NP? the real business of the War...

[Doug Millison]

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2002/10/04/MN128381.DTL

The two-story house looks like any on the block, with
pale yellow walls, checkerboard floors and charming,
wood-framed windows. 

But something's wrong -- its glass panes are cracked,
and bullet holes decorate the walls. On the balcony
stands a helmeted soldier in battle fatigues clutching
an assault rifle. At his feet, a rocket launcher lies
poised where a pot of geraniums should be, its muzzle
aimed at all who approach. 

The scene is not the West Bank, or Kuwait during the
Gulf War. It's the "Forward Command Post," a new toy
for kids as young as 5. 

Complete with U.S. flag, the 10-pound "fully outfitted
battle zone" sells for $45 at J.C. Penney. Another
version, the "Elite Operations Forward Command Post"
for children "0-5 years," is by Toys R Us and sells
for $30 on Amazon. com. 

[...] toymakers are banking on the idea that Americans
will thrill to the weapons- laden action figures
available everywhere this season for children of all
ages. 

As Congress ponders war, toy companies ponder profits
from such terrorist- inspired trifles as "Clay Ramsey,
US Counter-Terrorism Advisor," "American Freedom
Fighters Live From Afghanistan," "Command Headquarters
Tent and Tunnel Combo," and the inevitable Osama bin
Laden head, offered by Protect and Serve Toys "to
allow enthusiasts to enact what it may be like when we
finally catch him." 

Even Fisher-Price, that bastion of educational aids
for babies, offers a weapons-free version for $32
called "Rescue Heroes Command Center." In it,
emergency vehicles, warning sounds and hospital
helipads let 3-year-olds "map out rescue plans." 

[...]

pix:  http://sfgate.com/chronicle/pictures/2002/10/04/mn_toys1.jpg

=====
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