[Paintrain]

In a way this has already been adjudicated and settled by the trademark case brought forth in '92 that ended up getting defeated and not heard by the Supreme Court so the whole issue really is a nonstarter.

A legitimate question isn't should the Redskins be FORCED to change it (which I personally don't think they should) but rather should they change it because it's the right thing to do (which I don't feel strongly about either way).

Historically the 'majority' rests on the argument of it's not a big deal or it's not hurting anyone when it comes to civil issues. That attitude is a part of the issue when discussing it. There wouldn't be tolerance for a commonly used modern era racial slur or derogatory slur as a team name, so why is it accepted now? Just because it always has been that way? That's not a legitimate reason. Just because 'you' don't think it should be offensive? Again, not a legitimate reason.

Whether it is or isn't is not my call because I'm not a Native American, nor is the councilman pushing for the change or Mike Wise who is outspoken against it nor are the editors or writers of the newspapers that refuse to print the name. The only organized body who tried to do something was the aforementioned '92 case that didn't work.

But I do feel this way, if Native Americans, represented by a body (group, organization, etc), state that the name is offensive and a slur, then it should be VOLUNTARILY changed by the team. If the team isn't willing to do so, then bad on them but so be it.

Anyone who thinks changing the name (rebranding) will damage the team or the merchandising is fooling themselves. Fans/consumers like nothing better than fresh, hot, new. Especially if there's a cause behind it and a marketable face (RGIII) with it, Snyder would be swimming in the dough.

The only way I see it happening though is if the FCC deems it a slur and networks can be fined for using the term inappropriately but that's as likely as Vinny getting another job in the NFL.