Debates in the nation’s capital aren’t limited to politics alone, but sometimes to needed political correctness, as an address made this morning by Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada) makes evident. To Reid’s and many others? satisfaction, a ruling issued today by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has removed trademark protection of the name, images and logos used by the Washington Redskins NFL franchise.
This issue wasn’t limited to the Washington, D.C., home of the team, but was a national subject, Reid implies, because of the nationwide presence of those affected by use of the term, which USPTO said was ?disparaging to Native Americans.? For example, Reid notes, his state of Nevada is home to 27 tribes, one of which the Senator says was approached by team representatives who offered incentives for the tribe to promote positive use of the mascot. The offer, which Reid says is evidence of discriminatory attitudes toward Native Americans in today’s society, was refused by the tribe.
See Reid’s address from the morning of June 18:
Reid’s credit to the ?junior senator from the State of Washington? refers to Sen. Maria Cantwell (D), who earlier this year got 49 other senators to co-sign her letter to the NFL, asking that it cease use of the Redskins? name and images.
Cantwell credits a 2013 NFL game in her home state to be the inspiration behind her efforts. Attending a playoff match between the Redskins and the Seattle Seahawks, Cantwell says she was shocked to see the visiting opponents to be ?a caricature of a team that is not just respected by Indian Country.?
Edited/Published by: WG
