Walpole sports

[Tom]

The "coach charged" thread is closed.

[Unregistered]

Thank God !!!!

[Unregistered]

Thank God !!!!

Great decision, thank you because it truly is time to move on :).

[Unregistered]

OK, so over the past couple of years I have posted here, as the most unrepentant fan (a work based on the word "fanatic," which better describes my mindset, but I digress. . . ) for Walpole High School sports you will find (But remember, I also love the music department, language department and robotics club!).

We find ourselves in the midst of another rich season of sports here in Town. Last night on the WHS tennis courts fence was "written" (they put styrofoam cups in the fence to form words) "EAT OUR BUBBLES" This is a reference to our UNDEFEATED swim team. Well, if you know Cheryl Cavanaugh, the only thing surprising about this is that this is the first time this happened. What a great season the girls are having. Keep it up, and we hope the swimmers behind you keep eating your bubbles.

Football, what more needs to be said:

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/football/articles/2009/11/06/after_sex_scandal_greener_returns_walpole_highs_fo cus_to_football/

I love this guy, and so does everyone who knows him. Many people love Walpole football, some people hate it because they don't get it. But you can't deny its success. Good luck against a once-beaten Needham squad - this will be a real test, and a warm-up for next week (Oooops, too early to mention the other "N" team)


Finally, the PORKERS won their first game of the Tournament against a surpirsingly tough Franklin squad. Next game is Sunday. Going for state title #10. Many people love Walpole field hockey, some people hate it because they don't get it. But you can't deny its success.

So, enjoy the success of our youthful student-athletes. These are the good old days.

Enjoy your weekend

Regards,

Bluto

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/football/articles/2009/11/06/after_sex_scandal_greener_returns_walpole_highs_fo cus_to_football/


I never saw such a "fluff" article in my life. Is Stan Grossfield a relative of John Lee or something?

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/football/articles/2009/11/06/after_sex_scandal_greener_returns_walpole_highs_fo cus_to_football/


I never saw such a "fluff" article in my life. Is Stan Grossfield a relative of John Lee or something?

I disagree with you 100 percent. Do not under estimate the scope of what coach Greener has had to deal with since taking this position. Coach Greener has changed these young men on and off the field .Coach Greener as well as the other coaches have played a huge part in keeping the players focused on football , improving themselves all the time and healing from last years fiasco. Coach Greener is someone to be proud of, his players know that and it makes them strive to emulate the kind of man their coach is.

[Unregistered]

I personally think Mr. Greener deserves all the praise he is getting. He is that which all of us hope that our sons emulate: a gentlemen, dedicated, truthful, honest, hard-working and committed to his team. He is clearly an excellet coach given the football team's current record (though I do admire that he gives credit to the coaching staff that he inherited)... but beyond a football coach, he is a life coach, teaching these gentlemen to work hard, follow the rules, hold their heads high and, through their actions, prove that they are better than the gossip and labels that some so easily sling in their direction.

And let's be honest... Barry Greener doesn't only instill these things in the boys on the football team... he is doing the very same thing for the students at JMS who have him for gym. The students there respect the heck out of him and emulate the very values that he portrays. Mr. Greener quite honestly walks the walk and talks the talk... he is a great role model for all of these kids!

Danny Villa is paying the price for his indescretions as he should.

I think the town of Walpole is extremely lucky to have Barry Greener help these kids realize that one man's actions need not define the team or the town. Bravo, Mr. Greener!!!

[Unregistered]

You go, Girls!

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/sports/high_school/x2087390630/Porkers-squish-the-fish

Nothing like a two-goal lead and relentless play at both ends of the field to quiet the initially rowdy D-Y fans.

Good luck tomorrow! Sting the Hornets!

[Unregistered]

You go, Girls!

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/sports/high_school/x2087390630/Porkers-squish-the-fish

Nothing like a two-goal lead and relentless play at both ends of the field to quiet the initially rowdy D-Y fans.

Good luck tomorrow! Sting the Hornets!

Go Porkers ! Great job ladies, keep it up :)

[Unregistered]

Go Porkers ! Great job ladies, keep it up :)

Porkers won again today, 8-2 over a very talented Mansfield squad. The Hornets hung in therefor a while, but as the score indicates, the Porker offense was running on all cylinders. It was the Porkers who were swarming today, and the poor Mansfield goalie is going to be seeing our girls in her nightmares!

Next up, undefeated Hopkinton Sunday night at 7 at Taunton High School (not a bad facility). Dress Warm!

By the way, I'll keep going, but what kind of rip-off is the MIAA charging $7 for adults and $5 for kids. Where does this money go??

Regards,

Sen. Blutarski

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=
By the way, I'll keep going, but what kind of rip-off is the MIAA charging $7 for adults and $5 for kids. Where does this money go??
[/QUOTE]

That is an excellent question.

On a similar note, at the youth football playoff games in Norwood and Natick, parents have been charged to gain admittance to the games. I would like to know where that money goes? These same parents are paying registration fees for their sons/daughters to be able to play/cheer. Why do spectators need to pay for playoff games? And where does the money go?

[Unregistered]

Hi folks,

This will be the biggest high school football game since Harray Agannis played, whoever he was. Seriously, two undefeated teams, with Ryan Izzo poised to break records. It couldn't get any better than this. Would any of you old Rebles care to share your memories of classic Walpole-Natick clashes. It's funny, there is a more visceral, emotional rivalry with Norwood, due probably to the prximity of the towns, but Walpole's games with Natick usually have more on the line.

