H6350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 8, 2013 If they wish to do away with snow-buried cattle and those that had very offensive, and clearly, the Na- ObamaCare, they should go through been pushed miles by winds that gusted tional Football League and NFL Com- the legislative process and repeal it; over 70 miles per hour on Friday night. missioner Roger Goodell cannot and but no, they are holding us hostage on An emergency management director should not disclaim responsibility. the budget. in Butte County said that the trail of Again, let’s review the history. The f carcasses is a gruesome sight across origin of the term ‘‘redskin’’ is com- the region. They’re in the fence line. monly attributed to the colonial prac- BLIZZARD IN SOUTH DAKOTA They’re laying along the roads. It’s tice of trading Native American Indian The SPEAKER pro tempore. The really sickening. scalps and body parts as bounties and Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from And none of the ranchers that I have trophies. For example, in 1755, settlers South Dakota (Mrs. NOEM) for 5 min- talked to can remember anything like of the Bay Province utes. it. Not only will this be devastating for were paid out of the public treasury for Mrs. NOEM. Mr. Speaker, last week- this year’s business, but also it will the killing and scalping of people of end, a record blizzard hit my State of take years to rebuild what has been the Penobscot tribe. The bounty for a South Dakota. Some places in the lost. male Penobscot Indian above the age of Black Hills saw almost 4 feet of snow Yet another rancher, near Scenic, 12 was 50 pounds, and his scalp was in just 2 days. Thousands were without couldn’t find his cattle over the week- worth 40 pounds. The bounty for a fe- power. Thousands are still without end, and said he nearly killed a horse male Penobscot Indian of any age and power. Emergency vehicles were trying to get through the snow while for males under the age of 12 was 25 stranded along with the people that searching for his cattle. He turned pounds while their scalps were worth 20 they were trying to rescue. back, and yesterday, with the help of a pounds. These scalps, I submit, Mr. The damage from the downed trees, pilot friend, flew over land south of the Speaker, were called ‘‘redskins.’’ the downed power lines covered with Badlands. The current chairman and chief of heavy, wet snow is monumental. On He found what he called the ‘‘trail of the Penobscot Nation, Chief Kirk top of that, with warm weather ex- death.’’ About 200 of his 600 cows were Francis, recently declared that the pected this week, we expect to see mas- dead, leading up to and throughout a word ‘‘redskin’’ is ‘‘not just a racial sive flooding that could bring even draw. The calves that were still alive slur or a derogatory term,’’ but a pain- more damage. were standing by their mothers. The ful ‘‘reminder of one of the most grue- On the plains in western South Da- rest of his cows and calves are alive, some acts of . . . ethnic cleansing ever kota, ranchers are still trying to re- but he can’t get to them. committed against the Penobscot peo- cover from losing cattle in the drought Those are just many of the tragic ple.’’ last summer, which was the worst stories that we’ve heard. Our lack of a Mr. Speaker, again, I ask my col- drought that we had seen since the comprehensive farm bill leaves these leagues and the 181 million football Great Depression. ranchers without the protection of a fans throughout this great Nation of b 1045 livestock disaster program that would ours—suppose that that redskins scalp come in in these situations and blunt that was brought in for payment was We’ve heard now that they’ve lost just a small portion of the loss. the scalp of your mother, your daugh- tens of thousands of cattle in this fall I fought hard to include livestock ter, or your wife or your son? Again, blizzard. We’ve heard that tens of thou- disaster programs in the farm bill, Mr. Speaker, Native American Indians sands of cattle have been lost in the which would cover these producers are also human beings and God’s chil- snow. They’re being found frozen, retroactively. dren. They are not animals. smothered by the high drifts and in- It’s time we finish our work on the Our colleague, TOM COLE, from Okla- jured from wandering in zero visibility farm bill. It’s time we go to conference, homa, the cochair of our Congressional in 70-mile-per-hour winds. have a negotiation on the most reform- Native American Indian Caucus and a We talked with one rancher near minded farm bill that has been put to- member of the Chickasaw Nation, White River, South Dakota, who found gether for decades. Getting the farm states: over 50 cattle who had died in one spot bill done could give those in western This is the 21st century. This is the capital near a dam. South Dakota more certainty during of political correctness on the planet. It is Another rancher north of New Under- this very, very difficult time. very, very, very offensive. This isn’t like wood was finally able to locate his en- f warriors or chiefs. It’s not a term of respect, tire herd of 63 cows who’d taken refuge and it’s needlessly offensive to a large part in a shed for protection, but none of THE ISSUE THAT WILL NOT GO of our population. They just don’t happen to them survived. AWAY live around Washington, D.C. Another story is from a rancher near The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Also, our colleague BETTY MCCOLLUM Union Center who said, ‘‘It’s bad. It’s Chair recognizes the gentleman from from Minnesota, as cochair of the Con- really bad. I’m the eternal optimist, American Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) gressional Native American Indian but this is really bad. The livestock for 5 minutes. Caucus, says this ‘‘is another attempt loss is catastrophic. It’s pretty unbe- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, to justify a racial slur on behalf of Mr. lievable.’’ I do not want to detract our attention Dan Snyder,’’ the owner of the Wash- He said cattle were soaked by 12 from the current national debate on ington franchise, ‘‘and other NFL own- hours of rain early in the storm, so the government shutdown and the debt ers who appear to be only concerned many were unable to survive an addi- ceiling issue, but I do want to share with earning even larger profits, even tional 48 hours of snow and winds up to with my colleagues an issue that will if it means exploiting a racist stereo- 60 miles per hour. not go away. type of Native Americans. For the head See, this blizzard came so early, cat- What is it that the National Football of a multibillion dollar sports league to tle hadn’t even had time to grow their League, the 32 football club owners, embrace the twisted logic that ‘red- winter coats. ‘‘It’s the worst early sea- and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell skin’ actually ‘stands for strength, son snowstorm I’ve seen in my life- have yet to understand why the word courage, pride, and respect,’ is a state- time,’’ he said, and he’s 60 years old. ‘‘redskin’’ is considered a very offen- ment of absurdity.’’ Another rancher said, ‘‘This is abso- sive racial and derogatory term that My dear friend and colleague, ELEA- lutely, totally devastating.’’ He’s 52 describes Native American Indians? NOR HOLMES NORTON, representing the years old. He’s from Caputa, South Da- My apologies, Mr. Speaker, for I have District of Columbia, states that the kota. ‘‘This is horrendous. I mean the yet to master the English language. owner of the Washington football fran- death loss of these cows in this country But I want to share again and again chise, Mr. Dan Snyder, ‘‘is a man who is unbelievable.’’ with my colleagues and some 181 mil- has shown sensibilities based on his This man said he estimated he had lion football fans all over America why own ethnic identity, yet who refuses to lost half of his herd, but it could be far our Native American Indian commu- recognize the sensibilities of American more. He was still struggling to find nity considers the word ‘‘redskin’’ as Indians.’’

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Ms. NORTON also said: Our colleague TOM COLE from Oklahoma, the name of my team—even if they’ve had a As an African American woman and third- Co-Chair of the Congressional Native Amer- storied history—was offending a sizable group generation Washingtonian, I want to say to ican Indian Caucus, and a member of the of people, I’d think about changing it.’’ Presi- Redskin fans, no one blames you for using a Chikasaw Nation, states: ‘‘This is the 21st dent Obama further said: ‘‘Native Americans name that has always been used . . . but I century. This is the capital of political correct- feel pretty strongly about it . . . I don’t know can think of no argument for retaining a name that degrades our first Americans. ness on the planet. It is very, very, very offen- whether our attachment to a particular name sive. This isn’t like warriors or chiefs. It’s not should override the real, legitimate concerns Mr. Speaker, the game of American a term of respect, and it’s needlessly offensive that people have about these things.’’ football has become one of the most to a large part of our population. They just While race-based killing of Native Ameri- treasured sports among American Pol- don’t happen to live around Washington, DC.’’ cans is a thing of the past, the tradition of ynesian athletes. Polynesian youth Also, our colleague BETTY MCCOLLUM from mockery and insult—whether intentional or learn to play the sport at a young age, Minnesota and Co-Chair of the Congressional not—lives on through the Washington ‘‘Red- with dreams of playing in the National Native American Indian Caucus, states that skins,’’ a name that American Indian rights ac- Football League. Football offers oppor- Mr. Goodell’s letter ‘‘is another attempt to jus- tunities for higher education and eco- tivist Ms. Suzan Harjo calls ‘‘the worst thing in tify a racial slur on behalf of [Mr.] Dan Sny- nomic opportunity. the English language you can be called if you Many of our Polynesian NFL players der,’’ owner of the Washington franchise, ‘‘and are a native person.’’ This is not a popularity have realized their dreams, like Troy other NFL owners who appear to be only con- contest. You don’t take polls on issues with Polumalu, and Chris Kemoeatu of the cerned with earning even larger profits, even deep moral implications. That is just absolute , the late Junior if it means exploiting a racist stereotype of Na- nonsense. Seau, and now Manti Te’o of the San tive Americans. For the head of a multi-billion For those who question whether this racist Diego Chargers, and the former player, dollar sports league to embrace the twisted or derogatory word is offensive to Native Joe Salave’a, and Roy Helu, with the logic that ‘[r]edskin’ actually ‘stands for Americans, I want to share with my colleagues Washington Redskins. strength, courage pride, and respect’ is a an excerpt from a letter sent by the leaders Mr. Speaker, I submit, let’s do the statement of absurdity.’’ and members of the National Congress of right thing, and I appeal to the NFL, My dear friend and colleague, ELEANOR American Indians (NCAI)—the oldest, largest, do the right thing. Change the name of HOLMES NORTON, representing the District of and most representative American Indian and the Washington football franchise. Columbia, states that the owner of the Wash- Alaska Native organization serving the broad Mr. Speaker, I do not want to detract our at- ington football franchise Mr. ‘‘is interests of the majority of some 5 million Na- tention from the current national debate on the a man who has shown sensibilities based on tive Americans with well over 500 tribal gov- government shutdown and the debt ceiling his own ethnic identity, [yet] who refuses to ernments and communities across the nation. issue, but I want to share with my colleagues recognize the sensibilities of American Indi- In the letter, NCAI President Jefferson Keel of an issue that just will not go away. What is it ans.’’ Ms. Norton also said, ‘‘As an African the Chikasaw Nation from Oklahoma states that the , the 32 foot- American woman and third-generation Wash- that Congressional efforts on this issue ‘‘will ball club owners, and the NFL Commissioner ingtonian, I want to say to Redskins fans—no accomplish what Native American people, na- Mr. Roger Goodell have yet to understand one blames you for using a name that has al- tions, and organizations have tried to do in the why the word ‘‘redskin’’ is considered a very ways been used . . . but I can think of no ar- courts for almost twenty years—end the racist offensive, racial and derogatory term that de- gument for retaining a name that degrades our epithet that has served as the [name] of scribes Native American Indians? first Americans.’’ Washington’s pro football franchise for far too My apologies, Mr. Speaker, for I have not Mr. Speaker, the game of American football long.’’ yet mastered the English language—but I has become one of the most treasured sports Mr. Speaker, the term ‘‘redskin’’ does not, want to share again, and again with my col- among American Polynesian athletes. Polyne- as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sug- leagues and some 181 million football fans sian youth learn to play the sport at a young gests, offend just one person. And the respon- around the country—why our Native American age with dreams of playing in the National sibility for perpetuating this racial slur, as Mr. Indian community considers the word ‘‘red- Football League. Football offers an opportunity Goodell implies, lies not just with Mr. Dan skin’’ as very offensive, and clearly the Na- to enter the realm of higher education and Snyder, the owner of the Washington football tional Football League, and NFL Commis- economic opportunity. Many of our Polynesian franchise. The responsibility rests squarely on sioner Roger Goodell cannot and should not NFL players have realized their dreams—like the National Football League and the 32 own- disclaim responsibility. Troy Polumalu and former player Chris ers of their football teams, and NFL Commis- Again, let’s review the history. The origin of Kemoeatu of the Pittsburg Steelers, the late sioner Roger Goodell. the term ‘‘redskin’’ is commonly attributed to Junior Seau and now Manti Te’o of the San As for the ‘‘Redskins’’ sponsors—such as the colonial practice of trading Native Amer- Diego Chargers, former player Joe Salave’a FedEx, Virginia Lottery, Sprint Nextel, Coca- ican Indian scalps and body parts as bounties and now Roy Helu, Jr. with the Washington Cola, Bank of America, Anheuser-Busch, and and trophies. For example, in 1755, settlers of ‘‘Redskins,’’ Haloti Ngata and former player others—they are equally accountable for the the Massachusetts Bay Province were paid Ma’ake Kemoeatu with the , continued use of this disparaging term. Their out of the public treasury for killing and scalp- Isaac Sopoaga and former player Vai silence on the issue given their direct contribu- ing people of the Penobscot tribe. The bounty Sikahema with the , Tyson tion to this racist and derogatory word is deaf- for a male Penobscot Indian above the age of Alualu with the , Samson ening. 12 was 50 pounds, and his scalp was worth Satele and Fill Moala with the Indianapolis Again, I ask NFL Commissioner Goodell 40 pounds. The bounty for a female Penob- Colts, Mike Iupati with the San Francisco and the 32 club owners—do the right thing— scot Indian of any age and for males under 49ers, Ropati Pitoitua with the Tennessee Ti- change the name of the Washington football the age of 12 was 25 pounds, while their tans, Paul Soliai with the , and franchise. scalps were worth 20 pounds. These scalps Domato Peko, Ray Maualuga, and former I submit for the record a letter from the Na- were called ‘‘redskins.’’ player Jonathan Fanene with the Cincinnati tional Congress of American Indians; and to- The current chairman and chief of the Pe- Bengals, and the list goes on and on, Mr. day’s commentary from two articles in the nobscot Nation, Chief Kirk Francis, recently Speaker. Washington Post authored by Mr. Dana declared that ‘‘redskins’’ is ‘‘not just a racial Mr. Speaker, I love the game of football. I Milbank, Ms. Theresa Vargas and Mr. Mark slur or a derogatory term,’’ but a painful ‘‘re- played all four years in high school. I love the Maske. minder of one of the most gruesome acts of NFL. But there is absolutely no excuse for the NATIONAL CONGRESS OF . . . ethnic cleansing ever committed against Washington professional football franchise to AMERICAN INDIANS, the Penobscot people.’’ continue the shameful use of the word ‘‘red- March 21, 2013. Mr. Speaker, again I ask my colleagues and skins.’’ Hon. ENI FALEOMAVAEGA, the 181 million football fans throughout this Just last week, another island boy weighed House of Representatives, great Nation of ours—suppose that the ‘‘red- in on the name of the Washington, DC football Washington, DC. DEAR REPRESENTATIVE FALEOMAVAEGA: On skin’’ scalp that was brought in for payment franchise. He is none other than our own behalf of the National Congress of American was the scalp of your mother, your daughter, President Barack Obama, born in Hawaii and Indians (NCAI), the nation’s oldest and larg- or your wife or son? Again, Mr. Speaker, Na- who played basketball for Punahou High est tribal government advocacy organization tive American Indians are also human beings School in Honolulu, Hawaii, and he said: ‘‘If I in the country, we applaud you for spon- and God’s children—they are not animals! were the owner of the team and I knew that soring the ‘‘Non-Disparagement of Native

