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Additional Text for the 9/21/05 Alumni Sandstorm 
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Recent letters to the Tri-City Herald Editor (in order published)
Holdren ~ 9/11/05
Pierard - 9/19/05
Boring - 9/20/05
Dado ~ 9/20/05
Maupin ~ 9/21/05
Baalman ~ 9/22/05
Anderson Remarks (NOT TCH Editorial)
McKnight-Hoban ~ 9/26/05
Sorensen ~ 9/26/05
Cruz (NOT her maiden name) ~ 9/28/05
Davies ~ 10/6/05
Maddy Remarks (NOT TCH Editorial)
Holdren (AGAIN) ~ 10/14/05
Alley - 10/15 Sandstorm reply to Holdren's 10/14/05 TCH Editorial)
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Sunday, September 11th, 2005

I attended the recent Richland vs. Kennewick football game and was
shocked to see that Richland has gone back to the mushroom cloud logo
on their helmets.

Doesn't the administration and principal in the district have any clue?
Let's see, with the current devastation down south, the 9/11 disaster
and the ongoing war in the Middle East, they elect to put on the logo
that represents death.

With all of the controversy regarding nicknames and mascots in the
NCAA, why in the world would the principal allow this logo to go back
on the most recognizable piece of material the school has?

Then again this is the same administration that tried to mislead their
citizens on the Jason Lee remodel.

The previous coach had to fight through many issues in removing this
logo from all football equipment in the late '80s. Why would anyone
expect anything other than the administration and so-called powers to
be put it back on as soon as the former coach retires.

I can state it firsthand that they say they preach morals for their
students. I would say this clearly defines what morals some of the
people in administration have.


NATE HOLDREN, Kennewick
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Monday, September 19th, 2005

Nate Holdren refers, in his letter published Sept. 11, to the Richland
High School mushroom cloud logo as a "logo that represents death." If
he knew any of the history and tradition involved here, he would
realize that he couldn't be more mistaken. The logo is a recognition of
a historical event 60 years ago, the successful completion of the
Manhattan Project, which is the very reason that R.H.S. and also
Richland, even exist. The school recognized this and registered it as a
trademark shortly after its design in 1971 (renewed in 2001). It was
adopted as the "Official Symbol of Richland High School" at an all-
school vote in February 1988 (1,084 out of 1205 votes cast).

As far as the "death" reference, Holdren again shows a lack of history
knowledge in that even Japanese officials are finally admitting that
the A-bombs actually "saved" their entire country, culture and 100
million Japanese lives. They were prepared to sacrifice every man,
woman and child in the defense against an invasion. The entire civilian
population, except the very old and the very young, were mobilized and
trained (note: essentially NO "innocent" civilians).

Don't let Kennewick "envy" block the display of our proud and unique
logo.


BURT PIERARD (R.H.S. Class of 1959), Richland 
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2005

In fifth grade, our class studied World War II and we were tasked with
interviewing a veteran.

It was easy for me, I just had to ask my Dad, because he was a World
War II naval veteran. Our teacher gave us a series of questions we were
to ask our interviewee.

One answer my Dad gave to a question completely caught me off guard. I
was so surprised at his answer, I asked the same question again,
convinced he did not hear me correctly the first time.

The question was, "Did you agree with the atomic bombings of Japan? Why
or why not?"

My Dad's response was a clear, concise, and heartfelt response of, "It
was the best decision of the war!" He then explained his answer to me.
My Dad believed, as many others do, that the war would have continued
for quite some time ... and many, many more lives would have been lost
as a result.

The bombings were a swift end to the war. I am proud our area (Richland
in particular) had such a great hand in ending the war. I believe we
should be proud to show our involvement and our historical ties with
the development of the atomic bomb.

I see Richland High's mushroom cloud logo as a means to preserving and
informing the world of the part we played in helping to end World War
II, and hope you would, too.


