Reid All About It June 2014

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Words have meaning, and sometimes these meanings can cause hurt and pain.  One such word is the name of the Washington, D.C. NFL team which is a sad reminder of a long tradition of racism and bigotry.

During my time in the United States Senate, I have worked to right many of the injustices endured by Americans throughout the country.  Among the most egregious in the history of our country are those injustices inflicted upon American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.

In May, I joined with 49 other Senators to call upon team owner Dan Snyder to change the name of the Washington, D.C. football team.  This letter was met with hardheaded derision and defiance.  The team’s owner defended the racial slur of a name saying it “respects” and “honors” Native Americans.

Recently, I declined an invitation by the team to attend a home game until they change the name.

And I’m happy that in June, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued a decision revoking six of the team’s trademarks which makes one thing very clear. The writing is on the wall. It is on the wall in giant, blinking, neon lights.

Daniel Snyder may be the last person in the world to realize this, and I am sure he will appeal this decision through the federal courts, but it is just a matter of time until he is forced to do the right thing.

Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sent a clear message to Donald Sterling, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, that racism will not stand in the NBA. The NFL should follow suit, and stand on the right side of history in regards to the racist, hateful name that the football team representing our nation’s capital bares on its uniform.

I have been asked why I care about this issue.  This is personal for me.  I represent 27 tribes as the Senator from Nevada and have worked to protect their tribal interests.  I will not stand idly by while a professional sports team promotes a racial slur as a team name and disparages the American people.

To learn more about this important movement, visit to www.changethemascot.org.