This is Crazy, Loony, Nuts, Wacko, Etc.

The Vermont Human Rights Commission added its voice Thursday to criticism of Vermont Teddy Bear's "Crazy for You" bear.

The commission's executive director asked the company in a letter to stop manufacturing and selling the bear, which others have called offensive.

The controversial $69.95 teddy bear is dressed in a straitjacket and comes with commitment papers. It's part of Vermont Teddy Bear's line of Valentine's Day products. Company officials say the bear is a light-hearted attempt to help men who are crazy in love with their partners to express their feelings.

Advocates, lawmakers and others say the bear is insensitive toward people struggling with mental illness and have demanded the company remove the bear from the market. Vermont Teddy Bear has vowed to keep selling the bear through Valentine's Day.

Robert Appel, Vermont Human Rights Commission executive director, sent a letter Thursday to Vermont Teddy Bear President Elisabeth Robert criticizing the bear. "Perhaps most disturbing to me is the apparent lack of understanding by your company of the real hurt and emotional turmoil your continued marketing of this stereotypical and stigmatizing product causes for those who have suffered from psychiatric conditions, along with their loved ones," Appel wrote.

"We join the chorus imploring your company to immediately cease production and marketing of this offensive product, and to exercise better judgement and social responsibility in future product choices," he added.

The Human Rights Commission enforces anti-discrimination laws, mediates disputes, educates the public on discrimination issues and promotes human rights policy.