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The Marines didn't come up with these dolls on their own; like everything else they give out, the dolls were donated. However, the Marines declined the dolls. On the other hand, if they get direct requests for the dolls, what would be the problem giving them strictly to those who requested them?
I agree that most of the gifts should be mainstream, and I wouldn't advocate giving a religious item to anyone who hadn't specifically requested it. And, as I mentioned, I personally find such a doll objectionable. I'm thinking more of any type of religious item. What about items that teach kids how to cast spells? What about Ouija boards? What about dreidels? I assume all of these should be forbidden as well?
My main point was the attitude toward Christians and Christian holy things in the discussion. Does anyone think that a Muslim would be dismayed or offended by an identical thread using 'Allah' or 'Mohammed' dolls and action figures and accompanying remarks? What about claiming that Eid al Fitr celebrations have an 'illegitimate, opportunistic veneer' of Islam? Or would such remarks be seen as inappropriate?
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The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. - Ghandi 
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