Nothing reasonable

As I read the NFL notes (Friday, Sept. 6), “N.Y. Tribe to launch ad against Redskins,” I was struck with sorrow when the Oneida Indian National representative stated, “We don’t deserve to be called Redskins. We deserve to be treated as what we are – Americans.”

No one deserves to be called by a racial slur.

An NFL spokesman said they “respect that reasonable people may have different views.” At one time in the south, George Wallace had differing views, Hitler and Bin Laden had different views. The Ku Klux Klan still has differing views such as segregation, bigotry and racism. I consider myself a reasonable person, but I would never respect those views.

I must say that as I read today’s (Sept. 12) sports section, I was heartened to read NFL commission Roger Goodell state, “If we are offending one person, we need to listen and make sure that we’re doing the right things to address that.”

My kudos to the commissioner for his softened stance, but until owner Dan Snyder understands how racist the Redskins name is, and changes it, I will never have any respect for him or others who agree that racial bigotry is acceptable in today’s society.

Tom Johnson

Spokane Valley