Time to leave the Red Raider alone
To the editor:
I am writing this in response to a letter by Mr. Sanfaçon.
I have lived in Rochester my whole life and graduated from Spaulding High School. I personally find this whole change-the-logo discussion ridiculous. I have tried to not get involved too much; however, Mr. Sanfaçon was given his time to argue his points and concerns of which he lost. He did not prove his beliefs.
The community of Rochester has pulled together to prove their beliefs in the logo of the Red Raider. They (I was not involved) have proven this to the School Board, alumni and, yes, Mr. Sanfaçon.
In his latest letter he talks about giving to the American Indian Fund and researching specific websites for the School Board to learn about the heritage.
Being an adult and having many contacts in the community, some are of American Indian heritage. Anyone who is of American Indian heritage gets a discount when going to college, the American Indian nationality is certainly doing well for itself with its casinos. Why should anyone have to donate funds or anything because they use a Red Raider as their school mascot?
Schools do not routinely choose a mascot that everyone dislikes. Why would anyone do that?
In addition, can we point out that if Mr. Sanfaçon wants so badly to change the logo, have him supply the funds to change all of our uniforms and anything else with logo in the school. I have three children in the school system and certainly do not want any of the already tightened school budget to go to changing anything.
My son is a freshman and is already proud to be a Red Raider.
Mr. Sanfaçon needs to teach his son in the privacy of his home what his beliefs are.
The community of Rochester loves the mascot and everyone wants it to stay. Maybe he should approach the NFL or whomever and start a crusade with them as it is very obvious he would not be winning that battle either.
He is causing such a stir in the whole area, not just Rochester. Please, move on with your life in Massachusetts and let us in Rochester live our lives.
Kathy Spiers
Strafford
