mikejm

With all due respect, CRR, I'd say the NCAA is dispensing with the "easy" deals first. In all three cases to date, the universities have enjoyed "special relationships" with their respective tribes. UND's case virtually ignores its relationships with the "tribes", but instead bases a large part of their appeal on the number of individual native students enrolled on campus, and on the number of native-centric courses and programs. The fact that most of the neighboring Lakota tribes have spoken out in opposition to the continued use of the Fighting Sioux nickname and logo does not bode well for UND's appeal. The NCAA will be able to hold up that "official" opposition and say, "See, we told you". Sad day coming, I'm afraid.

So.....I'm thinking the '05-06 Sioux's NCAA championship will be the start of a very, very long run at the Frozen Four. Wow...13 frosh and 5 sophmores!

This Fighting Sioux power play is brought to you by Feldman's Freight and Fire Equipment Emporium

In the land of burgers, whopper is king

Thank you iramurphy, for so elegantly and pointedly exposing gk for what he is. I've spent most of my life among and alongside Native Americans in both Minnesota and North Dakota. I watched them collectively squander opportunity after opportunity; the tribes have been recipients of some of this nation's most generous grants and gifts, and yet the continue to languish in poverty, dependence and hopelessness. There are, obviously, exceptions. Some fairly close native friends of mine have taken advantage of public and private largesse to obtain advanced degrees and to come "home" to serve their people in constructive and positive ways. They understand the ruinous treadmill on which their people are stuck, and are working very hard to try to end generations-old harmful habits. I've had many, many heartfelt conversations with these friends, reveling in their successes and trying to encourage them to continue in spite of the frustrations and setbacks they encounter every day. Most often, the roadblocks to their success are not "whitey", but rather their fellow tribal members; people just like grahamcracker. GK embodies all that is wrong with how we as a nation have responded to the native population for over a hundred years. Obviously there were grave wrongs perpetrated on the tribes by our forefathers. The reservations are wrong and should be an embarassment to both white and native leaders. We've continued to throw dollar after dollar into these money pits, "buying off" either our guilty consciences or the tribal squeaky wheels who cry the loudest. Faced with rampant social disease and political misdeeds, we've refused to require responsibility and accountability among the tribes themselves. Instead we send more money, which all too often is squandered, both within the federal bureaucracy and tribal officialdom. When an institution like the University invests time, talent and capital in attempting to help Native Americans escape this century-old trap, we do see scattered success. But all too often we're instead slapped in the face with renewed cries of racism and demands for even more money to undo the deeds of years gone by. GK and people like him are not interested in truly making life better for their native families. They know as long as they dredge up another example of alleged wrongs foisted upon them or their elders, someone out there will find another pile of money to throw at the "problem" without ever dealing with the underlying shortcomings. GK is not a builder of a better tomorrow; he is an agitator who understands his negative attitude will keep the gravy train running. It is far easier for him to continue to complain about whatever happened 30, or 50 or 100 years ago and stay on the receiving end of a pipeline full to the brim with money than it is to adopt a positive attitude and try to change things for the better. There is no tomorrow for GK and his ilk; at least there is no financial reward for thinking about tomorrow. It is easier to continue to wallow in self-pity, spew racist rhetoric and milk the collective guilt of a wealthy nation. And that is, by definition, tragedy by any measure.

I am aware of that. The last sentence in the story is what scares me:

Not so good news from tribal councils: http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/n...te/12500565.htm

PCM: all of what you've contributed here and on USCHO has been good stuff, and presents a logical argument supporting UND's appeal of the NCAA decision. Thank you for your hard work, and for your untiring support of the Fighting Sioux. I think, however, that the folks in Indianapolis will deny North Dakota's appeal because the Lakota tribes here are split in their stance toward the nickname: Spirit Lake says "yes"; Standing Rock "no". It will make no difference to them that UND has a long and successful history of special programs for Native students. The NCAA is looking for a hook on which to hang their hat, and the Standing Rock resolution will be enough for them. Make no mistake, the prospect of the University losing this identity causes me untold sadness. While I continue to hope that some combination of luck and common sense (an attribute not often demonstrated within the hallowed walls of the NCAA) will sway the eggheads, I am beginning to dread what appears inevitable.

I'm really surprised no one has pointed this out yet: Diggler is a bobblehead!

And now, here's your University of North Dakota............. SUE ME's

Pardon me if I sound defeatist, but I think the FSU "backpedalling" today by Brand & Co. bodes ill for the Fighting Sioux. Because UND cannot hold up a strongly worded resolution from the local Lakota tribes, and because there is apparently a lot of "public" documentation from several tribal bodies specifically opposing the Fighting Sioux name, we'll be wearing generic labels 23-24 March walking into a Ralph with duct taped scars everywhere. It is tragic, really, that a university that has done so much to further the education of the native population will be forced

Man...are you old

As I've said before, Barry is really a nice young man. He's also been blessed with some amazing talents. I think things have come easy for Barry most of his life; maybe too easy. I hope he finds the motivation to make it in the NHL; I know he's dreamt of this his entire life.

As much as I hate to say it, our congressional delegation has better ways to spend their time than this issue. Really.

Don't insult former President Clinton by comparing him to KTF and Kracker. (I can't believe I am writing this!)

I think a logo as you've described can only be labeled as "hostile and abusive", at least to me. (Although it does bear a striking resemblance to a former girlfriend, who, coincidentally, is named Sue!)

Classy, Kracker. Very classy.

I don't think personal attacks have any place in this discussion KTF. I've not called you ignorant, and I would appreciate reciprocity. I merely stated what has been presented previously: that the term "Sioux" is not the proper, nor the preferred tribal identifier; rather, that the Native peoples use the Lakota/Dakota/Nakota titles.

I am not afraid to answer your questions: I grew up on the edge of the White Earth Anishanabe nation, and attended pow-wows in White Earth and near Mahnomen many times. Never once did I feel welcome. Further, your contention that nearly all Native people oppose the Sioux nickname is blatantly false, and frankly, insulting to my intelligence. The most visible and vocal Native proponent of the NCAA ban, Vernon Bellecourt, is from White Earth, and is well known there. I have been personally with acquainted with Vernon for almost 30 years. A number of tribal officials in White Earth have repeatedly disclaimed his statements and actions, in this, and other matters. I wonder how many Natives will applaud Bellecourt's characterization of Ralph Engelstad and Fighting Sioux supporters as "nazis" this morning on the PA and Dubay program?

Can I have an "AMEN"? Great point CRR!

Perhaps it is because of the less-than-cordial reception many of us have received when we've attempted to attend such functions. I grew up on the edge of a reservation, and attended a few pow-wows and other ceremonies over the years. Often I was the only white face evident. And far, far too often I was ostracized by Natives, essentially told to leave. My experience is not positive, and does nothing to foster an impression of an inclusive society.

Help me here Kracker: are you the Lakota/Nakota/Dakota people? Or the Sioux. As I said earlier, I think your tribes have stopped referring to themselves as Sioux because the name is not historically correct. If you aren't the Sioux, then what the heck are you bellyaching about? And if you're not the Sioux, will you please stop mis-appropriating the name?