Leave nickname alone

The Washington Redskins NFL franchise is under fire because an indigenous faction considers the name “Redskins” offensive. Assuming there is merit with that accusation, here are a few other offensive sports names that will cost fans countless millions: Chiefs, Braves, Indians, Chippewas, Seminoles, Fighting Sioux, Ragin’ Cajuns, Aztecs and Pygmies, just to name a few found in pro and college sports.

The following names may be offensive to elected officials: Patriots, Statesmen, Senators, Americans, Judges and Diplomats.

Let’s include the working folks: Bills, Texans, Cowboys, Engineers, Rangers, Vandals, Rivermen, Yankees, Matadors, Boxers, Anchormen, Boilermakers and Magicians.

Religious name problems include Quakers, Missionaries, Friars, Battlin’ Bishops, Preachers & Angels, Saints and Padres.

Our military may take up arms with offensive terms like Generals, Admirals, Commodores, Colonels, Yoemen, Captains, Cadets and Midshipmen.

Our European friends and allies may rebel with the names Vikings, Swedes, Norsemen, Fighting Irish, Highlanders, Fightin’ Scots or the Flying Dutchmen. Who knows, if enough Scandinavians take offense, Ikea prices may skyrocket. English nobility may also take umbrage. Consider Regents, Monarchs, Lords & Ladies, Dukes and the Gaels.

I hope this nonsense doesn’t infest our high school sports programs.

David Michaelson

Harrington, Wash.