House bill challenges Redskins trademark

Bill in Congress challenges Redskins trademark

By Catalina CamiaThe controversy over the Washington Redskins team name has spilled into Congress.

Legislation was introduced Wednesday that would cancel the NFL team's trademark of the term "redskin." The bipartisan bill comes as a federal trademark panel considers a petition brought by a group of young American Indians who say the Washington football team should not be allowed to trademark its name because it is offensive.

The bill by Del. Eni Faleomavaega, D-American Samoa, would amend existing law and cancel the federal registrations of trademarks that use the term "redskin" in reference to Native Americans. It would also prevent the registration of future trademarks that use the word. Supporters say it would not prevent anyone from using "redskin" in their business.

"The use of the word is hurtful and insulting to our nation's first inhabitants," Faleomavaega said in a statement. "Now is the time to end this injustice."Comment:  Wow.

I don't expect this bill to go anywhere. Even though it has bipartisan support. Once the trolls start crying "Political correctness!" and "Save our beloved Redskins!" the politicians will back off.

But if this bill did pass, it would be a real game-changer. The mascot issue would be on the front of every newspaper in America. People who haven't thought about it would have to. And then racist mascots around the country would start disappearing.

For more on "Redskins" mascots, see Cooperstown Changes "Redskins" with Oneida Help and Redskins "Respond" to NMAI Symposium.