Rep. Van Hollen: Congress should stay out of Redskins name change debate

A Democratic power broker in the U.S. House of Representatives hopes the Washington Redskins change their team name (of course) but says Congress should not force the issue.

Here’s the story.

It’s election season. I’m being bombarded by email messages, usually in the form of a survey, from elected officials at every level of government. Every now and then, I respond to tell why I, a Democratic voter, am sitting on my hands this cycle.

I do not like the doctrinaire position on the Redskins team name by virtually every Democrat politician. The government is there to help people. I expect them to do it in meaningful ways that make a difference in people’s lives. So, I have a dim view of empty gestures, like the campaign against Indian-themed team names.

One of my comments drew a response from my congressman, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland. Read on.

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Dear Mr. Brown:

Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns regarding efforts to repeal the NFL’s tax exempt status in order to force Washington’s football team to change its name. I appreciate hearing from you and apologize for the delayed response.

I do not believe that Congress should attempt to force a name change by legislative action. As a fan, I believe the best overall approach would be for the team to voluntarily change its name. I do not believe Congressional action should be taken to legislate this change.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Please do not hesitate to contact me whenever I may be of service.

Sincerely,

Chris Van Hollen
Member of Congress
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Van Hollen has juice as the ranking Democrat on the House Budget committee. He has chaired Democratic Congressional campaign committees. His view of the Feds role in the controversy falls in line with his Democratic colleagues from Virginia.

Virginia Republican Senatorial candidate Bob Gillespie knocked Democratic Senators’ efforts to force a team name by fiat in a campaign ad run during Monday night’s Redskins – Cowboys game.  While that resonated with fans and with conservatives who see it as more government over-reach, Dems like Sen. Mark Warner (VA) and Van Hollen make poor targets.

Neither of Virginia’s senators signed the infamous petition to the NFL to force Washington to change its name.

A super majority of everyday sports fans do not agree that the Redskins should be forced by government action to change its team name. At least a few Democrats see it that way too. If you agree, you should sign the petition to the president and congressmen that was started by Native Americans demanding they Stop Wasting Our Nation’s Resources on a Football Team.