Bush Doll Causes Controversy Among Collectors

Detachable head raises some eyebrows among conservative groups

KB Toys, the manufacturer of the George W. Bush action figure, is considering recalling the popular toys, after an overwhelming number of complaints, mostly from conservative groups.

The highly collectible talking doll, which stands 12 inches tall and is capable of spouting off "Bushisms," was originally packaged in a patriotic box and bears a striking resemblance to the President. The initial production run sold out in record time, and dolls now sell for many times their original prices on auction sites like eBay.

Surprisingly, the complaints have largely come from conservative groups who support the President. The main source of the complaint has to do with the fact that the head of the doll can be removed.

"We have seen pictures of the doll with its head removed and we understand that the way the toy was manufactured, the head can be shoved up the doll's rear end," said Paul Creamer of the Heritage Foundation. "We don't think it's appropriate at all for liberal groups to have access to something like this."

Liberal groups, on the other hand, have defended the doll on 1st Amendment grounds. Many of the dolls appear to have been purchased by liberals in large quantities.

"We think the doll's very life like," countered Ralph McPherson of People for the American Way. "It says things like 'Put food on your family' and 'Terrorism will not stand' -- actual things the President himself has said -- and we think the removable head is appropriately designed."

It appears that KB Toys may have a difficult time recalling the toys, as collectors seem reluctant to part with them. In addition, an aftermarket of doll parts has shown signs of development, with one company even making heads that can be used to replace the head of the Bush doll.

"We've made a Bin Laden head, a Hussein head, and a Karl Rove head, all of which fit right on the Bush doll," said Art Davidson of AG Toys, "but by far our most popular head has been the Al Gore head, which a lot of people think is the head that really belongs on the President's body."

President Bush has, to date, not commented on the doll. It is not known whether he was lucky enough to acquire one of the original production models.

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