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:26 Oct 09, 2013 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K08OC7.013 H08OCPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 8, 2013 American Persons or People in Trademark Smithsonian’s National Museum of the drawing inspiration from a high school in its Registration Act of 2013’’. This legislation American Indian, said Monday at a news back yard that dropped the ‘‘Redskins’’ mon- will accomplish what Native American peo- conference on the eve of the NFL meeting. iker. Since then, the New York tribe has ple, nations, and organizations have tried to ‘‘We’ve noticed that other racial insults are emerged as one of the strongest forces be- do in the courts for almost twenty years— out of bounds. . . . We wonder why it is that hind the growing push to scrap the Wash- end the racist epithet that has served as the the word that is directed at us, that refers to ington team’s 80-year-old name, scheduling mascot of Washington’s pro football fran- us, is not similarly off-limits.’’ radio ads to run in every city the Redskins chise for far too long. Gover was part of a gathering arranged by visit this season. The NCAI membership has been an active the Oneida Nation at the Ritz-Carlton, the Its conference, held at the Ritz-Canton in part of ending these types of derogatory site of the owners meeting. The tribe has Georgetown, featured a panel of speakers stereotypes for several decades. The NCAI been running radio ads calling for a name that included the head of the Snithsonian’s was one of many native and non-native orga- change, and the cause got a boost when National Museum of the American Indian, a nizations in support of the original court Obama said in an interview with the Associ- psychologist who spoke about the public cases on this matter, Harjo et al v. Pro Foot- ated Press on Saturday that he’d think health consequences of the word, student ac- ball, Inc., and we support the current case, about changing the name if he were in Sny- tivists and politicians—Rep. Betty McCol- Blackhorse et al v. Pro Football, Inc., to der’s shoes. Snyder is on record telling USA lum (D–Minn.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Nor- ton (D–D.C.). cancel existing trademarks. Today: ‘We’ll never change the name. It’s ‘‘I can think of no argument for retaining We are proud of all our people who struggle that simple. Never—you can use caps.’’ a name that directly insults Americans and for dignity and fight against stereotypes, in- Actually, forget the Caps; let’s use the Bul- especially our first Americans,’’ said Holmes cluding Native and non-Native students, lets, who became the Washington Wizards to Norton, speaking as a third-generation families, teachers, and others who have avoid using what was a less offensive word Washingtonian. worked together to retire over 2,000 ‘‘Indian’’ than Redskins. Davis decries the ‘‘selective’’ She said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell names, logos, mascots, and behaviors in outrage against the Redskins but not the At- showed leadership last month when he schools across the land. The use of Native lanta Braves or the Cleveland Indians or the stepped back from his earlier defense of the Peoples as mascots is offensive and unjustifi- Chicago Blackhawks. The Braves’ Toma- team’s name and said, ‘‘If one person’s of- able. We will continue to call for an end to hawk Chop and Cleveland’s Chief Wahoo are fended, we have to listen.’’ this practice until the remaining stereotypes indeed appalling, but the team names aren’t Nevertheless, no formal discussion of the are gone from the American landscape. epithets. Washington Redskins’ name is expected Thank you and your co-sponsors for your ‘‘We’re asking the NFL to stop using a ra- among NFL owners who are gathering at an- leadership and courage in introducing this cial slur,’’ said Ray Halbritter, representing other Ritz-Carlton in Washington for a one- important legislation. If you have any ques- the Oneida Nation. day meeting Tuesday, according to two peo- tions regarding this matter, please contact The best argument was made not by a Na- ple familiar with the situation, who spoke on me or the NCAI Deputy Director, Robert tive American but by an African American, the condition of anonymity because of the Holden, at the National Congress of Amer- the District of Columbia’s delegate to Con- sensitivity of the topic. ican Indians. gress, Eleanor Holmes Norton. ‘‘My great- They said they sense little or no sentiment Respectfully, grandfather was a runaway slave,’’ she said. within the league to urge Redskins owner JEFFERSON KEEL, ‘‘I went to segregated schools, just like Daniel Snyder to make a change. President. many Native Americans. . . . I don’t see how NFL officials were invited to the Native anyone who has gone through our historic American symposium, but none attended the [From the Washington Post, Oct. 8, 2013] experience can fail to identify with Native event, Halbritter said. But he said he was en- couraged that Goodell had instructed FOR THE REDSKINS, WHAT’SINANAME? Americans who are raising this issue. Need I Adolpho Birch, the NFL’s senior vice presi- PLENTY remind them of the terms that have been at- dent for labor policy and government affairs, (By Dana Milbank) tached to us in history and how the moment we hear one of those terms, you’ve got an up- to schedule a meeting. The sit-down is sched- You know a guy is in trouble when he hires rising?’’ uled for Nov. 22 at the league’s offices, but Lanny Davis as his lawyer. That makes Davis’s defense sound all the two sources said it could be held sooner. Davis has developed a specialty rep- more trivial. ‘‘The name ‘Washington Red- On Monday, as NFL franchise owners resenting Third World dictators and ques- skins’ is 80 years old—it’s our history and began arriving for their Tuesday gathering, tionable businesses since his days as a legacy and tradition,’’ his statement said—as several declined comment on the name- spokesman for Bill Clinton during the though that trumps the Native Americans’ change issue. President Mark Mur- Monica Lewinsky scandal So when Davis’s history and legacy and tradition. phy, who once played for the Redskins, was name appeared on a statement from the Norton predicted that the offensive name the athletic director at Colgate when the Washington Redskins on Saturday afternoon won’t last much longer. ‘‘The name is going school changed the name of its athletic declaring that President Obama was wrong to go in the dustbin of history,’’ she said. teams from Red Raiders to Raiders in 2001. to question the team’s name, it was a sure ‘‘My only regret is that Dan Snyder, the But he declined to speak Monday on the con- sign that Dan Snyder is worried. owner of the team, had to be pushed this Davis, brought in this summer to help with troversy. far.’’ ‘‘I’d rather not get into it,’’ Murphy said. the team-name controversy, expressed his If Snyder feels otherwise, perhaps he can disappointment ‘‘as a supporter of President Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie start making his way to history’s dustbin, also declined to comment. Obama’’ that Obama was not aware of a dec- and a new owner can change the name. ade-old poll finding that only one in 10 Na- In May, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder Maybe then we’d win some football games. told USA Today, ’We’ll never change the tive Americans were offended by the name. Make your case: Should the Washington ‘‘We love our team and its name,’’ he wrote, name. It’s that simple. NEVER—you can use Redskins change their name? caps.’’ and ‘‘we do not intend to disparage or dis- In the months since, a string of prominent respect a racial or ethnic group.’’ [From the Washington Post, Oct. 8, 2013] sports writers has stop penning the word. A I like Davis and admire his creativity, but, INDIAN TRIBE PUSHES FOR WASHINGTON RED- group led by a former Federal Communica- to borrow a Clinton-era phrase, let’s parse SKINS NAME CHANGE AS NFL OWNERS GATH- tions Commission chairman announced an this statement. Are the Redskins really de- ER effort to persuade broadcasters to stop say- fending the name with an out-of-date survey (By Theresa Vargas and Mark Maske) ing the name on the airwaves. And a decision that allowed anybody—even somebody with is expected soon in a lawsuit aimed at revok- less native blood than Elizabeth Warren—to NFL officials will meet with the Native ing the federal trademark protection of the identify as a Native American? And even if American group that is campaigning against team’s name. those results were accurate, are Davis and the name of the Washington Redskins and Kevin Gover, who heads the American In- Snyder suggesting that racism is okay if it hosted a symposium Monday on the issue a dian museum and whose son is a plaintiff in polls well? mile away from where league owners began the trademark case, said the Oneida Nation To see whether it’s right to use ‘‘Redskins’’ gathering for a fall meeting. has long been a powerful force in the Amer- as a mascot, NFL owners gathering in ‘‘They know we’re not going away,’’ said ican Indian community and that the tribe’s Georgetown on Tuesday for their Fall meet- Ray Halblitter, a representative for the involvement in the name-change issue has ing should substitute some other common Oneida Indian Nation. He called the meeting only elevated the conversation. He said he racial epithets and see how they would with the National Football League ‘‘a move has little doubt that NFL officials, even if sound: The Washington Wetbacks? The Hous- in the right direction.’’ none attended the symposium, were listening ton Hymies? The Chicago Chinks’? Or per- The symposium comes three days after to what was said. haps the New York Niggers? That would be President Obama took a stance in the long- ‘‘Like all major industries, the NFL is very enough to send anybody to the shotgun for- standing debate, saying that if he were the interested in its public image,’’ Gover said, mation. team’s owner, he would think about chang- ‘‘and when there is a challenge to that public ‘‘This word is an insult. It’s mean, it’s ing the name. image, the NFL is inclined to respond.’’ rude, it’s impolite,’’ Kevin Gover, who is Na- The Oneida Nation launched the ‘‘Change During Monday’s event, Gover—who wrote tive American and director of the the Mascot’’ campaign a few months ago, a letter to The Washington Post about the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:26 Oct 09, 2013 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08OC7.008 H08OCPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE October 8, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H6353 offensiveness of the name when he was a Gover was part of a gathering arranged by health consequences of the word, student ac- high school senior in 1973—spoke about how the Oneida Nation at the Ritz-Carlton, the tivists and politicians—Rep. Betty McCol- as a child he was called ‘‘redskin’’ and site of the owners meeting. The tribe has lum (D–Minn.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Nor- doesn’t understand why, unlike other racial been running radio ads calling for a name ton (D–D.C.). slurs, the word has not become off limits. change, and the cause got a boost when ‘‘I can think of no argument for retaining Michael Friedman, a clinical psychologist Obama said in an interview with the Associ- a name that directly insults Americans and who has researched the effects of stigma and ated Press on Saturday that he’d think especially our first Americans,’’ said Holmes discrimination, said the word amounts to about changing the name if he were in Sny- Norton, speaking as a third-generation harassment and causes mental and physical der’s shoes. Snyder is on record telling USA Washingtonian. harm to a population that already faces Today: ‘‘We’ll never change the name. It’s She said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell higher rates of depression, alcoholism, sui- that simple. Never—you can use caps.’’ showed leadership last month when he cide, diabetes and infant mortality. Actually, forget the Caps; let’s use the Bul- stepped back from his earlier defense of the ‘‘This is a public health issue,’’ he said. lets, who became the Washington Wizards to team’s name and said, ‘‘If one person’s of- ’This is not a political correctness issue.’’ avoid using what was a less offensive word fended, we have to listen.’’ Also on the panel were two students from than Redskins. Davis decries the ‘‘selective’’ Nevertheless, no formal discussion of the Cooperstown High School and the school outrage against the Redskins but not the At- Washington Redskins’ name is expected among NFL owners who are gathering at an- board’s president, who earlier this year were lanta Braves or the Cleveland Indians or the other Ritz-Carlton in Washington for a one- behind the decision to change the school’s Chicago Blackhawks. The Braves’ Toma- day meeting Tuesday, according to two peo- team from the Redskins to the Hawkeyes. hawk Chop and Cleveland Chief Wahoo are ple familiar with the situation, who spoke on The Oneida Nation later paid for the school’s indeed appalling, but the team names aren’t the condition of anonymity because of the new uniforms. epithets.‘‘We’re asking the NFL to stop The tribe, which has about 1,000 members, sensitivity of the topic. using a racial slur,’’ said Ray Halbritter, rep- They said they sense little or no sentiment has prospered in the casino and resort busi- resenting the Oneida Nation. ness and has pledged $10 million over 10 within the league to urge Redskins owner The best argument was made not by a Na- Daniel Snyder to make a change. years to the American Indian museum. tive American but by an African American, The tribe also sponsors the NFL officials were invited to the Native the District of Columbia’s delegate to Con- and has a ‘‘vested interest in the league American symposium, but none attended the gress, Eleanor Holmes Norton. ‘‘My great- being a unifying force,’’ Habritter said. event, Halbritter said. But he said he was en- grandfather was a runaway slave,’’ she said. ‘‘As an Indian nation that values the idea couraged that Goodell had instructed ‘‘I went to segregated schools, just like of mutual respect, we only have one simple Adolpho Birch, the NFL’s senior vice presi- many Native Americans. . . . I don’t see how objective in all of this,’’ Habritter said. ‘‘We dent for labor policy and government affairs, anyone who has gone through our historic no longer want to be treated as targets of ra- to schedule a meeting. The sit-down is sched- experience can fail to identify with Native cial slurs. We don’t want our children to be uled for Nov. 22 at the league’s offices, but Americans who are raising this issue. Need I treated as targets of racial slurs. We want to two sources said it could be held sooner. remind them of the terms that have been at- be treated as what we are: Americans.’’ On Monday, as NFL franchise owners tached to us in history and how the moment began arriving for their Tuesday gathering, [From the Washington Post, Oct. 8, 2013] we hear one of those terms, you’ve got an up- several declined to comment on the name- rising?’’ TACKLING THE OFFENSIVE change issue. That makes Davis’s defense sound all the Green Bay Packers President Mark Mur- (By Dana Milbank) more trivial. ‘‘The name ‘Washington Red- phy, who once played for the Redskins, was You know a guy is in trouble when he hires skins’ is 80 years old—it’s our history and the athletic director at Colgate when the Lanny Davis as his lawyer. legacy and tradition,’’ his statement said—as school changed the name of its athletic Davis has developed a specialty rep- though that trumps the Native Americans’ teams from Red Raiders to Raiders in 2001. resenting Third World dictators and ques- history and legacy and tradition. But he declined to speak Monday on the con- tionable businesses since his days as a Norton predicted that the offensive name troversy. spokesman for Bill Clinton during the won’t last much longer. ‘‘The name is going ‘‘I’d rather not get into it,’’ Murphy said. Monica Lewinsky scandal. So when Davis’s to go in the dustbin of history,’’ she said. Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie name appeared on a statement from the ‘‘My only regret is that Dan Snyder, the also declined to comment. Washington Redskins on Saturday afternoon owner of the team, had to be pushed this In May, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder declaring that President Obama was wrong far.’’ told USA Today, ‘‘We’ll never change the to question the team’s name, it was a sure If Snyder feels otherwise, perhaps he can name. It’s that simple. NEVER—you can use sign that Dan Snyder is worried. start making his way to history’s dustbin, caps.’’ Davis, brought in this summer to help with and a new owner can change the name. In the months since, a string of prominent the team-name controversy, expressed his Maybe then we’d win some football games. sports writers has stopped penning the name. disappointment ‘‘as a supporter of President A group led by a former Federal Communica- Obama’’ that Obama was not aware of a dec- NFL TO MEET TRIBE OVER REDSKINS NAME tions Commission chairman announced an ade-old poll finding that only one in 10 Na- effort to persuade broadcasters to stop say- (By Theresa Vargas and Mark Maske) tive Americans were offended by the name. ing the name on the airwaves. And a decision ‘‘We love our team and its name;’’ he wrote, NFL officials will meet with the Native is expected soon in a lawsuit aimed at revok- and ‘‘we do not intend to disparage or dis- American group that is campaigning against ing the federal trademark protection of the respect a racial or ethnic group.’’ the name of the Washington Redskins and team’s name. I like Davis and admire his creativity, but, hosted a symposium Monday on the issue a Kevin Gover, who heads the American In- to borrow a Clinton-era phrase, let’s parse mile away from where league owners began dian museum and whose son is a plaintiff in this statement. Are the Redskins really de- gathering for a fall meeting. the trademark case, said the Oneida Nation fending the name with an out-of-date survey ‘‘They know we’re not going away,’’ said has long been a powerful force in the Amer- that allowed anybody—even somebody with Ray Halbritter, a representative for the ican Indian community and that the tribe’s less native blood than Elizabeth Warren—to Oneida Indian Nation. He called the meeting involvement in the name-change issue has identify as a Native American? And even if with the National Football League ‘‘a move only elevated the conversation. He said he those results were accurate, are Davis and in the right direction.’’ has little doubt that NFL officials, even if Snyder suggesting that racism is okay if it The symposium comes three days after none attended the symposium, were listening polls well? President Obama took a stance in the long- to what was said. To see whether it’s right to use ‘‘Redskins’’ standing debate, saying that if he were the ‘‘Like all major industries, the NFL is very as a mascot, NFL owners gathering in team’s owner, he would think about chang- interested in its public image,’’ Gover said, Georgetown on Tuesday for their fall meet- ing the name. ‘‘and when there is a challenge to that public ing should substitute some other common The Oneida Nation launched the ‘‘Change image, the NFL is inclined to respond?’ racial epithets for Hispanics, African Ameri- the Mascot’’ campaign a few months ago, During Monday’s event, Gover—who wrote cans, Asians and Jews and see how they drawing inspiration from a high school in its a letter to The Washington Post about the would sound. That would be enough to send back yard that dropped the ‘‘Redskins’’ mon- offensiveness of the name when he was a anybody to the shotgun formation. iker. Since then, the New York tribe has high school senior in 1973—spoke about how ‘‘This word is an insult. It’s mean, it’s emerged as one of the strongest forces be- as a child he was called ‘‘redskin’’ and rude, it’s impolite,’’ Kevin Gover, who is Na- hind the growing push to scrap the Wash- doesn’t understand why, unlike other racial tive American and director of the ington team’s 80-year-old name, scheduling slurs, the word has not become off limits. Smithsonian’s National Museum of the radio ads to run in every city the Redskins Michael Friedman, a clinical psychologist American Indian, said Monday at a news visit this season. who has researched the effects of stigma and conference on the eve of the NFL meeting. Its conference, held at the Ritz-Carlton in discrimination, said the word amounts to ‘‘We’ve noticed that other racial insults are Georgetown, featured a panel of speakers harassment and causes mental and physical out of bounds. . . . We wonder why it is that that included the head of the Smithsonian’s harm to a population that already faces the word that is directed at us, that refers to National Museum of the American Indian, a higher rates of depression, alcoholism, sui- us, is not similarly off-limits.’’ psychologist who spoke about the public cide, diabetes and infant mortality.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:26 Oct 09, 2013 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A08OC7.008 H08OCPT1 jbell on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with HOUSE H6354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 8, 2013 ‘‘This is a public health issue,’’ he said. But that was just like Marvin. He This shutdown is shameful. It is in- ‘‘This is not a political correctness issue.’’ had personally helped pay for many dicative of the worst of not appre- Also on the panel were two students from young folks to attend college, and after ciating the institution of this place and Cooperstown High School and the school retirement, he redirected his consider- the priority of the American people. board’s president, who earlier this year were But I know that there is a great love behind the decision to change the school’s able talents towards improving his team from the Redskins to the Hawkeyes. community. and affection and recognition that, but The Oneida Nation later paid for the school’s It was also in retirement that he for those who leave this place, the new uniforms. married fellow Henderson native, Anne United States of America, willingly, to The tribe, which has about 1,000 members, Coghill. sacrifice their lives on behalf of the has prospered in the casino and resort busi- One of Marvin’s great contributions great freedom that this country pro- ness and has pledged $10 million over 10 to the world was his love of people. motes, the constitutional government years to the American Indian museum. With his impeccable manners and gift that this country supports, and is val- The tribe also sponsors the Buffalo Bills of storytelling, any conversation with ued through the Constitution—there is and has a ‘‘vested interest in the league Marvin was a real delight. He saw what no way that I will continue to stand being a unifying force,’’ Halbritter said. men and women were capable of, and ‘‘As an Indian nation that values the idea here on this floor in the midst of a of mutual respect, we only have one simple throughout his life, he always brought shutdown and allow this travesty to objective in all of this,’’ Halbritter said. ‘‘We out the best in people. Always out- occur. no longer want to be treated as targets of ra- wardly focused, Marvin looked for ways So I am asking that we immediately cial slurs. We don’t want our children to be to enrich the lives of people around respond to these individuals and these treated as targets of racial slurs. We want to him. families, and we let them know that be treated as what we are: Americans.’’ Through the years, you’d often find God loves them and so does this Na- f Marvin enjoying breakfast at the Coun- tion, which appreciates and is grateful try Restaurant in Wilson. He was very for the sacrifices of their loved ones. HONORING THE LIFE OF MARVIN modest, and you would never expect, It is a grateful Nation, and we will COGHILL when you first met him, that you were not stand for this outrage that impacts The SPEAKER pro tempore. The talking to one of the true titans of the these innocent families who now, not Chair recognizes the gentleman from tobacco industry worldwide. only are mourning the tragedy of the North Carolina (Mr. HOLDING) for 5 But you were always touched by his loss of a young life, but also the devas- minutes. big heart and bigger personality, and tation of a response. Mr. HOLDING. Mr. Speaker, I come each and every one of us is a better I don’t know why we continue in this to the floor today to pay tribute to my person for having met and known my shutdown that is, frankly, a situation friend Marvin Coghill, a great North friend Marvin Coghill. He will be great- that is, in essence, not following the Carolinian who passed away on August ly missed by me and many others parliamentary procedures. throughout the world. 18. Marvin was an international leader b 1100 f in the tobacco industry, but much We know that the process of budg- more than this, he loved the Old North END THE TRAVESTY AND DO eting is a separate process from open- State, and his many acts of kindness WHAT’S RIGHT ing the doors of the government, and I and generosity exemplify the good and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The just cited the tragedy that I want to humble man that he was. Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from have a solution to. But as I say that, I Marvin was born and raised in a Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) for 5 minutes. want us to have a solution to turning farming community in Vance County. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I the tide on opening the government. Always the diplomat, Marvin studied want to start this morning with some- We know that there are enough Re- at NC State University for a year, then thing that we, as Democrats and Re- publicans and Democrats who would went up the road to rival UNC-Chapel publicans, can immediately address. vote for a clean bill to open this House Hill. His college days were cut short in Coming from a State that has sent right now. I say this because it pains 1952, though, when he joined the U.S. probably one of the largest percentages me to hear of the tragedy that I just Navy and honorably served our country of men and women to our faraway spoke of, which I look to be resolved in the Korean War. shores as members of the United States within hours, and I say that broadly to The end of Marvin’s military service military and, in particular, Afghani- the military families around America marked the beginning of his career stan, I stand here today to reach out to and around the world. with Standard Commercial Tobacco the Pentagon and to others to be able But in addition to solving that crisis, Company in London in 1957. He trav- to embrace the five families that are we need to be able to open the govern- eled thousands of miles from eastern now facing the most devastating news: ment for veterans. In the next couple North Carolina on behalf of Standard that their loved one was lost in Af- of days, they will see those veterans Commercial, eventually settling in ghanistan in a war over the weekend. centers shut down. Those are the cen- Thailand in 1963, where he married his Yes, as we bring our troops home, as ters where veterans go for employment first wife, Tomoe. I’ve advocated for a very, very long and benefit issues they have. Rising through the ranks, Marvin time, as well in Iraq, our soldiers are A couple of weeks ago, I stood before was named president and CEO of still dying in a place of war. the DeGeorge Hotel in Houston, Texas, Standard Commercial in 1980. A year I want immediately for the $100,000 which is now a veterans center and a later, his adventure came full circle death benefit and the flight to Dover to home for homeless veterans. I was when he returned to North Carolina. be given to these families. I’m reaching there with people who said, My life has For the rest of his life, he called Wilson out to the Pentagon, writing a letter, not been the best. I served my country, his home. A man of great talents, he and asking that this be immediately but this is my home now. I don’t want continued to lead Standard Commer- resolved. to move. I want to get on my feet and cial until his retirement in 2000. Last week, we passed legislation to live in the DeGeorge Hotel. In his later years, Marvin would be indicate that the United States mili- These are men and women who were honored with countless local awards tary would continue to be paid. I, as a willing to put on the Nation’s uniform and recognitions, and many organiza- lawyer, not in military law, could and offer themselves in Vietnam and tions, including Wilson Medical Center make the argument and make it today many places around the world and now Foundation, the Salvation Army Boys on the floor of the House that that have come to a point where they’re and Girls Club, and the Tobacco Farm gives authority to provide those death homeless and being served by veterans Life Museum benefited from Marvin’s benefits and, as well, the transpor- resources, and now we’re telling them generosity. tation cost to Dover Air Force Base. that they cannot have the services that Marvin also became deeply involved If we can do anything, if we cannot they need. as a cofounder of Wilson Youth United, do much, we certainly can come to- In a couple of days, the Federal an organization dedicated to improving gether around the brave men and courts are looking at possibly shutting the prospects of at-risk youths. women in the United States military. down Federal courts.

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