I'll start. The granddaddy of them all was in 1971. Natick came to Walpole, and Walpole won 22-6. I was a little kid at the time, but I remember there being huge crowds. Walpole was led by Gary Procaccini and Frank Noyes on offense, and I think a skinny little nose tackle named Jim Brady on defense.

Walpole's first Super Bowl campaign, the 1976 season. Walpole was 5-1, Natick was 6-0 but we were ranked higher, which pissed them off to no end. Walpole proved its dominance with a 35-0 thrashing in Natick. George Hope returns interception for touchdown. It was over at half time - on to the Super Bowl.

How about the Flutie years. Wasn't Dough Flutie like 28-2 in his high school career, with his only losses coming to Walpole teams. The 1981 team went to the Super Bowl, and beat Doug's Natick team to get there.

Fast forward to last year. Critical matchup, but Walpole dominates on the road. Izzo kills them. Adam Riegal had the game of a lifetime. A young sophmore named Conroy, makes first start, plays like a veteran.

Who will rise to glory this year??

[Unregistered]

Who's going to be on confederate flag watch at turco field today??

[dvorak]

Who's going to be on confederate flag watch at turco field today??

Hopefully if others appear they at least will sport the correct number of stars.

[Unregistered]

Hi folks,

This will be the biggest high school football game since Harray Agannis played, whoever he was. Seriously, two undefeated teams, with Ryan Izzo poised to break records. It couldn't get any better than this. Would any of you old Rebles care to share your memories of classic Walpole-Natick clashes. It's funny, there is a more visceral, emotional rivalry with Norwood, due probably to the prximity of the towns, but Walpole's games with Natick usually have more on the line.

I'll start. The granddaddy of them all was in 1971. Natick came to Walpole, and Walpole won 22-6. I was a little kid at the time, but I remember there being huge crowds. Walpole was led by Gary Procaccini and Frank Noyes on offense, and I think a skinny little nose tackle named Jim Brady on defense.

Walpole's first Super Bowl campaign, the 1976 season. Walpole was 5-1, Natick was 6-0 but we were ranked higher, which pissed them off to no end. Walpole proved its dominance with a 35-0 thrashing in Natick. George Hope returns interception for touchdown. It was over at half time - on to the Super Bowl.

How about the Flutie years. Wasn't Dough Flutie like 28-2 in his high school career, with his only losses coming to Walpole teams. The 1981 team went to the Super Bowl, and beat Doug's Natick team to get there.

Fast forward to last year. Critical matchup, but Walpole dominates on the road. Izzo kills them. Adam Riegal had the game of a lifetime. A young sophmore named Conroy, makes first start, plays like a veteran.

Who will rise to glory this year??

Don't forget the 2007 Walpole/Natick Game played at Westwood High, big win with only a minute or two to go. Big win after losing to Natick for two years beforehand.

[Unregistered]

Naticks "Redmen" honors local heroes....the native americans of the area.

Walpole "Rebels" dishonors local heroes

Conclusion:

Confucius Say: "Town That Dishonors Local Heroes is Loser Town...So Sorry...!"

[Unregistered]

Following the career of Ryan Izzo and Walpole Football has been a gas. Yesterday was a great day for him, and I am proud to say he comes from Walpole 02081!

Congrats Ryan...!

10 thumbs up

[Unregistered]

Naticks "Redmen" honors local heroes....the native americans of the area.

Walpole "Rebels" dishonors local heroes

Conclusion:

Confucius Say: "Town That Dishonors Local Heroes is Loser Town...So Sorry...!"


That is mean after the towns people are in a state of shock over the crushing defeat.

[Unregistered]

That is mean after the towns people are in a state of shock over the crushing defeat.

"state of shock"??
"crushing defeat"??

Sad to see the boys loose. They played hard, and survived much upheaval this year. They should hold their heads high. But "state of shock" and "crushing" are a bit over the top for me. There are many more pressing matters and truly devastating stories of personal loss in this town. This is high school football. It was just a game.

It is town pride. Kids learning to dig deep. And yes, learning about winning and loosing (for the kids.... it is presumed that the adults have that one down pat already). Nice season kids! We will see many of you next year, and to those going on to college, study hard! See the world! Make a difference to people in need! Become a good citizen! Find a road in life that fullfills your dreams and makes you enjoy every day.

Confucius was a nice bit of humor in my book.

[Unregistered]

"state of shock"??
"crushing defeat"??

Sad to see the boys loose. They played hard, and survived much upheaval this year. They should hold their heads high. But "state of shock" and "crushing" are a bit over the top for me. There are many more pressing matters and truly devastating stories of personal loss in this town. This is high school football. It was just a game.

It is town pride. Kids learning to dig deep. And yes, learning about winning and loosing (for the kids.... it is presumed that the adults have that one down pat already). Nice season kids! We will see many of you next year, and to those going on to college, study hard! See the world! Make a difference to people in need! Become a good citizen! Find a road in life that fullfills your dreams and makes you enjoy every day.

Confucius was a nice bit of humor in my book.

So true. My son plays. What I wanted for him was some good coaching and some good Walpole football. We've got that and then some. To Coach Greener, all the staff and the players, well done.

[Unregistered]

Tonight the Porkers take on Acton-Boxborough at 7PM at Canton High School. The girls would love to have the Walpole community come out and support them in this very important game. Thanks. Go Porkers!!!!!!!

[Unregistered]

"state of shock"??
"crushing defeat"??

