Uh oh. If something is branded as patriotic, you know the whining will begin.

"It's not a credible way to honor those who've suffered the inhumanity of war," moaned Phil Steger, executive director of something called Friends for a Non-Violent World.

"I think the Twins are way off base with this idea. For gosh sakes, the last place we need to promote war is at our national pastime," grumbled John Varone of a group that dubs itself Veterans for Peace.

Another one of the anti-choice groups is called Women Against Military Madness.

The Twins have already partly caved by asking Hasbro Inc. to strip Duke of his customary tiny toy gun. "Hand grenades are still visible," AP advised.

Patrick Klinger, the Twins' vice president of marketing, said, "I know there are people who are adamant about opposition to the war, but this is not about politics."

The team also plans to offer half-price admission to military personnel and veterans and their families Monday. So far there are no reports of complaints about that, but the day is still young.

Editor's note: