The 4-H situation is bad enough, but this whole Native American thing has gotten ridiculous. Is this not America, "Land of the free, home of the brave"? Or do we have to change that too since it mentions "brave"?

What's next, any position of authority with the word chief in the title?

White people must be the scourge of the earth. No one wants to be associated with us and no one wants to let us be associated with them. Unless it's convenient for them, that is. Have you ever noticed it's Native American, Hispanic American, African American and White/Caucasian, not white American? Even a letter to the editor printed in the April 14 Parkersburg News refers to "White American" in a derogatory way.

I have Indian ancestry on both sides, and I'm proud of it. That's right, I said it, Indian, because that's the word I choose to use in regard to myself and my ancestors.

No one likes us "whites." Why does it offend Native Americans so bad for us to use their "imagery," as so stated in the April 14 article? Native Americans don't mind selling "White Americans" their "traditional" goods and wares.

Is it because white people are doing it wrong? Then show us how to do it properly. Since not all Native Americans participate in their own traditions wouldn't it seem intelligent to show anyone who is willing to learn the proper way to dress or dance? Why not even take it a step further and offer to teach the language and dance that was indigenous to the area?

Or maybe you can't. Is it possible that not enough Native Americans really know that much about their own ancestry to teach us, but just want to complain when they get the chance? How many Native Americans do you see wearing cowboy hats and cowboy boots? That's sort of contradictory isn't it? Why would Native Americans want to dress in the clothing symbolic to a group of people partly responsible for their ancestors' demise?

I realize that's a ridiculous point, but then again, maybe it isn't. How many races are permitted to celebrate Halloween? Wasn't Halloween originated by the Druids? Weren't they Caucasian? Think about it. We members of "White America" don't complain when kids regardless of race want to celebrate Halloween do we?

Maybe we should start. What's that you say? But Halloween's for the kids? That's odd. The last I heard, so was 4-H. Give it some thought.

Mark Gwynn

Paden City