oh, ye of little faith.

How tall is talking Jesus? Can he date Barbie? Her sister? Is GI Joe his best friend?

When Mommy and Daddy come home to find Jesus in bed with Barbie and Ken.........

Trust the little children.

[AzDar]

14. I wuz just thinking: if these TFT recipients are anything like my 2 little

darlings, Jeebus may find himself in a few situations at the hands of a power-mad Buzz Lightyear that make Pontius Pilate look like a really nice fellow..:rofl:

[SmokingJacket]

33. Once you take him in the bathtub, he'll stop talking anyway.

Or if they're lucky, start talking in a really funny voice, like what happened when my kids brought their talking Bob the Builder in the tub. It was so hilarious, my kids laughed till they cried.

[jdadd]

4. You have that right....

I recieved a fundie chain e-mail about this yesterday...

[LizW]

3. Have you seen this doll?

Our local news showed it last night. First of all, it's creepy. Aside from the whole religious proselytization thing, I have sort of a weird feeling about little girls playing with dolls that lecture them in a deep manly voice. :scared:

Then they showed the guy who is selling these dolls and he's creepy, too. The Toys for Tots people explained very clearly that it would be very time consuming to try to be sure they didn't distribute the Jesus doll to Muslim or Jewish children. The guy's response was, "We've got to stop tiptoeing around." Tiptoeing around what? Other people's religious freedom that is guaranteed by our Constitution????

[Ian David]

12. They should give them all to poor children in Vatican City.

Heh heh.

[sniffa]

16. which kids are those?

oh right, the LittLe boys.

[Ian David]

34. The correct term is "Catamites." n/t

[meegbear]

5. The only kids I can think of who'd actually that doll is ...

[BOSSHOG]

6. The Marines do not take an oath to support and defend the bible

[DemBones DemBones]

7. As a Christian, I think "Toys for Tots" had better

make sure parents approve of their child receiving a "Talking Jesus" doll, not assume Christians in general would want these dolls for their children.

The concept itself is tacky, IMO. As has been pointed out, toys are often mistreated and with this "Talking Jesus" doll, children are being invited to treat an image of Christ as a toy.

[Clark2008]

20. As a Christian, it would offend me!

I wouldn't want my son or future boy/girl to have one - it's degrading to the memory of Christ (and downright creepy, to boot).

It tacky, scary and STUPID. No wonder they didn't sell.

[Raine]

56. I find it offensive too

Jesus should be treated with respect not drug around by the hair, stripped naked and fed mud pies. :-(

[kineneb]

41. creepy

talking Jesus, talking Buddha, talking Mohammed, talking Moses... what next?

the whole idea is tacky and creepy. It trivializes the belief systems. What if Junior decides to stick pins in the doll, or it winds up on the bottom of the toy box?

What was that line about not worshiping idols (toy dolls)?
Eewww.

[Lowell]

8. Toys For Tots is not a Marine Corps Publicity Stunt

The Marines have been doing this for years. It is a truly altruistic program. And BossHog is absolutely right, they do not swear to protect the bible. Don't try to spin this against the very people who are doing a good deed. It is the fundie wingnuts producing these dolls who are doing a disservice to us all.

[Bluebear]

45. Begging your pardon, Toys for Tots was not being branded a publicity stunt.

Please reread, it was the manufacturer's donating these toys that was the publicity stunt. Thank you.

[Lowell]

60. Bluebear, I read you wrong

had brain fart and thought you were critisizing the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. You are right, it is the fundies and their Jesus doll who are pulling a publicity stunt. I've ridden in Toys for Tots toy runs with my motorcycle club for years and think it is a great program. I am really sorry to see they caved in and allowed this obvious propaganda tactic to succeed.

[Ian David]

9. I know where I am buying my toys to donate to Toys for Tots this year

Let's do some Xmas shopping for Toys for Tots from THIS store:
http://www.evolvefish.com


Christmas Time Magnetic Jesus Dress up
$15.00
Just in time for his birthday and he's dressed to the nines... or will be. This is the authentic Christmas Time Jesus Dress Up Refrigerator Magnet set! It is no mere toy either. It allows you to freely express your opinions and desires for this famous religious figure using holiday themed costumes. The basic Jesus-on-the-cross cutout serves as a base for the kit's accessories. Hours of enjoyment for you and passers-by. Dimensions: 11 X 8 inches (27.94 x 20.32).



