[goldstategop]

"The other muscular 13-inch plastic figures wear generic uniforms of other "American heroes" -- the policeman, fireman, soldier, sailor and baseball player."

If one overlooks the market segment these dolls would be hot collectors items with straight guys. Who else but a gay toy manufacturer would market guy dolls in "hero" roles. A fitting tribute to Sept. 11th. Showing off a shelf full of heroes seems like the thing a true patriot collector would do.

[OWK]

A fitting tribute to Sept. 11th. Showing off a shelf full of heroes seems like the thing a true patriot collector would do.

Uhhhhh.... I think I'll pass. ;^]

[Slush]

I think this anti-gay talk misses the point. This isn't a social issue, it's a business issue. UPS owns its identity and no other company has the right to use that identity without permission. Even in parody it has to be clear there is no consent or collaboration. UPS has the right - and the obligation to its employees and stockholders - to protect their brand. That's what property and copyright law is all about. Allowing this sort of thing can devalue the brand. Companies do co-branding all the time, you know like a Betty Crocker/Barbie Kitchen or something like that, but it's done according to each company's discretion and consent. Some, however, would like to twist this debate to make UPS seem anti-gay, which is irrelevant. What matters here is that they are anti-trademark infringement.