Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Chia Obama - I want one or maybe three!

New Yorkers may soon get a chance to say hail to the Ch-Ch-Chia Obama at local drugstores.

The grassy-headed figurine of President Obama was pulled from Walgreens shelves in Chicago and Tampa after some people called it racist and company brass decided the new collectible was wrong for their image.

But Chia Obama's maker says he won't cut and run, and he is in negotiations with drugstore chains in the New York market to bring Chia Obama here in the coming weeks.

"As quickly as they can take them, we will send them," said Joseph Pedott, 76, founder of the as-seen-on-TV Chia Pets empire.

In the meantime, Pedott added, Chia Obama is for sale online - in "Happy" or "Determined" poses - for the amazingly low price of just $19.99 (three seed packs included!).

It's already a top seller and "could be the biggest I have ever had," Pedott said.

Pedott said he was stung by suggestions that there was something racist about Chia Obama, which, if left untrimmed, appears to give the 44th President a healthy, if very green, Afro.

"Since when is an Afro racist?" asked Pedott, a Republican who voted for Obama. Owners can trim Chia Obama's "hair" to any length they want, he added.

The presidential bust is also emblazoned "Yes We Can," Obama's campaign slogan, as well as with the words "liberty," "opportunity," "prosperity" and "hope."

"We all need hope," said Pedott.


I am not really sure what the big deal is with the Chia Obama. Perhaps it has something to do with the afro look of the plant coming out of his head but I really don't think it is worth all the craziness. I think I might try to find the 3 pack and put them all over my room at home my office and maybe give one as a gift. Should I be looking to purchase the "Happy" or "Determined" Chia Obama?

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