MARIANNE BORING, Richland
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Tuesday, September 20th, 2005

In response to "Proud of the Cloud" by Nate Holdren, Sept. 11, I wonder
how the mushroom cloud came to be related to current world problems.
The cloud has been the RHS mascot for more than 40 years!

Mr. Holdren refers to the mushroom cloud as "the logo that represents
death." This is a common misconception by uninformed people. The
mushroom cloud represents the hard work of men and women across the
nation on a project that laid the building blocks for the community
that we live in today. If the Manhattan Project didn't exist, then the
Tri-Cities, as we know it, wouldn't exist.

As long as the cloud is the mascot then it should be on everything that
a Bomber wears when showing his or her school pride. As a senior at
Richland who plays sports, I am very "Proud of the Cloud" and am sure
that most students share my views.

I am shocked to learn that Mr. Holdren is a former Bomber; I would
think somebody who was at RHS for four years would at least have a clue
about what the logo represents. I only hope my fellow graduates will
have a better understanding of our mascot.


MATHEW DADO, Richland High Senior
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2005

Logos are symbols. We assign definitions to symbols as we see fit. 
To many Moslems the Red Cross remains a symbol of Christian Crusader
warfare, and they chose the Red Crescent to symbolize their relief
organization. We accept their use of the crescent, but we need not
over-paint our symbol to satisfy their prejudices.

In 1945, after Columbia High School students voted to be called "The
Bombers," it was nearly six months before the Kennewick "Lion's Roar"
finally accepted a new definition of any old symbol.

Years later, Richland High School students voted overwhelmingly to use
the "mushroom cloud" symbol. Coach Pierson later said he would not
coach a team with that symbol on the uniforms and school officials
respected his feelings. But the symbol remained as the selected,
elected, and copyrighted logo of the school and Coach Pierson lived
with that for many years. Now it is a new coach's turn and the logo is
back.

Judge the logo, not in the past, but rather, in its present context.
Accept the school logo for what it is and always has been, a symbol of
school spirit.

KEITH MAUPIN, Richland
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Thursday, September 22nd, 2005

After reading Nate Holdren's letter ("Proud of The Cloud," Sept. 11), 
I find many of his misconceptions quite disheartening. But what I find
most discouraging is that Mr. Holdren's conception of the mushroom
cloud logo is "a symbol of death."

Perhaps Mr. Holdren is unaware of Richland's heritage, or just not
proud of it, but the simple fact is that the Tri-Cities, as we know it,
would not exist if it weren't for Hanford. This is why I feel that the
mushroom cloud is the best symbol R.H.S. could have. Quite simply, the
most interesting team mascots are the ones that say something about the
community they represent.

We here in Richland are quite proud of the cloud, and more importantly,
the achievement that it represents. In case you aren't aware, Mr.
Holdren, that achievement is the end of World War II.

I can say with certainty that my grandfather went to his grave secure
in the knowledge that his contributions to the Manhattan Project made a
difference in the world. I can also say with certainty that I will go
to my grave proud of the accomplishments of my family and my community.
What better legacy could a school mascot portray?

DAVID BAALMAN, R.H.S., Class of '92, Richland
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Monday, September 26th, 2005

I invite Nate Holdren and all readers of the Tri-City Herald to
visit the Richland High School Alumni Web site.

The address is: http://richlandbombers.com/allbombers/CoA.html

I specifically invite all readers to study the Richland High School
Coat of Arms that was adopted by the Associated Student Body in 1965.
"CREST: (Top Cloud) The nuclear burst symbolizes the attainments by
educated men and reminds us of responsibilities shared by all men in
all of life's endeavors and that man alone does not control the forces
of this world."

We are proud of our school, but more importantly we, as Richland
Bombers of all ages and graduating years, have a uniqueness that
belongs to no other school.

Our grandparents, fathers and mothers came from all over the U.S. to
create Richland. The Manhattan Project was the end result, but even
after the war Richland was known as the Atomic City.

