After reading this article you may want to ask yourself: Are we living in America anymore?
On Wednesday, The United States Patent Office ruled the Washington Redskins federal trademarks for its name must be canceled because the moniker is “disparaging of Native Americans.”
According to TheBlaze, the 2-1 ruling means that the team can continue to use the Redskins name, but it would lose most of its ability to protect the financial interests connected to its use. For example, if others printed the name on apparel or other team material, it would be more difficult for the team to go after those groups.
While the debate over the political correctness of the Redskins name has been raging for a number of months, team owner Daniel Snyder has, thus far, refused to change the name citing tradition. On radio this morning, Glenn, Pat, and Stu reacted to the landmark decision.
“They're going to have to change the name now,” Pat said pessimistically. “They just have to change the name.”
Glenn, however, pleaded with Redskins brass to continue to stand firm despite the pressure. In fact, he encouraged the team to make as much authentic merchandise as possible because he believes there will be a market for it.
“Don't do it, Redskins,” Glenn pleaded. “I will tell you this. Washington Redskins, you make official stuff and give us some sort of way to verify that the money goes back to you, and I'll buy a Redskins car from you… I mean it… Hello, kids. Go out and buy everything Washington Redskins you can today because it will be a collector's items.”
When you consider the names of other sports teams – the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Braves, Golden State Warriors, Florida Seminoles, etc. – you have to wonder why the outrage seems to be so limited to the Redskins.
Last fall, Glenn and his team looked into claims that Native Americans were deeply offended by the term ‘redskins,’ and it simply wasn’t the case.
Political correctness aside, the Patent Office’s decision could prove to have much broader implications. If a trademark can be revoked because a few people find a team name offensive, what other trademarks or patents can be canceled.
“Think about what's happening here,” Stu said. “You're taking away the trademark of a company that's probably worth two to three billion dollars. Just taking it away, so that anyone can use it for any reason… And all you need to say is you think it's disparaging.”
“Why can't they do that with Exxon… and anything that Exxon has ever pioneered,” Glenn asked. “Why can't the president just say, ‘You know what? It's in the interest of the United States government and the United States of America that we take all their patents.’ You just cripple the country."
Ultimately, as Glenn explained, this debate all boils down to one thing: Freedom.
“Look at what they've done. This is a freedom story,” Glenn concluded. “On Friday, the dog ate our homework [at the IRS]. Baghdad is on fire. And look at what they're doing. It's all about watching the other hand. It’s really dangerous… You tell me we're still living in America.”