OK … every once in awhile a political discussion breaks out around the
bench press or the military press machine at the gym. Here’s the summary of our
small little discussion group with pumped up muscles for Saturday, February 16. People either love or hate Hilary Clinton … so the group says that ‘hate wins’ and Obama comes out on top on the Democratic ticket. A few on our discussion board did not know about any cocaine confession or allegations regarding Obama (Google: keywords ‘cocaine’ and ‘Obama’).  And the awesome Republican ticket? That would
be McCain and Rice. That’s right. Condaleeza Rice as Vice President and
John McCain for President. We all admit she is a smart lady … after all she was right on her prediction for Super Bowl XLI.

Next a little flashback; John Kerry was a loser with his out-of-touch
dark-ale-meet-the-public attitude. Of course, he has announced he is not running. Oh, but what about his former little running mate? Well, John Edwards is slime according to our gym caucus (remember this is gym talk … not my expression … I am just repeating what I heard). And Howard Dean … who? Haven’t heard much from him lately.

Last, but not least, the consensus is that it it’s a big shame that the
University of Illinois capitulated to the NCAA and is about to drop
Chief Illiniwek. Most really don’t understand how Indians are offended
by such a cool dance and tradition of the Three-and-One. We all agree
… we will miss Chief Illiniwek!

— mb

Chief Illiniwek’s final appearance will be at a University of Illinois basketball halftime show next Wednesday.

In 2005 the NCAA deemed Illiniwek — the University of Illinois mascot portrayed by buckskin-clad students who dance at home football and basketball games and other athletic events — an offensive use of American Indian imagery and barred the university from hosting championship postseason events. American Indian groups complained for years that the mascot, in use since 1926, is demeaning. Proponents of Chief Illiniwek say it honors the contributions of American Indians.

The University of Illinois received a letter from the NCAA dated Thursday that said the school will no longer be banned from hosting postseason events if it ends use of the mascot and related American-Indian imagery.

On Friday, a Champaign County Circuit Court judge rejected two students’ request for a court order to ban the University of Illinois from “capitulating to the NCAA by announcing the retirement of Chief Illiniwek.”

The NCAA said it believes its sanctions are legal.

There has been no announcement about a new mascot, but the University of Illinois will keep the phrase ‘Fighting Illini.’

‘Hail to the Orange’ lyrics below …

Hail to the Orange
Hail to the Orange,
Hail to the Blue,
Hail Alma Mater,
Ever so true!
We love no other
So let our motto be
Victory, Illinois! Varsity!

Follow this story at The Daily Illini

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