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Walgreens Jettisons Chia Obama

Afro-sporting pottery planter 'didn't fit our corporate image'

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 8, 2009 10:43 AM CDT

(Newser) – Walgreens has pulled Chia Obama from its shelves, saying the Afro-growing pottery novelty “didn’t fit our corporate image,” the Chicago Tribune reports. “We didn’t want to be subject to any misinterpretation over the product,” said a spokesman, who said he was misquoted yesterday as saying that customers had complained that the bust was racist. “The word I used was ‘offensive.’”

Joseph Enterprises, the company behind the Chia brand, was flabbergasted by the move. “It’s hope, courage, and pro-American,” protested president Joe Pedott. “If someone calls me a racist, I get livid. I’m a Republican and voted for Obama.” He also noted that sales shot up 50% in the one week Walgreens carried the bust. He says he’ll keep selling it online, and he’s talking to Walgreens’ “friendly competitors.”

This screenshot from Joseph Enterprises shows the infamous Chia Obama, currently shown as "available online only."

The "determined" Chia Obama is seen in this promotional image. "Happy Obama" is also available. (Joseph Enterprises)

A Walgreens drugstore is seen in Newark, N.J., Monday, March 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Mike Derer)

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Walgreens Jettisons Chia Obama

Afro-sporting pottery planter 'didn't fit our corporate image'

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Walgreens Jettisons Chia Obama

Afro-sporting pottery planter 'didn't fit our corporate image'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • memorabilia • Walgreens • horticulture • novelty • President Obama • what recession?

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

Small Donors Gave 48% of Obama's 2011 Donations

That's more than double the proportion from 2007: analysis

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?