Sad to see the boys loose. They played hard, and survived much upheaval this year. They should hold their heads high. But "state of shock" and "crushing" are a bit over the top for me. There are many more pressing matters and truly devastating stories of personal loss in this town. This is high school football. It was just a game.

It is town pride. Kids learning to dig deep. And yes, learning about winning and loosing (for the kids.... it is presumed that the adults have that one down pat already). Nice season kids! We will see many of you next year, and to those going on to college, study hard! See the world! Make a difference to people in need! Become a good citizen! Find a road in life that fullfills your dreams and makes you enjoy every day.

Confucius was a nice bit of humor in my book.

I agrree: Far too much seriousness about high school football and sporsts in general in this town. That post about the town being in a state of shock leads me to beleive someone may put in for town-sponsored grief counseling due to the boys-who-walk-on-water losing a football game. This Rebel pride crap can get plain sickening!

[Unregistered]

Tonight the Porkers take on Acton-Boxborough at 7PM at Canton High School. The girls would love to have the Walpole community come out and support them in this very important game. Thanks. Go Porkers!!!!!!!

No shame in losing to that A-B squad - they were very strong all over the field. Great season Porkers, we are sure you will be right back here next year!!

[Unregistered]

I agrree: Far too much seriousness about high school football and sporsts in general in this town. That post about the town being in a state of shock leads me to beleive someone may put in for town-sponsored grief counseling due to the boys-who-walk-on-water losing a football game. This Rebel pride crap can get plain sickening!

"On game day, Greener is predictably nervous. He’s surrounded by big, beefy assistant coaches, more coaches than any other team.

“Our Gridiron Club pays five of them. The town pays for seven. That’s why we do golf tournaments and all kinds of fund-raisers,’’ he says.

The self-deprecating Greener keeps steering the interview back to the other coaches. “I could go to Bermuda for the weekend and we’d still win the game,’’ he insisted."

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/football/articles/2009/11/06/after_sex_scandal_greener_returns_walpole_highs_fo cus_to_football/?page=2

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/education/x381221766/School-Department-officials-see-rough-road-ahead

Can anyone see the connection between these two articles? Walpole Football is overstaffed, Walpole schools are in trouble.

Solution: Cut down on the over-staffing of the football coaching squad. If indeed Walpole has more coaches than any other team, then this seems a no-brainer to me. Think about it: Your tax money is going towards an overstaffed football coaching squad.

[Unregistered]

Do you have any idea how much the over-staffed assistant coaches make? Any clue at all? I didn't think so!

[Unregistered]

It took all of 2 pages for the anti-football crowd to show up. I think that's a new record.

[Unregistered]

Do you have any idea how much the over-staffed assistant coaches make? Any clue at all? I didn't think so!

How about sharing that information.


thanks

[Unregistered]

How about sharing that information.


thanks

Why criticize Mr. Greener for being modest and giving credit to his assistants? Anywhere else that would be considered correct executive behavior. Also,
raising private funds for football assistants is not unethical. There are a lot of boys on that team and they need and deserve appropriate adult supervision. Why bash a good program?

[Unregistered]

Why criticize Mr. Greener for being modest and giving credit to his assistants? Anywhere else that would be considered correct executive behavior. Also,
raising private funds for football assistants is not unethical. There are a lot of boys on that team and they need and deserve appropriate adult supervision. Why bash a good program?

I don't think the poster was bashing the program, but perhaps pointing out that the focus and intensity of the adults for Walpole football may be a little more than is healthy. I cannot speak for the poster, but that is what I read in their comments. Personally, I do think that a sort of "walk on water" syndrome led to the problems with our last coach.

[Unregistered]

I don't think the poster was bashing the program, but perhaps pointing out that the focus and intensity of the adults for Walpole football may be a little more than is healthy. I cannot speak for the poster, but that is what I read in their comments. Personally, I do think that a sort of "walk on water" syndrome led to the problems with our last coach.



Go away please.

[Unregistered]

No shame in losing to that A-B squad - they were very strong all over the field. Great season Porkers, we are sure you will be right back here next year!!

Well Porkers, you lost to the best team in the state.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/acton/sports

[Unregistered]

How about we start an " I Hate Walpole Football " thread , then all the people who find any connection to sports at Walpole High an opportunity to bash the football program can go there. I was enjoying this thread and appreciate reading about all the student athlete programs at Walpole High but I am starting to see the writing on the wall..... this will end up another football bashing thread .

[Unregistered]

How about we start an " I Hate Walpole Football " thread , then all the people who find any connection to sports at Walpole High an opportunity to bash the football program can go there. I was enjoying this thread and appreciate reading about all the student athlete programs at Walpole High but I am starting to see the writing on the wall..... this will end up another football bashing thread .

Fantastic idea!

Let's see, I hate the WHS Football program because:

* it's exclusionary. All those boys working tirelessly to improve their game and live up to Coach Greener's standards are leaving behind the lazy kids who hang around the 7-11.

* people take it too seriously. Parents and families who dedicate time and effort to the program for the aforementioned student-athlete self improvement should not expect, nor receive, any justification for their time and effort. Stop caring about things that I don't care about.

* I hear they're a bunch of racists. Though I do not attend the games, nor do I personally know any of the players, I am convinced that racism runs rampant through the program because they call themselves REBELS.

* They think they're so cool, but they're not. Back in my day, I was unable to play football and I remember feeling left out. That hurt my feelings. I must get them back.

