Indian references are honorable

To the editor:

Some recent Speak Out comments have advised changing the nickname of the Southeast Missouri State University Indians. I have no connections with the university other than I am a resident of Missouri. However, I think it should be an honor to maintain that traditional name.

The American Indians were a smart people. They farmed only the level ground, leaving hills in woods and grass for wildlife. It was the white man who started tilling hills and slopes. The American Indians were not all savages but mostly peaceful people so long as no one interfered with their rights.

Speaking of name changes in this respect, would we think of changing state names? Example: Missouri, Arkansas, Michigan, Minnesota, just to mention a few. I would think not. The above state names are only a few of the many states bearing Indian names.

LEONARD A. KUEHNERT

Altenburg, Mo.