Change the Mascot Campaign Intensifies in Georgetown

Daniel Snyder, owner of the Washington Football Club, said earlier this year that the moniker of his team would "NEVER" change.  That a distinguished and articulate panel convened in Georgetown to discuss the name change a day ahead of the NFL meeting in the same Ritz-Carlton would seem to throw doubt on that statement.

That the President of the United States has waded into the issue would further suggest that a name change has become a short to intermediate-term possibility.
Ray Halbritter of the Oneida Nation thanked the President and called the comments "historical."  

Mr. Halbritter went on to say that natives have fought in wars for the nation and they "deserve to be treated better."  He added that the name, a "racial slur", goes against the unifying feature of the NFL which brings communities together in friendly competition.

He summed up his position by drawing his attention to the Cooperstown, NY high school that changed its name from the same one used by the Washington Football Club to one that is non-offensive.  Two students from that high school were at the symposium to discuss their experience and share their wisdom.

Here are some links to the encouraging media coverage of the event:

USA Today
Washington Post
Detroit Free Press