Potatoes Aside, the Redskins Need a Name Change

I recently read a well-reasoned column by conservative commentator  Charles Krauthammer.    While I rarely agree with his political perspectives,  he has always commanded my respect as a journalist.   

In last week's syndicated column,   he made a compelling case for changing the name of the Washington Redskins.  The team's owner,   Dan Snyder cites "the long and proud history surrounding the Washington Redskins that goes back generations."    He maintains that no malice or prejudice was ever intended  by using the name "Redskins"
and cites the team's 80-year history.  

But Mr.  Krauthammer states that "words don't stand still.   They evolve."  He cites as an example the manner in which the term "Negro"  is no longer considered acceptable "unless you've been asleep for the past fifty years."   So he suggests that we honor "changes in linguistic nuance"  and agree to a name change.   He offers as a substitute the name "Skins"  as in "shirts and skins pickup basketball teams".   I dunno.  What would the logo look like?   Some super-buff,  bare-chested dude with bulging pecs and biceps?   ---  and maybe a set of fangs,  with dripping saliva?

I had actually considered another alternative:   keeping the name,   but changing the logo in honor of The Redskin Potato.    Hey,   it's heart-healthy and full of protein!    Just one li'l fly in the ointment:   the organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)  beat me to the punch. An article on PETA's webpage promotes this suggestion along with a tidy graphic of a masterfully-cooked,  meticulously-presented redskin potato  ready to be dined on.

On second thought,  most football fans probably aren't vegetarians.   They  crave mmmeeeeaaattt!!!  And blood 'n gore 'n raw guts!    So scratch the redskin potatoes gambit.

Hey,  I got it!   The perfect name,  especially in the wake of recent political upheavals  in The Nation's  Capital.  ***The Washington  Shutdowns!***

There ya go!