cNutgroist

AP
Strait-Jacketed Teddy Bear Brings Protests

Thu Jan 13, 7:34 AM ET

MONTPELIER, Vt. - A company that sells cuddly Teddy bears through the mail has angered mental health advocates with a special item for Valentine's Day
The Vermont Teddy Bear Co. is featuring a 15-inch bear in a straitjacket. The $69.95 stuffed animal is called the "Crazy for You Bear" and comes with its own commitment papers.

"This bear was created in the spirit of Valentine's Day and as with all of our bears it was designed to be a lighthearted depiction of the sentiment of love," the company said in a statement.

Mental health advocates believe the bear is "a tasteless use of marketing that stigmatizes persons with mental illness," said Jerry Goessel, executive director of the Vermont chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill.

I'm sorry, but this Goessel bloke must be a nutter. It doesn't stigmatize mad people at all. It stigmatizes BEARS with mental problems. If he can't even distinguish between Human Beings and Bears then he's obviously got mental difficulties of hi..oh..well, anyway, they shouldnt be withdrawn from sale unless it upsets the bears. And if they get upset, they'll let us know about it, don't worry.
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