Bush, Now I'm Gonna Save Your Soul Magnet
$12.95
A fun refrigerator magnet set that lets you dress up ol' Dubya in his favorite outfits. Chose from a smattering of Halloween costumes like the Pope, Savior, Jester, or Elizabethan Showgirl. Note his obedient little British poodle - Tony Blair - at his feet!



Final Justice Jesus Dress Up magnet set
$15.00
Dress up the messiah in a selection of criminal's outfits - Charles Manson, Hitler, bin Laden, Ronald McDonald, KKK man, Tinky Winky, Ann Coulter, Hannibal Lecter, Ted Kaczynski, Freddy Kreuger - and crucfiy them all to your heart's content!



Charles Darwin Magnetic Personality Finger Puppet
$5.95
On your finger, it's a puppet; on your fridge, it's a magnet! It's the Charles Darwin magnetic personality finger puppet. The finger puppet is 4 inches tall by about 4 inches wide (10 x 10 cm) and made of soft cloth.



Jesus Bandages
$4.00
Jesus Bandages! Here is America's latest healthcare revolution. Tape a messianic band-aid over your boo-boo or owy, and miraculous healing processes will occur. Also contains a cute little Jesus pen-topper!



Nun Chuck! Get revenge for your Catholic Education by launching these four heartless Mothers Superior into a low-earth orbit using the catapult. Wheeee - watch 'em fly! This is the perfect gift for Notre Dame survivors and all others left scarred by centuries of Vatican madness.



Axis of Evil III (Rumsfeld, Condi, Cheney, and Dubya) Boxed Finger Puppets
$18.00
The true Axis of Evil presented in hilarious finger-puppet form. Now you can make your own Bu$h administration and act out some of the dumber, more corrupt parts of their lives. Pretend you're an oil company lobbyist: control them all!



W Deck - Dubya's Feminine Side Playing Cards
$10.00
Bush shows us a softer, more feminine side with this collector's poker deck. Included is 55 original portraits of the Commander-in-Chiffon. Doesn't he look lovely?



Pope Innocent III Action Figure
$9.00
Armed with his formidable power of excommunication and an intimidating scroll inscribed with Latin text, this 6" (15.2cm) tall, hard vinyl model of the 176th Pope will soon have all your other action figures lining up for confession. Read the back of the package and you'll find that Pope Innocent III was a good guy in all respects. He was a patron of the arts, cared about orphans, built a hospital and reunified the Papal States. Comes with removable fancy Pope hat!



Catholic Totem Bishop, Pedophillic
$120.00
Catholic Totem complete with "blind" bishop, pedophilic priest and alter boy! This great totem is handmade by Mimi and Michael Morelli. Mimi and Michael are the artists and crafters of a full series of masks (see the Big Hair'd Evangelical Preacher and the American Politician). These are carved from recycled high-density fiberboard overlaid with latex, plaster and acrylic. Very Limited edition, only 2 ever made.... each is signed and dated.
Totem stands 25 inches tall (63.5 cm).

[peacebird]

10. my letter to the Marines - feel free to send your own to: [e-mail]

Hello -
I have purchased and donated two toys a year - one for a girl and one for a boy - for the last 40 years. This started when I was a child, and I was expected to use my allowance money to make these purchases. I am so horrified that the Marines will be handing out Bible-verse spouting Jesus dolls to children this year that I will not be donating anything. Religious teaching should be left up to the parents! As the child of a proud career Marine officer (WWII through Vietnam), born at Camp LeJeune I am absolutely stunned by your capitulation on this matter. This is obviously NOT my fathers Corps.
regards,

[Demit]

11. We can't be bothered about principle, said the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

It's too much trouble.

[sniffa]

13. the fundies asked for it...

the taLking muhammad doLL.

- fight and sLay the infideLs wherever you find them.

- i have Left amongst you two things which, if you hoLd fast to them, you wiLL never stray: the book of aLLah, and my sunnah.

- the most superior among you are those who Learn the qur'an and teach it.

[TlalocW]

17. Cool!

When you press a button does he say, "I want Joe Frasier! I WANT Joe Frasier!"

TlalocW

[sniffa]

18. no, but

he does say, 'i'm so pretty'

i'm stiLL waiting for the joseph smith doLL.

[Samurai_Writer]

15. My letter...

I have heard that you have accepted these Jesus dolls for your Toys for Tots campaign. I don't remember where the U.S. Marines swore to defend the bible or Christianity. Also, I cannot imagine the disappointment that 4,000 children will have when perhaps their only toy for Christmas will be these very creepy Jesus doll (have you seen or heard it? I have).

