"JMitton," 3/31/2005

(Chief opinion: For)

What's next? Removing the Boilermaker as a symbol due to complaints from a few workers? We must consult a large group of Native Americans throughout the US. Showing them the chief and asking for a vote as too their opinion. I worked on a reservation for many years and the Chief, while presented by a white male, appears to be a nonoffensive symbol of our American heritage. If the present atmosphere for these symbols continues this heritage will be lost, and yes, children will not be exposed, other than to old cowboy movies or cartoons. It is as difficult for present day Illinoisians to understand Indian culture as it is for them to understand cowboys of the old west. Soon the Illini will be known as the Banana Slugs or some other nonsensical animal name. When will the Cleveland MLB club change their name and smiling mascot?

"JMitton," via the web.