3/8/05

SEEING STARS

Burk, you really put your foot in your mouth this time. In regards to the NHRA dropping the "Stars and Bars" from the Division 2 logo, since when did the old "Buster's Rebels/Dixie Rebels" logo become offensive? Was there a complaint from any racers or fans? If the logo offended anyone, I've never heard of it. And why would it? I thought our sport was DRAG RACING, not Politically Correct 1320.

Division 2 will always be "Buster's Rebels".

Chris DeGidio

SEEING STARS 2

On the one hand Burk is wailing about sanctioning bodies being PC and on the other apparently whining about the "old" Div. 2 logo because of the Confederate flag! Does he understand what PC is, or is he a flaming hypocrite?

Later,

Bill Koski
Las Vegas, NV

SEEING STARS 3

First, I do have to agree that the change of the Division two logo was something that had to be done. Having been a part-time division two worker when we were Buster's Rebels I believe we all felt a certain pride in that moniker. However, the times have changed, and although I didn't feel that what was being represented was the bad side of our southern heritage, it just was better to let the stars and bars go.

What I don't like is the lack of imagination used in our new logo. Two pistons!? For the money that is being spent on image and marketability, I thought we could have had something better.

Oh well, nobody asked me what I thought about getting rid of modified
eliminator either.

Fred Brown
Columbus, GA

SEEING STARS 4

Politically Correct is something I never thought I'd see out of you, Burk. Your blather about the NHRA removing The Stars and Bars from the Division 2 flag turned my stomach.

The Confederate battle flag is "divisive" only to those who are ignorant about the subject. Evidently, you didn't do well in history. If you would go back and study on the subject, you would learn the Confederate flag never represented or endorsed slavery. The War of Northern Aggression was not fought because of slavery. It was about states' rights. Fewer than 5% of Southerners owned one or more slaves during the time of The War*.

Make no mistake, slavery was and is terrible. It was a shameful time in American history. But, the Confederate battle flag was not about slavery. Those flying it today are proud Southerners who don't want Politically Correct people telling them to forget about their heritage. And, no, I don't fly a Confederate flag. But, I respect the flag and what it represents.

Your constant reporting on the inane things going on at NHRA have really turned me against that organization. This latest escapade of removing The Stars and Bars just solidifies those feelings. Ask yourself this: Would NASCAR tell people to quit flying the Confederate flag?

Do yourself a favor, and learn your history.

Ted Kuburich
Springdale, Arkansas