Opinion | Warriors? Americans? Potatoes? Any of these beat Commanders.

August 21, 2024

Regarding the May 14 Sports article “Senator threatens to block RFK bill”:

The Commanders will be committing a colossal mistake should they revisit in any way the decision to discard the old racist name and logo. The latest backsliding involved new coach Dan Quinn, who sported a shirt with feathers from the previous imagery. These incidents continue, despite team president Jason Wright saying in 2021 that the team would not use any Native American imagery.

Native American advocacy against the former name spans decades and features two major federal court battles. Native American advocacy continues against other usages, such as the Kansas City Chiefs.

As the Post article describes, a powerful senator now wants the team to honor the Native American who developed the logo of an Indian that was on the team’s helmets from the 1970s until the name was dropped in 2020. Instead, how about honoring the 1,500 signatures representing Native American leaders and communities who asked the team to change the name in 2020.

Neither the Commanders nor the Senate should cater to the demand by Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) to honor one Native American artist whose own family is divided over the previous name and logo. The Senate should instead pass the House bill that would allow D.C. to use the federal land on which RFK Stadium sits for a redevelopment plan with genuine community input — one that provides desperately needed affordable housing as well as any recreational or sports facilities.

If the Commanders want to win, they must not be sidetracked by a noxious and ruinous debate over the team’s name, an unnecessary distraction that contributed to the downfall of the franchise under Dan Snyder.

Josh Silver, Bethesda

The May 14 Sports article “Senator threatens to block RFK bill,” usefully subtitled “Daines (R-Mont.) wants Commanders officials to honor history of logo,” suggests there might be a second opportunity to get right the renaming of the Washington NFL franchise.

On one hand, the name “Redskins,” which some activists say refers to Native American scalps collected for bounty, is widely regarded as offensive. On the other hand, the team’s former logo depicted a handsome and noble Native American man, which was designed by a Native American. The change to “Commanders” was a safe choice: unlikely to offend but also unlikely to inspire.

I believe there is a solution to the naming problem that is both simple and elegant: Retain the dignified logo and rename the team as “the Washington Americans.” What people deserve to be recognized as American more than this country’s first inhabitants?

Life does not always offer second chances. The Washington football franchise should seize the opportunity to get this right.

Zachary W. Carter, Bethesda

Perhaps the most significant way to honor Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, creator of the Washington football team’s former logo and a member of the Blackfeet Nation, would be to drop the current team name, which is not popular and has no defining logo, and reinstate Wetzel’s logo with a new team name that reflects the pride inherent in his design. The name “Warriors” has been frequently mentioned.

Doug Widener, Gainesville

As a resident of the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia for over 30 years who has never stopped rooting for the team, even after moving to South Florida six years ago, I have come up with a solution. The new owner simply needs to change the name of the team to the Washington Potatoes. This native vegetable has always been nutritious, wholesome and delicious. My favorite variety of potatoes has always been the redskin potato. It is to be anticipated that, in the future, our fans will come up with their own favorite nicknames for the team, such as “Spuds,” or “Redskins,” or “Taters.” Let the fans organically decide which nicknames they prefer for the Potatoes.

The new team fight song can go something like this:

“Hail to the Redskins!

Hail victory!

Spuds on the table.

Fight for old D.C.!”

Share this articleShare

Arthur Rosecan, Jupiter, Fla.

State horse racing takeover

As a Maryland taxpayer, I am compelled to voice my strong opposition to the signed legislation that lets the state take over thoroughbred horse racing at Pimlico Race Course. This move not only seems reckless, but it also places an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers, especially at a time when the state is already grappling with the prospect of raising taxes later this year.

The thoroughbred racing industry, despite its rich tradition in Maryland, has faced significant challenges in recent years. If the private sector — with all its resources and expertise — cannot sustain this industry, it is highly questionable why Maryland taxpayers should be expected to take on this responsibility.

Where is the report that the state used to justify transferring ownership of these racetracks from the Stronach Group to a state-run nonprofit? Transparency is paramount, and Maryland residents deserve to see the rationale behind this decision. Without such a report, it is difficult to trust that this will be a prudent use of public resources.

It is also worth scrutinizing the vested interests behind this initiative. Who stands to benefit from the state taking over thoroughbred racing? It appears that powerful forces are pushing this agenda, yet their motivations remain shrouded to those whom the state government represents.

Maryland has far more pressing issues that require attention and resources. Our state faces challenges in education, health care and infrastructure. Residents deserve better than to be saddled with the financial burden of an industry that the private sector cannot sustain. Our leaders must focus on solutions that benefit all the people they represent — not just a select few.

Hampton E. Brown III, Fulton, Md.

Maryland’s primary election

I was honored to serve as an election worker in Montgomery County during Maryland’s primary election. Our team had veteran staffers and new election workers alike — and many were high school students. After enthusiastically working 15 hours at the polls, the students woke up on Wednesday to classes and year-end exams.

We met at least a dozen first-time voters, some teens, some older adults. The whole team cheered raucously and clapped loudly for each one.

In a time of polarization and discouragement in our nation, it was heartening to be a part of an election and welcome a new generation to our fundamental freedom to vote.

Kathleen Oehl, Rockville

Money can’t buy love, and not even $60 million-plus can buy a U.S. Senate seat from voters. Rep. David Trone (D) tried to buy his way through the Maryland Senate primary, but it didn’t work. He blanketed media markets with ad after ad after ad to the point it became a turnoff. Just think what $60 million could buy instead of a Senate primary race: housing for the homeless, food for the hungry, college tuition for poor but motivated students.

And we also found out that Mr. Trone spent some of his millions supporting Republican politicians across the country whose views on abortion and other issues were antithetical to his own — supposedly in hopes of gaining favorable liquor laws for his Total Wine & More business. Hypocrisy, apparently, knows no bounds. He got what he deserved.

Janet Bass, Bethesda

Regarding Karen Tumulty’s May 16 Thursday Opinion commentary, “In Maryland, the message beat the money”:

I beg to differ with Ms. Tumulty’s theme that the “message” of Angela D. Alsobrooks was what defeated the “money” of her opponent, Rep. David Trone. It’s true that Mr. Trone is wealthy and chose to deploy his wealth to seek the office. But Ms. Alsobrooks had the advantage early on of very public endorsements from two of the most powerful Democrats in the state, Gov. Wes Moore and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, both of whom did television ads for the Prince George’s County executive. If one studies the ads, the respective messages of Ms. Alsobrooks and Mr. Trone were not that different in substance.

I, for one, thought it was unfair of Mr. Moore and Mr. Van Hollen to use the prestige of their offices to tip the scales. Whatever one’s preferences, it compromised the sense of fair play that should have prevailed. At least Sen. Ben Cardin was dignified enough to remain above the fray.

Unfortunately, the result of this campaign is divisiveness among Maryland Democrats, many of whom did support Mr. Trone. It is a situation that can only help the prospects of former governor Larry Hogan, who was and remains popular with voters of both parties. The election in November is his to lose.

Marjorie Schulenburg, Laurel

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZLyxtc2ipqerX2d9c4COaWxoamJkv6e3jKyrmpyZqrputM6rqp5lopawqrrGZqSaqqmhrq%2BwjKmpoqWRp8Zw