* Football players are not intelligent. I am a forward thinker, you are a football player, ergo you are stupid. It's as plain as the Prius in my driveway.

Great idea.

[Unregistered]

Fantastic idea!

Let's see, I hate the WHS Football program because:

* it's exclusionary. All those boys working tirelessly to improve their game and live up to Coach Greener's standards are leaving behind the lazy kids who hang around the 7-11.

* people take it too seriously. Parents and families who dedicate time and effort to the program for the aforementioned student-athlete self improvement should not expect, nor receive, any justification for their time and effort. Stop caring about things that I don't care about.

* I hear they're a bunch of racists. Though I do not attend the games, nor do I personally know any of the players, I am convinced that racism runs rampant through the program because they call themselves REBELS.

* They think they're so cool, but they're not. Back in my day, I was unable to play football and I remember feeling left out. That hurt my feelings. I must get them back.

* Football players are not intelligent. I am a forward thinker, you are a football player, ergo you are stupid. It's as plain as the Prius in my driveway.

Great idea.


See you at the Weymouth-Walpole game.

ps
don't forget to bring your flags!!

[Dave]

Fantastic idea!

Let's see, I hate the WHS Football program because:

* it's exclusionary. All those boys working tirelessly to improve their game and live up to Coach Greener's standards are leaving behind the lazy kids who hang around the 7-11.

* people take it too seriously. Parents and families who dedicate time and effort to the program for the aforementioned student-athlete self improvement should not expect, nor receive, any justification for their time and effort. Stop caring about things that I don't care about.

* I hear they're a bunch of racists. Though I do not attend the games, nor do I personally know any of the players, I am convinced that racism runs rampant through the program because they call themselves REBELS.

* They think they're so cool, but they're not. Back in my day, I was unable to play football and I remember feeling left out. That hurt my feelings. I must get them back.

* Football players are not intelligent. I am a forward thinker, you are a football player, ergo you are stupid. It's as plain as the Prius in my driveway.

Great idea.
SO - how about this:

* I never made the big time so I am going to live vicariously through my kid.
* I need every break I can get so my kid has to play football, otherwise I can't afford college
* I am going to make sure I volunteer as much as possible, because I want everyone to know I volunteer as much as possible. (I'm involved, there's plenty of this going on.)

My kid plays high school sports. Not because he/she expects to get something out of it other than fun and excitement in an otherwsie judgemental, exclusionary town. (that's if you're not an athlete).

I'm glad he/she takes part only becuse it gives them something to do beside sit on the darn coach all day. I have no illusions about them getting any scholarships. But then, it's not my life.

[Unregistered]

I'm glad he/she takes part only becuse it gives them something to do beside sit on the darn coach all day.

Dave, You are weird. Who sits on a "coach" all day. No one ever confused Barry Greener with a "lazy Boy."

Was this a Freudian slip, Dave? Are you expressing an repressed wish to sit on a football coach? Why is that Dave?

I guess we won't be seeing you on Thursday. You'll be be taking a nap on your coach, no doubt.

[Unregistered]

To all you loyal Rebel fans: Don't forget: waving Confederate flags at WHS sporting events is not allowed. Also don't forget: its not illegal either.

So you have become the PC Rebels, and the PC crowd has won that battle. (too bad for all parties involved).

If anyone tries to throw anyone out of the bleachers because you are waving an entirely legal flag on Walpole public property, then that would be a shame.


Go Walpole. Beat Weymouth

[Unregistered]

To all you loyal Rebel fans: Don't forget: waving Confederate flags at WHS sporting events is not allowed. Also don't forget: its not illegal either.

So you have become the PC Rebels, and the PC crowd has won that battle. (too bad for all parties involved).

If anyone tries to throw anyone out of the bleachers because you are waving an entirely legal flag on Walpole public property, then that would be a shame.


Go Walpole. Beat Weymouth

It is odd that you think it is "too bad for all involved" that someone would be "politically correct". So having some decency, tolerance, and compassion for the feelings of others is "too bad"? And I suppose what you are hoping for is a crowd of folks who could care less what anyone else thinks, thumb their nose at at how others feel, and display complete disdain for any authority.

Point made,... by you.

[Unregistered]

The negative PC poster (or posterS) on this forum remind me of that song from "Hair", "Easy to Be Hard".

The part "...especially people....who care about strangers.. who care 'bout evil and social injustice, do you only care about the bleeding crowd? How about a needin' friend?"

In my 'local' life, I've seen supposedly 'social-justice caring' folks be hateful to their own family, their friends and anybody who didn't agree with them. Their 'social justice crusade' takes them over the top and they become isolated islands of self-imposed blind hatred, all the while expounding in public sentiments that are cloaked in 'social justice'.

The negative poster(s) (I'd bet you ten bucks it's only 1-2 people) just can't help grinding out the hate-mortars onto the field. They are 'fire bombers' who just crave attention and are in a malaise all of their own making.

[Unregistered]

The negative PC poster (or posterS) on this forum remind me of that song from "Hair", "Easy to Be Hard".

The part "...especially people....who care about strangers.. who care 'bout evil and social injustice, do you only care about the bleeding crowd? How about a needin' friend?"

In my 'local' life, I've seen supposedly 'social-justice caring' folks be hateful to their own family, their friends and anybody who didn't agree with them. Their 'social justice crusade' takes them over the top and they become isolated islands of self-imposed blind hatred, all the while expounding in public sentiments that are cloaked in 'social justice'.