Shame on Toys for Tots to caving in to the wackos of the religious right. I have donated to Toys for Tots since I was a child myself, for over 40 years. This year and for all years after, I will find a local organization to donate to instead. Something that is nonsecular and something that a child might actually enjoy receiving on Christmas.

[The Straight Story]

19. I think it was dumb from the start - sheesh, it is for 'christ'mas

Yeah, I think the jesus dolls are bizzare and such, but turning down toys for a holiday based on the guy the toy represents seems stupid.

[mondo joe]

26. Actually, they're holiday gifts, which includes more than "christ"mas.

[The Straight Story]

28. I dunno, the website mentions bringing the joy of christmas to kids

So a GI Joe doll is ok, but a jesus one isn't (wasn't)?

[mondo joe]

31. So it does. In the story yesterday the Toys for Tots spokesperson described

it as holiday gifts.

[johnnie]

27. But a person can choose what they want the holiday to be about

It might be a celebration of Christ's birth to Christians and some others, but if a family wants to use that day and time of year to put up a tree, buy presents and get drunk just because, then it's their right.

Not to be a dick, but the Christians do not own December 25th.

[The Straight Story]

29. They are collecting toys for Christmas, as noted on their site

Jesus has Something to do with Christmas I think.

Elmo Toys, GI Joe, Transformers, etc are ok but not a Jesus doll?

Some people might be offended by war toys, etc. I just don't get the big deal.

[johnnie]

32. Of course it has something to do with Christ

But some people don't celebrate that. Do you think the Marines should only give to Christian children?

[The Straight Story]

35. Who says the gift is christian in nature?

Jesus was a jew, and also a historical figure. You don't have to believe to play with toys :)

[johnnie]

37. All I know is

If I was 7 years old and the kid next to me got a brand new baseball mitt and I got a doll that quoted Bible text, I would be a bit pissed..lol.

On a different subject, at one time Toys for Tots took any toys, new and used. My father was in charge of Toys for Tots in the Cleveland area for many years. I remember him being a bit pissed when they switched to new toys only.

[immoderate]

46. If they are Christmas toys, why would a Jewish or Muslim kid get one?

Just askin' :shrug:

--IMM

[Bluebear]

47. Do you think only Christians get Christmas toys?

It may not suit everyone's view, but many people regard the holiday as secular and celebrate it without religious connotation.

[immoderate]

48. Well I was being a bit droll.

But my sympathy goes out to any kid of any persuasion, who is looking forward to a fun toy and winds up with a preaching doll. I hope the Marines have "consolation" prizes for any of these young victims.

--IMM

[Bluebear]

49. 'I hope the Marines have "consolation" prizes'

THAT is funny! :spray:

[jmowreader]

54. Because Talking Jeebus would be fun for a Muslim or Jewish child

The Jewish children will crucify Baby Jeebus right out in front of the house, and the Muslim children will behead him for apostasy.

And then the Muslim children will get spanked because they used the butcher knife without asking.

[grizmaster]

51. so they only give toys to christians?

I think not.


It's an insulting toy given by those wishing to insult all who don't bow to their fictional cloud being.

As to war toys, my mom never allowed anyone to give them to us. And the ones that tried ended up leaving the house with their war toys in tow.

[seabeyond]

21. i would go to all the churches and specifically hand out these dolls

so that they can wrap and give to THEIR needy children. there are plenty of church going children that wont be seeing much of a christmas and will value and appreciate these dolls. then the marines have walked this in the highest they possibly can and will be stopping the intent of these people that used christ in a negative manner

[Bluerthanblue]

40. the most appropriate solution possible

to this mess-
Great Idea Seabeyond!

[grizmaster]

53. better solution

give them to the local churches and make it clear to the jesus freaks to donate this kind of nonsense only to churches in the future.

[seabeyond]

59. clearing throat.... so if i believe in jesus? i am a freak?

i like my solution better. it is more kind and turning of the cheek, hence being the jesus freak and all that i am. lol. but thanks for sharing

[earth mom]

22. I feel sorry for the kids this is being pushed upon.

Toys for Tots will NOT be getting a donation from me this year, nor will any organization who pulls this crap!

[tinfoilinfor2005]

23. The original intent of the Jesus doll maker was to make money,

and disguise it as an act of Christianity. The dolls didn't sell and the makers didn't see a profit. So what to do? Hey, let's give them away to charity and that way we at least can get a tax break! Brilliant!

So Toys For Tots fell for this scheme and that is a shame because it will hurt them for donations, and in turn hurt children who won't receive a gift. I don't think this is what Christ had in mind.

