I would like to congratulate David Bulley for his well-thought out and elegantly written article, “Rename the Indians, proudly” in My Turn on Sept. 26.
I grew up in Turners Falls, graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1982 and took pride in being a Turners Falls Indian.
However, after much consideration and reading the viewpoints of friends on both sides of the argument, I must agree with David that it is time to choose a new mascot, one which does not conflict with the wishes of Native Americans.
They have been subjected to enough at the hands of European settlers and their descendants, and whether we mean the name to be an “honor” or not, it is their feelings on this matter which must be given priority.
I hope the school board will do the right thing and select a new mascot that will not cause further harm to our Native American citizens.
Elisa Martin
Greenfield