The negative poster(s) (I'd bet you ten bucks it's only 1-2 people) just can't help grinding out the hate-mortars onto the field. They are 'fire bombers' who just crave attention and are in a malaise all of their own making.

This post reeks of "rebel logic". What you are trying to say is that people who point out the impropriety of using universally acknowledged symbols of racism as a banner to rally around for our local sports teams are "isolated island of self-imposed blind hatred"?

This is a typical tactic of supporters of hatred: They try to paint their opponents with a wide brush of hatred. Sorry. Its not going to work.

[Unregistered]

Great game yesterday. Wow, Izzo amazing.

[Unregistered]

You missed the message of that poster: The poster said that the anti-'flag' crowd is more concerned about 'issues' than real people...people they probably have known for years. A 'cause' can become tilting at windmills so much so that it can divorce the person supposedly 'caring' from the realities of the town.

That Izzo kid did great on Fox 25 interviews last night... he's alright. Great job Rebels..!

[Unregistered]

You missed the message of that poster: The poster said that the anti-'flag' crowd is more concerned about 'issues' than real people...people they probably have known for years. A 'cause' can become tilting at windmills so much so that it can divorce the person supposedly 'caring' from the realities of the town.

That Izzo kid did great on Fox 25 interviews last night... he's alright. Great job Rebels..!

So you are saying that if a "cause" (such as racism) is being promoted in general, that one should not say anything?

I can assure you if that is the case, then nothing would change.

[Unregistered]

You missed the message of that poster: The poster said that the anti-'flag' crowd is more concerned about 'issues' than real people...people they probably have known for years. A 'cause' can become tilting at windmills so much so that it can divorce the person supposedly 'caring' from the realities of the town.

That Izzo kid did great on Fox 25 interviews last night... he's alright. Great job Rebels..!

what the heck kind of comment is that? What IS the reality of the town? Don't tell me: White-flight racists?!? Or no one should ever question our athletics department and their coaches? That IS how we ended up with Danny Jail-Bird, correct??

The announcements made at a recent football game tell the tale: The PC Rebel Police are now the school system. Lets face it: PC Rebels it is.

[Unregistered]

Fantastic idea!

Let's see, I hate the WHS Football program because:

* it's exclusionary. All those boys working tirelessly to improve their game and live up to Coach Greener's standards are leaving behind the lazy kids who hang around the 7-11.

* people take it too seriously. Parents and families who dedicate time and effort to the program for the aforementioned student-athlete self improvement should not expect, nor receive, any justification for their time and effort. Stop caring about things that I don't care about.

* I hear they're a bunch of racists. Though I do not attend the games, nor do I personally know any of the players, I am convinced that racism runs rampant through the program because they call themselves REBELS.

* They think they're so cool, but they're not. Back in my day, I was unable to play football and I remember feeling left out. That hurt my feelings. I must get them back.

* Football players are not intelligent. I am a forward thinker, you are a football player, ergo you are stupid. It's as plain as the Prius in my driveway.

Great idea.



This is the best post in the history of WalpoleWords.

[Unregistered]

Great football season, boys should be very proud! Congrats to Izzo,truly talented player. Time to look forward to lacrosse. Izzo,guilbert,bowes,whittemore and the rest of the talented boys could make another run at the states.

[Unregistered]

This is the best post in the history of WalpoleWords.

I have to agree and after ALL the football bashing over the past year it is long overdue : ).

[Unregistered]

http://whstherebellion.com/?p=1898

according to this article, the football squad deserved every bit of scrutiny.

The title says it all. "Greener Changes Football Teams Reputation..."


(and y'all thought they walked on water...)

[Unregistered]

I believe if that comedian "Larry The Cable Guy" were to come to Walpole, he'd put this dumb issue to rest forever. That guy has a great knack for finding the funny in stuff like this... It's been blown out of proportion by some PC-nics here in Walpole. Ridiculous..

[Unregistered]

I will say I thought it was ridiculous when I went to one game this fall and heard two announcements regarding sportsmanship and the use of Dixie. Please lets get over it and let the kids play.

[Unregistered]

Buddy: You could substitute "any WHS collection of students" for the football team in that or any other article. Lay off the kids on the team..they work a lot harder than the average HS kid, and when the general population of high school students has a transgression-less slate, then you can hold the team under scrutiny. Until then, read the police log..there are far more "adults" in there every week than any HS kids. Next time you roll out of one of your cocktail parties, think twice!

[Unregistered]

Wow, Izzo amazing.

Amazing to anyone with half a brain. Ryan got hosed big time by the Gatorade people. Check it out:

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/extras/schools_blog/2009/12/laspada_not_izz.html?comments=all#readerComm

[Unregistered]

Amazing to anyone with half a brain. Ryan got hosed big time by the Gatorade people. Check it out:

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/extras/schools_blog/2009/12/laspada_not_izz.html?comments=all#readerComm

Why don't we go back to Division 1. We beat all the big towns anyway. With the caliber of our program, the small town amenities we Walpolians enjoy, our reputation with colleges, we could probably get boys' families to move here specifically for football! (Our high school is pretty good, academically too.)

PS Izzo incredible, no contest.

Who cares about Gatorade, anyway.

[Unregistered]

Amazing to anyone with half a brain. Ryan got hosed big time by the Gatorade people. Check it out:

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/extras/schools_blog/2009/12/laspada_not_izz.html?comments=all#readerComm

The Gatorade honor is intended to promote youth sports, but it is also intended to promote the Gatorade brand. Take a moment, step back, and think about it...

