@ChapPetersen introducing a new “Redskins Pride Caucus” – to defend the organization from recent name attacks #vagov pic.twitter.com/eYaVWAg2Eq
— Joe St. George (@JoeStGeorge) June 23, 2014
Democratic legislators cheered after the U.S. Patents office stripped the Washington Redskins of their trademarks, but when Virginia State Sen. Chap Petersen (D-Fairfax City) heard the news, he thought, ‘Enough’s enough. This is going crazy.’
He then made a couple of phone calls to fellow Virginia legislators and, on Monday, came to the Capitol to announce the formation of the “Redskins Pride Caucus,” a bipartisan group in support of the embattled team name.
Standing behind a podium adorned with a Redskins flag, the caucus members praised the football team and reminisced about past victories against the Dallas Cowboys, USA Today reports.
The “Redskins Pride Caucus” does not have plans for legislation and merely aims to serve as a “voice” for Redskins fans. “I feel like someone needs to stand up for the Redskins and just stand up for their fans,” Petersen remarked, noting that the current logo is “a symbol of unity in our community.” On his Facebook page, Petersen likened the trademarks verdict to George Orwell’s 1984.
As a Democrat in support of keeping the team name, Petersen is something of an anomaly, but he has received some semi-encouraging words from members of his party.
“I called a lot of people that are Redskins fans and season ticket holders that were Democrats, that were like ‘Hey man, ride on General Custer,’ ” he said. “They’re kind of like ‘Hey, I agree with you, I think you’re correct, I’m glad you’re doing this, but I can’t be there.’ ”
Fellow caucus member Bill Stanley (R-Franklin County) described the situation as “political correctness run amok” and “just plain wrong.” He added, “I will close by saying this: Beat Dallas! Amen. Go Redskins.”
Also on the caucus is Sen. L. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth), the aunt of Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
