In today’s politically-correct world, New York City fines employers and landlords up to $250,000 for using the wrong pronouns when referring to sexually-confused individuals–the so-called transgendered. Under the law, he/him/his and she/here/hers must be replaced with made-up words like ze and hir.
In his novel, 1984, George Orwell referred to this type of fictional language as Newspeak; a controlled political language created by the state to limit freedom of thought, and concepts considered threatening to the regime such as freedom.
But Bill De Blasio, America’s first openly Marxist big city mayor, isn’t the only left-wing wacko auditioning for the role of Big Brother. Barack Hussein Obama, with the help of a group-think media that would make Vladimir Lenin blush, has made the use of Newspeak a foundational building block in his fundamental transformation of America.
And true to the nanny-state mentality of big government liberals, if there is no real injustice requiring a big government solution, make one up. One such imaginary injustice is the use of the word “Redskins” — as in the Washington Redskins of the National Football League.
According to Barack–hey, Barack starts with a “B” and Big Brother starts with a “B.” Coincidence?–the word Redskin is so offensive that owner Dan Snyder should be required to surrender decades of history and millions of dollars in revenue; changing the name to something more satisfying to the politically-correct palate.
Big Brother Barry (BBB) hasn’t been shy in his efforts to correct this obviously racist word. He has wielded the hammer of the U.S. Patent office to revoke the Redskin trademark, and the sickle of the FCC to threaten broadcasters who use the word.
But according to a new survey by the Washington Post, BBB is wrong.
Of the over 500 Native Americans surveyed, 9 in 10 are not only NOT offended, but they don’t want the name changed. In addition, 7 in 10 don’t feel the word is disrespectful to Indians, and 8 in 10 would not be offended if a non-Native American called them redskin.
After hearing of the results, Dan Snyder praised the good news:
“The Washington Redskins team, our fans, and community have always believed our name represents honor, respect, and pride. We are gratified by this overwhelming support from the Native American community, and the team will proudly carry the Redskins name,”
By the way, Mr. Snyder’s official response is 100% accurate about the name representing honor. In 1932, the NFL team moved to the historic Fenway Park and were left under the leadership of George Preston Marshall. The very next year, Marshall changed the name to “Redskins” to honor then-coach Lone Star Dietz, an American Sioux.
In addition, the name is used by Native American schools across the country. For example: students at Kingston Oklahoma high school, which is 58 percent Native American, has worn the name “Redskins” for 104 years. In fact, ‘Redskins’ was a name first used by Native Americans.
Transgendered New Yorkers? Washington Redskins? The facts simply don’t support the claims of the politically-correct left. But hey, Newspeak doesn’t require facts — just an agenda.
David Leach is the owner of The Strident Conservative, your source for opinion that’s politically-incorrect and always “right.” David is also a contributor to RedState.com.
His daily commentary is nationally syndicated via Salem Radio Network.
