MetroWest Daily News
Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Time to make 'Redmen' history

Last week's (Natick) School Committee meeting was very encouraging. Despite some bleak financial pictures presented, contrived or otherwise, all the members did reveal that their hearts are in the right place. It's just that their minds and actions have to catch up. Right now, that comment pertains only to the debate over the use of the name Redmen. On occasions like this, I recall one of my Dad's favorite expressions, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

The School Committee has heard directly from the horse's mouth, so to speak. Chief Caring Hands and others closely associated with Native American Indians appeared before the committee and passionately confirmed that the name Redmen is indeed demeaning and offensive to them. What on earth more is there to know?

I firmly feel that if the name hurts the feelings of even one fellow human being, that is one too many. Let's respect their rights and wishes.

I have listened and learned to view this issue differently. Although he may have a different slant than I do now, I still think that HS senior and football team captain Nick Haddad said it best when he referred to the issue as the "biggest non-problem" in Natick.

I urge residents to call, write or email your School Committee members and ask them to move on. Let's spend the taxpayers' hard-earned money on the next item that needs fixing. There is certainly more of a choice there.

JERRY L. PIERCE
South Natick