Some people love the Redskins. A team that seems to hate its fans is loved by many. For them, the Redskins team name is a symbol of pride and excitement. But to many others, including myself, it’s a racial slur and is insulting to the original inhabitants of North America.
Highlighting the actions of Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, the News Journal posted a brief story on a letter sent to the NFL commissioner by them and many others urging the Redskins to alter their controversial name.
“The letter, signed by 49 senators, says recent action taken by the NBA against Clippers owner Donald Sterling for his racist remarks “opened up a national conversation about race relations.”
“We believe this conversation is an opportunity for the NFL to take action to remove the racial slur from the name of one of its marquee franchises,” the senators wrote in the May 21 letter to Goodell.” The News Journal reported.
The objective of opening up a national conversation on race is one President Obama has even recently supported, and I certainly agree with it. Changing the name of the Redskins is exactly what many of those the slur applies to want, and the United States Senate has finally taken notice. There’s no reason to take pride in a name so many find offensive, and I certainly couldn’t support a team who used such a name.
While I may not always agree with our two Senators, I can say I support their actions in representing an ignored minority and their interests in the Senate.
Editor’s Note: This is the first post by, “Thenewdeal” our newest contributor.