Out in the Mountains

Editorial

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company is following in the steps of the Florida
Citrus Commission. You remember them — they sponsored Anita Bryant when
she was running her Save Our Schools campaign which was supposed to keep
homosexuals out of the schools and away from kids. Most recently the Florida
Citrus Commission signed on as sponsors of Rush Limbaugh’s radio program,
resulting in calls by NOW and others for a boycott of citrus products from
Florida. Even President Clinton supported that one — reportedly stopping in
mid—sip one "morning when told of the sponsorship.

Now it’s Vermont Teddy Bear’s turn to join those who help keep the racist,
sexist, and homophobic comments of Limbaugh on the air. A report in the
May 6th Burlington Free Press describes to decision to advertise on
Limbaugh’s program just in time for Mother’s Day. In a press release about
the sponsorship the company responded, “The Vermont Teddy Bear Company
bears transcend all politics, age, and gender boundaries.” Board Chair Fred
Marks said “company founder John Sortino’s perspective is that teddy bears
are apolitical and conservatives and liberals are all entitled to the comforting
warmth of a teddy bear.” The statement went on, “We’re in a business and we
need to reach our audience, but we are also strong proponents of free speech
and free press.”

Well, I certainly agree about the need for free speech and free press — some of
the most important gay civil rights battles have been won on the basis of the
first amendment guarantees. However, there is a clear line between allowing
people like Limbaugh the freedom to purchase time to spout their vitriolic
rhetoric and paying him to do so. The Vermont Teddy Bear Company has
crossed that line. Trying to hide behind quotes about the freedom of the press
does not hide the issue.

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company helps Rush Limbaugh attack us, our lives
and our families (as well as the lives and families of millions of other
Americans gay and straight). Show Vermont Teddy Bear you know what they
are doing. Boycott their products. Write John Sortino and Fred Marks. Let
others know. Do not let them get away with this.

Deborah Laehmam V

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