OrygunSue

This whole argument is flawed. I don't deny that the NCAA is being inconsistent in its ruling to these universities, but if it WERE consistent, then everybody would be asked to change rather than complete acceptance of Native American symbols by any university that chooses to adorn on on themselves. This is 2006. Some (maybe only a few) people are offended by these symbols. It's a distraction from all of the good things that UND stands for. Dr. K ought to recognize that.

Sure, there are times that you should speak out. This just shouldn't be one of those times. UND has too much other stuff going on with the NCAA to let this issue trancend everything else. Sioux-cia, do you need me to hold your hair back?

Darn it. Keep that up and I might start to cry. I didn't mean to insult Dr. K. I just think he seems like a ranting buffoon (did I get it right that time?) that will alienate the University and that this stance that he has made will only harm our cause. The guy ought to be removed. Other than that, I think he's been a great leader.

Oh, yeah... I meant to also say that the NCAA isn't a democracy anyway so who cares. If one person is offended by the Sioux being the Sioux, then the NCAA ought to step in. That all being said, they should be consistent. I will give you that. Still doesn't help us look favorable to a prospective conference.

Unless you failed Civics class, you'll remember that democracies are not necessarily founded on majority rule. All great democracies provide a platform for the minority to speak its point as a valid perspective to which be given equal billing. (Sort of funny how you all have treated me for speaking my dissenting mind...) H-Mom, Kell's is great. Home to the largest St. Patty's celebration on the Left Coast. They give out t-shirts to the first 20,000 people in the gate. (It's held in several parking lots in the neighborhood.) No green beer but impromptu wet t-shirt contests abound. My husband initiated me well...

1. I don't even know who Sylvia Platt is. 2. In spite of what several of you say about the support of Native Americans for the Sioux logo, there are many whom would say it is just as degrading as having some half naked white guy with war paint on chanting and drumming at the games. This is 2006, right? Let's understand the world that we live in, move on, and find other, more important things to debate...calmly. 3. I can't spell baffoon. It's hard to make a good point with bad spelling. 4. I've never said that the good Dr. K is wrong in his opinion. Just his actions. Don't kid yourself about the perception of this from the rest of the country. It'll look very bad. If you can't see that, you need to travel outside of GF more often. 5. It's very clear that the NCAA cannot keep us from transitioning to DI. But ask NDSU how hard it is to be in DI without a conference. Also, ask them how hard it would be to get into a conference with this monkey on your back. They've been relatively squeaky clean during this whole thing and competitive but are still waiting.

If we were talking about slavery or prayer or assembly, etc., then sure, let's fight the good fight. But we're not. This argument is about protecting our ability to keep a mascot for our sports teams. Put it in perspective. The plain fact of the matter is that not all people are comfortable with this mascot anymore. You simply cannot deny it. When we fight so passionately over something that is in fact so trivial, we look irrational. Dr. K's letter looks like a ranting tirade from a hick. That's what the rest of the country will think of it. Right as the argument might be, the perception still stinks...and it embarrasses me.

The good Dr. K. might well be right in his opinion, as all of you. There seems no doubt that the NCAA is wrong in this matter. That all being said, it is probably better not to vent, to keep the lid on the irritation and not look like a ranting bafoon. The hypocrisy (I can't spell, is that right?) that you are all so peeved about is a component part of the NCAA. Unfortunately, it is a club that we want allies in, not just enemies. This is Politics 101 stuff here - work within the organization to make change, don't sue them to make your point. This is Dr. K.'s way of stomping a bid for transitioning to DI. This letter will seal the University's fate in this matter.

Wow. Such anger. The good Dr. K must be a member of this site and be reading all of this. You've all influenced him into an unfortunate rant. It doesn't look good. Really. aff, you da man. Your email says what I couldn't.

I'll stay in Orygun, thank you very much. There's less need to act tough all of the time. Get over yourself. The good Dr. K ought to be spending more of his time reaching out to the NCAA, rather than making threats and alienating himself and the University. If we DO decide to go DI in all sports, what conference will take us with this mascot issue and a belligerent president. Remember, it is the presidents that make the call. There's no need to attack a dissenting view, even if it's from a girl that's smarter than you. Sheesh...

What difference is my state of residence? I'm a Nodak and always will be. Western ND raised, Sioux grad, now living in Portland because of opportunity. I'm still very proud of my home. In college in the late 80's, early 90's, I was very proud of the "Sioux" name. But over the years, I've come to connect it with lots of turmoil. Maybe it would be best to drop the name, come up with something more appropriate and be able to talk about athletics without the hostility of name always coming up.

Okay, just need to say this: This is just plain embarrassing, both to the University and to the Great State of North Dakota. Kup should be removed.