The Congress Critters in Dee Cee and the LSM are up in arms over the Washington Redskin logo. Yet, the man who suggested the Indian Chief logo for the team was Walter “Blackie” Wetzel, a Blackfeet Nation political leader and then president of the National Congress of American Indians.

From the Helenair, November 2003:

“Back then, (in the 1960s) there was only the letter “R” on the helmet, so I requested a few pictures to be sent down from my reservation of Indian chiefs,” Wetzel explained.

Walter “Blackie” Wetzel said he walked into the office of the Washington Redskins and said, “I came here to see you guys about seeing a real Indian on the helmets.”

He said a person told him that they would look over his proposal and consider it.

After the team finally picked his idea, he said, he felt really proud — and has ever since — seeing the Indian chief on the helmet.

Don Wetzel: Don’t call Redskins logo offensive, GF Tribune February 2014

There has been considerable controversy over the logo and, especially, nickname of the Washington Redskins in recent months.

It was certainly true during Super Bowl week when Washington owner Daniel Snyder was urged by many, including national TV personalities Sean Hannity and Keith Olbermann, to scrap “Redskins.”

You know, because it’s the decent and honorable thing to do.

“They’re all missing the boat,” said Don Wetzel Sr.

Walter “Blackie” Wetzel was Don’s father, a Blackfeet Nation political leader who a half-century ago was the president of the National Congress of American Indians. Blackie, who was a great athlete in his day, became well-acquainted with Montana leaders like Mike Mansfield and Lee Metcalf.

The man who was born near Cut Bank Creek on the Blackfeet Reservation eventually moved to Washington D.C. and became good friends with President John F. Kennedy.

“My father,” said Don, “was a great man.”