Yet More Nickname Insanity

From Red State University:

Marx said that history does repeat itself. It comes the first time as a tragedy and the second time as a farce.

The controversy over American Indian nicknames, in contrast, came initially as a farce, and is quickly becoming a complete travesty.

As reported by USA Today, PITA has objected to the use of the nickname “Gamecocks.”

The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sent a letter to Brand on Wednesday asking the NCAA to stop South Carolina and Jacksonville (Ala.) State from using the nickname Gamecocks.

The letter, a copy of which was given to USA TODAY by PETA, says Gamecocks “are named after the birds used in cockfighting, a hideous ‘blood sport’ that, like spousal abuse, bank robbery and driving while intoxicated, is illegal in both South Carolina and Alabama.”

Said [Rep. Tom Feeney,R-Fla.]: “For once, I believe that PETA, at least on the level of logic, is correct. If the NCAA has to protect offended Native Americans ... by God, PETA ought to advocate for the protection of every organism in the animal kingdom.”