An insult to us all

Irony of ironies. Those who preach tolerance the loudest are often the most intolerant.

Those who claim to be against "hostile" and "abusive" actions are, themselves, often the most hostile and abusive.

There's no greater case in point than the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

In a Stalinist-style purge, the NCAA has directed from on high that it will boycott colleges and universities with Indian mascots in locating its postseason tournaments beginning in February.

Ridiculous.

Ironically, and justifiably, Florida State University "Seminoles" President T.K. Wetherell blasted the NCAA's executive committee for a "complete lack of appreciation for cultural diversity."

He's absolutely right.

Truth is, Florida State has a better record and relationship with American Indians than the NCAA ever dreamed of having. The tribal council of the Seminole tribe of Florida has "unequivocally" supported Florida State's use of the tribe's name and symbols.

"That the NCAA would now label our close bond with the Seminole Tribe of Florida as culturally 'hostile and abusive' is both outrageous and insulting," Wetherell said.

The university president also notes that surveys over the years have shown "an overwhelming majority" of American Indians simply aren't offended by Indian names and mascots.

It's an overly hostile solution to a problem that doesn't exist.

There is no official football championship in major college football, so the NCAA has no power to abuse colleges in that sport. But in other sports, Florida State and other Indian-mascot teams presumably would have to cover up their Indian images.

Wetherell thinks that's rich, and so do we.

"Any committee that would think that is a proper and respectful treatment of Native Americans should be ashamed," he says.

The NCAA has gone way overboard. It is political correctness run amok, and an insult to us all.

It is, in the NCAA's own words, hostile and abusive.