As much as Nate Holdren and others would like to rewrite history, it
just cannot be done.

The alumni and students of Richland High School are proud of their
heritage and those who have gone before. Just check out our Web site.

We all communicate with each other on a daily basis, all over the
world.

We are the Richland Bombers and yes, we are Proud of the Cloud.


LINDA MCKNIGHT HOBAN, (RHS class of 1965), Tigard, Oregon
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Monday, September 26th, 2005

"Libelous letters will not be published, nor will letters in poor
taste, letters with significant factual inaccuracies, or letters that
defame individuals or ethnic or religious groups."

This is your statement when submitting a letter to the editor. However,
you let Nate Holdren (Letters, Sept. 11) slander and defame the
Richland School District, the new head football coach and the principal
of Richland High School.

A logo is what you make it become, I am "Proud of the Cloud" and what
it means to me -- pride, desire and effort.


RYAN SORENSON, Richland, Class of '89
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Original:
RYAN SORENSON, Richland, Class of '89

Should be:
RYAN SORENSEN, Kennewick, (Richland High School Class of '89)
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Wednesday, September 28th, 2005

I attended the recent Richland vs. Kennewick high school football game
and was proud to see our school logo back on its rightful place, the
football helmet. I'm surprised to hear Nate Holdren (Letters, Sept. 11)
was shocked, considering that all other Richland sports programs
proudly use the mushroom cloud logo on their uniforms, clothing,
equipment, paperwork, etc., as well as using the bomber plane as an
alternative logo.

Referring to the comments about Hurricane Katrina, 9/11 and the war in
the Middle East, the mushroom cloud has nothing to do with natural
disasters, terrorism or the war against terrorism. When I see the
mushroom cloud as a Richland High School logo, I see a symbol of power
not death.

I don't believe the administration or principal has anything to do with
the decision whether the mushroom cloud logo is used or not. I believe
it is up to the coaching staff, athletes and student body whether to
use the cloud or plane.

The previous head coach is one of the most respected men in Richland
High School history and the decision he and his staff made to take the
cloud off the helmet is part of his legacy and should not be associated
with any other coaching staff previously or currently in place.


LISA CRUZ, Richland High School Class of '81
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Thursday, October 6th, 2005

The mushroom cloud mascot at Richland High School seems to be a never-
ending controversial issue. Some say that it symbolizes death and evil.
However, to students the cloud is a symbol of victory. As an RHS student,
I am proud of the cloud. We are pleased with who we are and with our part
in helping end the war.

However, there is a bigger issue here.

Why are people so wrapped up in superficial things such as school
mascots? Is it really going to make a difference 20 years from now if we
were called the Richland Bombers or the Richland Dandelions? No. It's
like looking at a Monet painting. Up close, the paint is nothing but 
a large group of dots and dashes, but at a distance, a masterpiece is
evident. People are so focused on the little things that they often 
miss the big picture. In this case, the big picture is the RHS students'
futures. The mushroom cloud issue has been blown way out of proportion.
What matters is the kind of education we acquire in school, not what our
high school mascot was. Education is much more important than school
mascots. Don't sweat the small stuff.

LAUREN DAVIES, RHS Freshmen Class president
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Friday, October 14th, 2005

For all of those pro-cloud supporters writing to the Herald in response
to my letter, sure, the cloud is a symbol of our community but it also
symbolizes one of the darker days in the history of mankind.

I wonder how pro-cloud you people would be if you saw images of Pearl
Harbor on the batting helmets of a Japanese baseball team, or the Twin
Towers aflame on the helmets of a Middle Eastern cricket team? Do you
people feel historical pride when you see the Confederate flag or a
swastika? You can all say it is different, but it really isn't.

Naturally, victory in war begets tragedy ... but to prolong another's
tragedy by flaunting its most vicious symbol is inhumane.

NATE HOLDREN, Kennewick
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