'Indian' not to be bought or sold

To the editor:

I think it is sad that so many people are still arguing about the mascot issue at Southeast Missouri State University. This should have been resolved years ago when the question was first raised. In most cases it was. The group of people we call Indians are not commodities whose symbol can be bought and sold. The treatment and genocide of Native Americans of all groups and tribes over the past 500 years is an embarrassment. Anglo-Euro-Americans should be ashamed. By trying to personify those and their culture that we couldn't eliminate is a travesty. The only real reason for a mascot is to make money. If you can't beat 'em, sell 'em?

PAMELA WATSON

Cape Girardeau