The obvious and very public failings of the former football coach are probably more than enough to make Gatorade look else where. If Izzo had been given the honor, which I think he probably deserved, the story would have defnately gone towards last years media spectacle, which does not do much to build the gatorade brand. Add onto this the "Dixie" drama, and any responsible company would look else where.

Walpole is a wonderful town, but the sound bites of late are not so great. Sometimes we get so immersed in our own culture, and drink so much of our own lemonade, that we fail to see what we look like to the outside world. We do not live in isolation. We may be able to convince ourselves of why things are OK, after all we really are a great town. But never forget, that the one chance you have to make an impression on someone has been bungled many a time around here. "Outsiders" are not as willing to have the transgressions explained away.

I think this is a good reminder .... we should not be so easily convionce of our own greatness,... maybe everything is not "no big deal". There is always room for improvement and growth. That's what life is all about.

[Unregistered]

The Gatorade honor is intended to promote youth sports, but it is also intended to promote the Gatorade brand. Take a moment, step back, and think about it...

The obvious and very public failings of the former football coach are probably more than enough to make Gatorade look else where. If Izzo had been given the honor, which I think he probably deserved, the story would have defnately gone towards last years media spectacle, which does not do much to build the gatorade brand. Add onto this the "Dixie" drama, and any responsible company would look else where.

Walpole is a wonderful town, but the sound bites of late are not so great. Sometimes we get so immersed in our own culture, and drink so much of our own lemonade, that we fail to see what we look like to the outside world. We do not live in isolation. We may be able to convince ourselves of why things are OK, after all we really are a great town. But never forget, that the one chance you have to make an impression on someone has been bungled many a time around here. "Outsiders" are not as willing to have the transgressions explained away.

I think this is a good reminder .... we should not be so easily convionce of our own greatness,... maybe everything is not "no big deal". There is always room for improvement and growth. That's what life is all about.

Amen!

The post about the rebel fantasy that people would move here BECAUSE of the football program says a lot about the mentality in town. That comment is obviously made by one of the cast of "The Rebel Emperors New Clothes".

I am tired of hearing about Walpole being considered a town full of rednecks. The adults and kids that have for YEARS promoted waving rebel flags and the like are at the root of that image.

I think they need to make a real change. The question is: Is Walpole HS about sportsmanship, citizenship, and education, and athletics as a side bar, or is it all about winning??

I do want to thank Ryan Izzo for a great entertaining season, and I applaud his decision to not focus on football anymore.

[Unregistered]

Amen!

The post about the rebel fantasy that people would move here BECAUSE of the football program says a lot about the mentality in town. That comment is obviously made by one of the cast of "The Rebel Emperors New Clothes".

I am tired of hearing about Walpole being considered a town full of rednecks. The adults and kids that have for YEARS promoted waving rebel flags and the like are at the root of that image.

I think they need to make a real change. The question is: Is Walpole HS about sportsmanship, citizenship, and education, and athletics as a side bar, or is it all about winning??

I do want to thank Ryan Izzo for a great entertaining season, and I applaud his decision to not focus on football anymore.

I bet Ryan Izzo never forgets his football career. A lot of us won't forget it, either. Walpole is a pretty cool town, not perfect but a pretty good small town. It is ok that we excel at football. Last time I checked football is pretty big in the US.

[Unregistered]

Amen!

The post about the rebel fantasy that people would move here BECAUSE of the football program says a lot about the mentality in town. That comment is obviously made by one of the cast of "The Rebel Emperors New Clothes".

I am tired of hearing about Walpole being considered a town full of rednecks. The adults and kids that have for YEARS promoted waving rebel flags and the like are at the root of that image.

I think they need to make a real change. The question is: Is Walpole HS about sportsmanship, citizenship, and education, and athletics as a side bar, or is it all about winning??

I do want to thank Ryan Izzo for a great entertaining season, and I applaud his decision to not focus on football anymore.

It's really quite obvious to the rest of us that you are a football program hater. The earlier sarcastic post (why I hate WHS football) seems to fit your attitude to a "T".

The people who would label Walpole as a town full of rednecks, are quite honestly not people worth knowing. It's that type of self loathing that produces nothing and destroys a town from within. I suggest you find better people with which to spend your time. Rather than looking to place the blame of your self loathing onto a program which is built upon and around excellence... have a good long look in the mirror, that's the person who needs to concentrate on improvement.

[Unregistered]

http://whstherebellion.com/?p=1898

according to this article, the football squad deserved every bit of scrutiny.

The title says it all. "Greener Changes Football Teams Reputation..."


(and y'all thought they walked on water...)

The football squad did not deserve every bit of scrutiny, this is absurd!! The old football coach and the administration at Walpole high deserved the scrutiny, I don't recall the newspapers being full of stories about law breaking football players. I find it hard to express how hard the student athletes at WHS work and how difficult it has been for the football team to overcome the scandal of last year. The coaches and student athletes have CONTINUED to work hard and do their best all while holding their heads up. I have been to many away games this year and coaches as well as parents from opposing teams have come up to our boys to shake their hands , tell them they had NOTHING to be ashamed of and that they should be proud of themselves and their football program. Too bad some of the posters here couldn't get past the hate and appreciate all these boys have been through and what they have accomplished.

