Getting Redskins Name off my chest
By Anonymous,
Whelp, it looks like it’s happening Skins fans… our beloved name is resigned to the wastebasket of hypocrisy and ignorance of history. It has been reported that Daniel Snyder has indicated he would like to either keep some sort of ties to the Native American community or pay homage to the United States Military. Personally, I think anything to do with the Native American community is akin to pushing a rope… somehow, someway it will become a point of contention and we’ll be here again. Besides, half of them have told us how racist we are for supporting the team, so call it sour grapes if you wish… but no thanks. So if we must go quietly into that fearful night, let’s see if we can get on board with something all those who love this country can love and get behind, and something that might chap the hides of those ignorant to the valor that those who’ve fought so tirelessly to defend their right to complain about sacrifices they’ll never know.
A few suggestions and the history that supports the ideas along with well known symbols:
The Washington Big Red One: This one might be less known to the nubes that have taken over the country. The Big Red One. A famed infantry division who made their name in the first World War; this Army infantry division is the oldest standing division and was formed in the trenches of WWI. Originally named The First Expeditionary Division, they were the first to fire upon the German Army in the first World War on October 23, 1917. This famed division also took part in numerous campaigns in WWII including operations in Africa and Europe. The 1st division didn’t really see combat in the Korean War but has fought in every war since including The Gulf War, the 2nd Iraq war, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and to stand against ISIS
To me, this name is a bit far fetched but certainly apt… and if you keen to keep something with the “R,” as many people on Twitter seem to be, then this could be it. Sure the color scheme of the 1st Division is different… but no one says we have to keep the green and red if Snyder doesn’t want to…
The Washington Airborne or Air Mobile: This one revolutionized modern warfare and their tactics are still used today. Made their bones in WWII and subsequently in Vietnam as two very different types of combatants. The Airborne came into existence in the early 40’s with the advancement of aerospace and the utilization of paratroops. American Airborne divisions first operation was a joint operation with Canadian and British troops with drops into Sicily. Wind conditions spread troops to the wind but they still were able to disrupt German and Italian communications and patrols.
The Air Mobile came about under different circumstances. Initially a Cavalry division meant to bring troops swiftly into combat on horseback, the invention of the helicopter changed the game for the Cavalry shortly before the Vietnam War. Most people have heard of this division who were made famous in the movie Apocalypse Now and could be heard flying into battle to the Wagner composition The Ride of the Valkyries. This one holds personal significance to me as my Father was a door gunner in the 1st Air Cav in Vietnam. He confirmed that, at times, the would actually play the Wagner tune on the way to combat. This division is the most decorated in Army history and their symbolism is instantly recognizable. However, there’s one catch, at least for me… the Steelers colors… barf.
The Washington Infantry: Been around since the dawn of our country, and indeed time itself. This one needs no explanation. It has rich history, imagery and symbolism. I mainly chose this “generic” term to take advantage of a few infantry symbols that would allow us to keep our Burgundy and Gold color scheme.
I’ve heard some other suggestions, most in an attempt to keep the Native theme. Some vapid, tired, and far too often used such as the Warriors or the Braves. Please, I beg of you Mr. Snyder, do not go down such a tired and trodden road. I’ve heard other that are somewhat intriguing such as the Red Tails or Red Hawks. To me, they are a bit of a reach, but maybe no more of a reach than the one I posited above. Whatever happens, though, we seem resigned to no longer #HTTR, but to create some new, and hopefully winning history.