I need to vent after remaining quiet these past days. I understand that some people may not agree with POV, but I would think that the sensitivity meter might be lowered a decibel or two.... From the liberal St Pete Times... http://www.sptimes.com/2005/08/11/Columns/NCAA_s__logic____now_.shtml Excerpts: For crying out loud, why not talk to the supposedly injured parties? If Indians are being harmed, shouldn't they be aware of it? Yet, the Seminoles (in Florida, anyway) have endorsed the use of their name by FSU. The Chippewas have endorsed Central Michigan. The Utes have an agreement with Utah as long as it was used "respectfully and with dignity." Before backing down, the NCAA even had a problem with the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, which was founded as a school exclusively for Indians and stayed that way for 66 years. The Lumbley tribe supports Pembroke's nickname of Braves. In 2003, a Sports Illustrated poll found that 83 percent of Indians who are not living on a reservation had no problem with such mascots. With those living on reservations, 67 percent had no problem. ........ Also: http://www.sptimes.com/2005/08/11/State/Florida_State_prepare.shtml TALLAHASSEE - Florida State University vowed Wednesday to fight an NCAA decision that its familiar Seminole symbol is "hostile and abusive" to American Indians. In an emergency session, FSU trustees voted to appeal the NCAA rule that, starting in February, would ban the use of Indian symbols at championship events. They also questioned whether the NCAA has the power to make such a decision. And they directed lawyer Barry Richard to sue the NCAA if necessary. "We are highly insulted by this NCAA action," said Jim Smith, a lawyer, lobbyist, former Florida attorney general and FSU graduate who heads the trustees. "We will not stand by and let this happen without a fight." ............ I've not said anything to date, as I am an alum of Florida State. I've been a proud Nole since 1974, when as a child, my Dad and I went to a game played in Tampa. I've heard it said that the Oklahoma decedent's of Seminoles don't agree with the Florida Seminole Tribe..well, first off, maybe they should heal themselves: "There are 165 such mascots among public schools and colleges in Oklahoma, and in February, a state senate committee rejected a bill that would ban such nicknames" Beyond that, last time I check, it was the "Florida STATE Seminole's", not the SE Oklahoma Savages. And besides, I am interested in knowing how many of these "Seminoles" are "Cowboy" fans! If a bunch of real life Cowboy's, living in Osceola County, decide that the Caricature of a Cowboy is offensive, can these Floridian's demand a change in the nickname? But where does this end: Does the following need to be changed in Florida as well: Lake Seminole, Seminole County, Seminole High School, and the town of Seminole... How about Osceola County, the town of Osceola, and Osceola High School (called the Seminoles, I might add....) How about the Chamberlain High School Chiefs in Tampa, built and so named in 1913.... Does Holy Cross change it's name as offense to Muslims...the Holy Cross Crusaders? Notre Dame? I'm Irish...should I be offended? Why is one school in North Carolina, called the Braves, different than the Bradely Braves? What ever happened to free speech? Or are Christains the only people who are allowed to be offended without concern... What happened to common sense? Since when are we supposed to care about people's feelings? I'm constantly told that my feeling don't matter in the face of free speech (Think Robert Mapelthorpe and a crucifix placed in a jar of urine...) If you don't like FSU and it's name, stand in line with all the others that hate the school. I'm sure you'll find plenty of Gator's, Hurricane's, Blue Devil's Demon Deacon's, and Gamecocks to give you company...
