Barack Obama is a Chia Pet Called the Chia Obama

Last night I saw a commercial advertising a new Chia Pet, except this wasn't a pet. The special addition from Joseph Enterprises is a Chia Obama. The makers of the Chia Pet have made a clay bust of Barack Obama and now consumers can slather his head in seeds in order to grow green, leafy hair. The Chia Obama bust has two inscriptions: Barack Obama the 44^th President of the USA, and Yes We Can.

When I first saw this commercial I thought it was a spoof from another television show. To be honest, I was laughing hysterically as the commercial was touting this Chia tribute to the president. The idea of the president as a Chia Pet is funny to me but after thinking about it a little longer it should be more insulting than funny.

Walgreens in Chicago and Tampa pulled the Chia Obama from their shelves after some people called it racist just because the green leaves on the head look like an afro. I really only have one question to this claim of racism: Since when is an afro racist? I don't agree that the Chia Obama is racist but I do think that it is in poor taste to make any president into a Chia Pet.

How can a Chia Obama be a tribute to any president? Chia Pets have been around for years. We all know the cha-cha-cha-chia jingle. Chia Pets are not considered tributes, they are considered gag gifts. I received a Tazmanian Devil Chia Pet several years ago for a Christmas gift and it was considered a joke. The Chia Obama is the same concept, different joke.

Our country is rooted in capitalism. We are all allowed to make money, be creative, and follow our own free will. The Chia Obama is not infringing on anyone's rights or hindering anyone's freedoms so Joseph Enterprises is allowed to market and sell the Chia Obama and I wish the company the best.

I have seen commercials for Obama commemorative coins, plates, and even shoes. Yes, you can wear the president's face on your sneakers now too. The shoes were pushing it, the Chia Pet has put the Obama craze over the edge.

The Chia Obama costs $19.99 and you can choose the pose. You can pick from a clay bust of a happy Obama or the determined Obama. You will also get three seed packets for this low price.

I don't agree with much of President Obama's politics or policies. Actually I can't come up with anything I have agreed with yet, but to immortalize the president's image in a Chia Pet is just wrong. Now give me a Nancy Pelosi Chia Pet and I may consider buying it.

Sources:

Chiaobama.com

Nydailynews.com

Obama-shoes.com

Chia.com