Remove offensive symbols

Eastern Washington University changed its mascot from Savages to Eagles 42 years ago. Several other universities with Indian mascots also changed. Someone angry, humiliated and frustrated launched the idea, and there was certainly tension, risk and controversy on both sides.

When the Savage mascot was sandblasted off EWU pavers, many worried about offending donors and spending so much money to do it. But, we must remember, all of this was done in the name of compassion, hope and respect. It was done to replace something negative with something positive and allow a group of people to escape a stereotype and thrive.

Confederate flags are still flying in the South (hopefully not for long), and streets are named after Confederate Civil War heroes. Though these symbols have been around for decades, we must remember families from both sides of that war live in their shadow. That flag represents something terrible for those who fought for freedom.

I rarely get involved with politics, know little about gun control and usually avoid controversy, yet this idea seems hopeful. There are worse things than to have your street changed from Lee, Hood and Forrest to Leaf, Hope or Flower. Let’s fix this.

Barb Brock

Cheney