Use of the word ‘squaw’ has a long and positive history, despite recent attacks on it | Opinion

More debate on the use of S-word

I beg to differ. Mr. Bolton is exactly, precisely, 100% wrong. For him to state that the views of the taxpaying citizens of Squaw Valley “holds no value in this conversation” is 100% contrary to the concept of “the consent of the governed,” which is central to our democracy.

Both Mr. Bolton and Mr. Smith have flunked the history lesson on the word “squaw.” According to the Oxford English Dictionary: (1) The word “squaw” is from the language of the Narragansett tribe of the Algonquin nation that lived in the area of today’s Rhode Island with their descendants still living there today; (2) It means the wife of a male Indian or – more generally – a “female Indian;” (3) The word has been used in English language documents many times starting in 1634 and again in 1642, 1652, 1701, 1823, 1836, 1877, 1896, and so forth to the present time. In 1823 the poet Lord Byron in his epic poem “Don Juan” in Canto XIII, Stanza LXXIX used the word in a seemingly positive way with reference to a rich banker’s wife.

Sorry guys. You got your facts wrong. The next time you call someone “absurd” you might think about doing your homework first.

Here’s how to gain critical thinking

A few weeks ago, The Bee published a column by George Will which made an argument for not pursuing a college education. His statements have been gnawing at me since.

His argument about how expensive an education can be is well-documented, and I cannot refute that point, overall. But, I would like to point out the affordability of community colleges and California State Universities for residents of our state. In addition, many scholarships are available, along with lower interest student loans. Also, one’s earning potential is greatly enhanced with a college degree.

But the most important takeaway with getting a four-year degree is not only the potential for getting a better job, but self-enlightenment. The exposure to different topics (usually through general education courses), gives you the tools to understand the world in a deeper, more profound, way.

Most importantly, though, is what you gain through the completion of the required critical thinking courses. It gives you the tools to understand everything in a deeper way by being able to discern truth from falsehoods.

In today’s world, with lies being touted as truth, we all need the skill to think critically.

Red-light runners at Woodward Park

I was a 42 year UPS driver, with the last 25 being in the area just east of Woodward Park. On a daily basis I would witness people speeding, texting and running red lights.

I have yet to have anyone explain how someone running through a light red for 10 seconds and killing an innocent person is any different than a DUI.

If any of our elected officials or police watched Friant/Audubon, Shepherd or Fort Washington for eight hours, anytime, I guarantee they would see a minimum of five cars speeding through a red light. Something has to be done because, frankly, I’m sick of seeing You Tube videos, balloons, flowers and candles.

More cancer screening is needed

People with Medicare deserve access to multicancer screening tests. Cancer risk increases with age. People with Medicare coverage make up most of the more than 192,000 people in California who will be diagnosed with cancer this year. Another 59,830 will die from it.

Too many people in my young life didn’t catch their cancer early. If they did, my grandma and Auntie Tina might still be here today.

Early detection leads to better cancer outcomes, which means fewer lives are lost to this disease. Thanks to innovative technology, companies are rolling out new blood tests that can detect multiple cancers early and at once. These multicancer, early-detection tests could be a powerful tool in our mission to end cancer as we know it, but only if people have access to them.

Congress is considering the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act to create a pathway for Medicare to cover this technology following FDA approval.

As a youth ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, I support this bill and hope Speaker McCarthy will do the same so Medicare recipients can access enhanced screening options that could save their lives.

Time to unmask the neo-Nazi wannabes

The May 18 editorial (”Neo-Nazis have arrived. Is it time to ban free speech on SLO County overpass?”) misses the point. The issue is not about free speech, but who are behind the masks and pointy hoods.

Are they business, political, or government leaders who make decisions based on their hate for me as an ethnic minority? Are they law enforcement officers who sympathized with the insurrectionist on Jan. 6?

If they truly have pride in the white race, then show me who you are and I can make my choice on whether to spend my money in your business.

This story was originally published June 4, 2023 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Use of the word ‘squaw’ has a long and positive history, despite recent attacks on it | Opinion."