[Unregistered]

Amazing to anyone with half a brain. Ryan got hosed big time by the Gatorade people. Check it out:

http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/extras/schools_blog/2009/12/laspada_not_izz.html?comments=all#readerComm

I definately will not be buying Gatorade, they truly missed the boat on this one !

[Unregistered]

These kids on the HS teams are great kids... Senior Adam Riegel.. off to Hah-vid... No flies on many (most) of them.. Great program, great kids, etc. A few yahoos in the stands, but that's life in America...

[Unregistered]

I definately will not be buying Gatorade, they truly missed the boat on this one !

Taking this a bit hard aren't you?

[Unregistered]

It's really quite obvious to the rest of us that you are a football program hater. The earlier sarcastic post (why I hate WHS football) seems to fit your attitude to a "T".

The people who would label Walpole as a town full of rednecks, are quite honestly not people worth knowing. It's that type of self loathing that produces nothing and destroys a town from within. I suggest you find better people with which to spend your time. Rather than looking to place the blame of your self loathing onto a program which is built upon and around excellence... have a good long look in the mirror, that's the person who needs to concentrate on improvement.

That previous poster made a good point Gatorade is looking for good publicity. If that is the case why the player did not win that is a shame. Just because you have a different opinion why call him some kind of hater. The football team did a great job in spite of the baggage from the old coach.

But why didn't you as booster of the program take charge and ask the rebel flag be removed and not have the PA system apoligize for that type of behavior. It has nothing to do with the players on the football team. I do not believe the coach approved the flag being flown.

The flag obiviously offends him why call the poster a hater he is just citing his ideas and opinions.

[Unregistered]

Yup, they denied poor Izzo his POY Award because the people of Gatorade didn't want to showcase those Redneck Rebels and their sordid program. Quite alright to highlight the Billerica Indians..no PC challenge there? w/ an award sponsored by sugary sports drink whose top spokesman is a serial philandering fraud named Tiger? By the way, Izzo deserved it..had a better senior year than the Billerica kid had a sophomore year!

[Unregistered]

That previous poster made a good point Gatorade is looking for good publicity. If that is the case why the player did not win that is a shame. Just because you have a different opinion why call him some kind of hater. The football team did a great job in spite of the baggage from the old coach.

But why didn't you as booster of the program take charge and ask the rebel flag be removed and not have the PA system apoligize for that type of behavior. It has nothing to do with the players on the football team. I do not believe the coach approved the flag being flown.

The flag obiviously offends him why call the poster a hater he is just citing his ideas and opinions.
Once again, the flag on private property adjacent to the high school has nothing to do with the football players, coaches or boosters !.

[Unregistered]

Sometimes life isn't fair. Gatorade can choose whoever they want. That doesn't mean posters should diminsh the talents of the other athlete that was chosen.

[Unregistered]

That doesn't mean posters should diminsh the talents of the other athlete that was chosen.

Yes it does. This is a Walpole blog, on a thread dedicated to Walpole Sports. We should engage in parochialism and "homerism" in favor of our town, at the expense of all others, whenever we can!

Do you have any idea of the monumentous achievement Ryan Izzo, with the support of his team, attained throughout his 3 year career, culminating this year? Apparently not. He is the most prolific running back of all running backs in every city and town who have ever played high school football. The. Best. Ever. No discussion. Two time Globe Player of the Year, should get his third this year. What makes his achievements more remarkable is that he did it while missing the equivalent of 2+ games this year due to injury, and due to the sportsmanship of the coaching staff in not running up the score over the past three years. Ryan seldom played much of the 4th quarter. Lord only knows how many more points scored or yards gained he could have had.

So we can and should go on promoting our own teams and players, this is not the place for bipartisanship.

[Unregistered]

Yes it does. This is a Walpole blog, on a thread dedicated to Walpole Sports. We should engage in parochialism and "homerism" in favor of our town, at the expense of all others, whenever we can!

Do you have any idea of the monumentous achievement Ryan Izzo, with the support of his team, attained throughout his 3 year career, culminating this year? Apparently not. He is the most prolific running back of all running backs in every city and town who have ever played high school football. The. Best. Ever. No discussion. Two time Globe Player of the Year, should get his third this year. What makes his achievements more remarkable is that he did it while missing the equivalent of 2+ games this year due to injury, and due to the sportsmanship of the coaching staff in not running up the score over the past three years. Ryan seldom played much of the 4th quarter. Lord only knows how many more points scored or yards gained he could have had.

So we can and should go on promoting our own teams and players, this is not the place for bipartisanship.

I believe I am speaking with Homer Simpson

[Unregistered]

Walpole High Girls Hockey Team is again selling Christmas Trees at the Stop & Shop Main St (Route 1A) until they are sold out. Evenings and weekends.

This is a good cause and the profits are staying in Walpole supporting the Girls Hockey Program

[Unregistered]

Yup, they denied poor Izzo his POY Award because the people of Gatorade didn't want to showcase those Redneck Rebels and their sordid program. Quite alright to highlight the Billerica Indians..no PC challenge there? w/ an award sponsored by sugary sports drink whose top spokesman is a serial philandering fraud named Tiger? By the way, Izzo deserved it..had a better senior year than the Billerica kid had a sophomore year!

Poor Izzo?

Isnt he pretty much getting a Division 1 scholarship?

[Unregistered]

Poor Izzo?

Isnt he pretty much getting a Division 1 scholarship?

A partial scholarship to a state school with a Div 1 lacrosse program: UMass/Amherst.

