[RP TownTalk] Racism

[Regina M. Kreger]

The noose incident was sickening. Thanks to the town government for 
quick and decisive response. It is gratifying to know that MOST of the 
neighbors understand how devastating racism is.

Yet .......  how many walk around town with the racist name and logo of 
our Washington hometown football team plastered all over their cars and 
clothes?  Indians are held up as "brave warriors" not out of respect and 
admiration, folks.  Think about it.  They LOST.  The "brave warrior" 
image is just a justification, a conscience-salve for the conquerors.  
No, this wasn't genocide, slaughter, massacre -- it was a fair fight!  
They were brave warriors!  Friends, it was genocide, and not just the 
quick genocide of massacre, but a slow genocide that continues today. 
American Indians today still are the poorest, most depressed people in 
this country on average, notwithstanding a few nations that have managed 
to build successful casinos.  The great Sioux nation, the brave Plains 
warriors of the old cowboy & indian movies -- they're doing worst of 
all. Men on Pine Ridge and Rosebud Sioux reservations have a life 
expectancy of something like 55. And here in Washington? The local 
Indians weren't even marched west, they were just .... wiped out. How 
can we be proud of the Redskins name?

I hope a few of you will give old Mr. Snyder ("a change would cut into 
our merchandising revenue!") a call or a letter and ask him to change 
the team's name.  Tell him you'll still love the team and go to the 
games. Tell him you will happily buy a new sweatshirt and a new bumper 
sticker with a new name & logo, to cover up the old, racist one.

Racism is racism .... worth standing up against in all its colors.