[maxrandb]

24. So the Marines Surrendered?

Sounds like "cut and run" to me.

I'm sure Jesus is pleased that they've molded him into cheep plastic, made him pose-able, and shoved a string up his back.

One question though, does the Jesus Doll have non-removable clothing? If not, we know what's going to happen. I'd buy my daughters little Barbie and Ken Dolls, and the next thing you know, you've got naked doll orgies going on all over the house.

Does he come with accessories?

- A wooden cross?
- Hammer and nails?
- Halo?
- Swimsuit?
- Wine Press?

Inquiring minds want to know.

The religiously insane are going to freak when naked Jesus' start showing up all over the place saying "love your fellow man".

[johnfunk]

25. We need to find a manufacturer to create the TALKIN' DAWKINS!

Enough of this religionism... it's time for an ethical, moral and virtuous toymaker to create...

The TALKIN' DAWKINS!

Clever mockup of the
"Talkin' Dawkins" Doll

It's a foot-tall replica of renowned scientist and author (and atheism advocate) Richard Dawkins, using the great man's own voice to encourage kids to apply reason and the scientific approach to problem solving.

The goal of the Talkin' Dawkins: teach 10 million children 50 principles of science, reason, and inquiry.

I get the feeling that the Pope, Jerry Falwell and Osama bin Laden would all be screaming bloody murder over that toy!

[johnnie]

30. Hell, the Marines will probably accept them, then trash them

They don't need to accept every gift that is given to them, it is at their discretion. Like the spokesman said "We realized it's a lot less time-consuming to find homes for the dolls than it is to answer media and complaints,".. They will find a home. :)

It's too bad that these Jesus doll pushers don't really want to help the poor. Their bullshit is more important to them than Jesus' teachings.

[Ian David]

36. Someone will probably turn the Jesus dolls into IEDs in Fallujah

[Efilroft Sul]

38. Matt 6:24: Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Oddly enough, the Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co. can, and for $24.99 a pop.

[Bluerthanblue]

39. and the god they are serving

is nothing like the Jesus they are marketing-

which breaks the most important commandment of all-
"Thou shall have no other Gods before me"-

But, as the book so beautifully says there are :"Little Alters Everywhere".


The monechangers need their tables turned over and a little re-focusing.

fie-fie on it all

[jpwhite]

42. this doll promotes the fundamentalist point of view

As a unitarian I can see the problem right away. This doll promotes the fundamentalist point of view. If a doll says, "you must be born again" then it is promoting the idea that Christianity is the only way and all others are wrong. The reason that there are inconsistencies in the bible is because people added stuff later. Second, the gospels were written 40-60 years after the life of Christ!

Jesus also said in John chapter 10 that there are other sheep not of this fold that he would gather in. Jesus said that there would be one flock. Actually, instead of paraphrasing, let me quote it to you:

John 10:16 (NIV) - "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd."

The one shepherd is God and the "one sheep" is all of humanity. Saying there is only one way to God is about as silly as saying there is only one way from Dallas to Chicago.

If you are going to have a "Jesus doll", let's have the thing say positive things like:

1) It's fun to share your toys with your friends.
2) We should be nice to others.
3) We should treat others the way we want to be treated.
4) God loves you and so don't I.
5) God wants us to help other people.
6) It's important to share our food with people who are poor.
7) Love your enemies and pray for those who want to hurt you.

That's a doll that I can live with.

James
[e-mail]

[Me.]

43. Does It Come With Accessories?

A change of clothes, different colored wigs, a vast assortment of sandals?

[grizmaster]

52. maybe a cross and some nails

so you can practice torture for when you grow up to be a Marine at Abu Ghraib.

[Minnesota_Lib]

44. Jesus Doll is your child's perfect bath time companion....it walks on water!

[grizmaster]

50. scratch toys for tots from my donation list

guess it'll just be the other local toy drives this year

[Raine]

55. Seems sacreligious to me

to play with a Jesus doll in the sand box etc. Plus kids always strip the clothes off dolls, a naked Jessus doll, yech. x(

[madmusic]

57. Whining works!

Find homes for these dolls? Isn't that kind of like finding a home for Chuckie?

Not because the Jesus dolls are monsters, but because the Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Co. are horrorable.

[Javaman]

58. Plastic Jeeeeesus, Plastic Jeeeeeeesus, riding on the dashboard of my car...

Through my trials and tribulations
As I travel across this nation
Me and my plastic jesus
will go far...