[Unregistered]

You can log onto myfoxboston.com (http://www.myfoxboston.com/subindex/sports/hs_friday) and vote for Ryan Izzo for high school player of the year, vote once a day until January!!! Go Ryan : )

[Unregistered]

Poor Izzo?

Isnt he pretty much getting a Division 1 scholarship?

Why are none of the big football powers going after him for football? (BC-Notre Dame) other Walpole kids are on the BC football team (Rossi)

Is it because of the level of the Bay State competition but that is overcome at the summer camps or his size.

Maybe he likes lacrosse more

[Unregistered]

Why are none of the big football powers going after him for football? (BC-Notre Dame) other Walpole kids are on the BC football team (Rossi)

Is it because of the level of the Bay State competition but that is overcome at the summer camps or his size.

Maybe he likes lacrosse more

As unbelievable as he is at football, he is an even better lacrosse player : )

[Unregistered]

He wouldn't make it in D-1 Football. Too small. That doesn't take away how dominant he was in HS football though.
If he were really a better lacrosse player, he would not have settled for 1 partial schollie.

[Unregistered]

Hey 74 what did your kid settle for a partial daddy schollie?

[Unregistered]

He wouldn't make it in D-1 Football. Too small. That doesn't take away how dominant he was in HS football though.
If he were really a better lacrosse player, he would not have settled for 1 partial schollie.

Maybe he picked a great school with an awesome lacrosse program because it is where he wants to go and what he wants to do.

[Unregistered]

You can log onto myfoxboston.com (http://www.myfoxboston.com/subindex/sports/hs_friday) and vote for Ryan Izzo for high school player of the year, vote once a day until January!!! Go Ryan : )

vote once a day until january? What kind of vote is that? Typical Walpole Rebel nutballs: trying to fudge the truth.



Give us all a break: Take A Break, Will Ya?

Its boring.

Our town puts more emphasis on its athletics "infrastructure" (The athletic field is an example) than it does its aging buildings.

[Unregistered]

Walpole Rebels Dixie fans (especially the guy that has the confederate flag set up in his back yard facing Turco Field):

When you are shoveling out your mountain of snow tomorrow, will you be singing "away down south in Dixie???"

[Unregistered]

vote once a day until january? What kind of vote is that? Typical Walpole Rebel nutballs: trying to fudge the truth.



Give us all a break: Take A Break, Will Ya?

Its boring.

Our town puts more emphasis on its athletics "infrastructure" (The athletic field is an example) than it does its aging buildings.

Wow!!! you sound angry and bitter. This is an awesome accomplishment for a Walpole kid and we should be proud and show support. Walpole didn't make the rules for voting, Fox news did so relax and find a better outlet for your anger.

[Unregistered]

He wouldn't make it in D-1 Football. Too small. That doesn't take away how dominant he was in HS football though.
If he were really a better lacrosse player, he would not have settled for 1 partial schollie.

Go to any D1 roster and you will see that Izzo was not "too small" for d1..Here is one individual who is smaller than ryan and plays for BC...http://bceagles.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/javorski_mike00.html

I don't know why it is so hard for some to understand that Ryan wants to play LAX in college because he likes the sport better.

[Unregistered]

Go to any D1 roster and you will see that Izzo was not "too small" for d1..Here is one individual who is smaller than ryan and plays for BC...http://bceagles.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/javorski_mike00.html

I don't know why it is so hard for some to understand that Ryan wants to play LAX in college because he likes the sport better.

Because more people follow college football than college lacrosse.

[Unregistered]

Because more people follow college football than college lacrosse.

Izzo must be flattered that his career is followed by so many of the townspeople.
He is undergoing more analysis than a lot of NFL players! Great athlete.

[Unregistered]

There have been thousands of views of the coach-charged thread since it was closed down. The question I have is: Why?

[Unregistered]

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=511044

I could be wrong, but this nice story on-line has a picture that is supposed to be Joe Morgan. But it doesn't look like Joe...right??

Here is the real Joe Morgan

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fb/Walpole_Joe_Morgan.jpg

The pic in the story looks familiar to me, but I can't place who it is....

[Unregistered]

That's not Joe. Not even close.

[Unregistered]

That is indeed not Joe.. The guy looks familiar, but I cannot tell who it is...

[Unregistered]

Read the left side then the right side ...easy to comprehend who is who

[Unregistered]

Where is the best place to watch sports in Walpole and why?

[Unregistered]

The Walpole Rebel Lacrosse camp has just been announced for 6/21-25. This is a great camp and the proceeds support the high school lacrosse teams. The camp is open for boys going into grades 2 - 10 the following September.

Please have a look, http://laxcamp.walpolesports.org

[Unregistered]

Nice Rebel Lax Camp website!!!

[Unregistered]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-ole-miss-mascot,0,4485709.story

Walpole. Is it "Miss or Mass"??

[Unregistered]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-ole-miss-mascot,0,4485709.story

Walpole. Is it "Miss or Mass"??

Says it all doesn't it? When you have had coaches such as Coach Lee and Grant, what would you expect? You think the Town would have symbolized a reflection of the victor and not the defeated. This is Walpole, MI, I mean MA.

[Unregistered]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-ole-miss-mascot,0,4485709.story

Walpole. Is it "Miss or Mass"??

http://archive.perfectduluthday.com/beating-a-dead-horse.gif

[Unregistered]

http://archive.perfectduluthday.com/beating-a-dead-horse.gif

Love this !!!!

[Unregistered]

http://www.samobar.com/180/2010/02/my_thoughts_on_the_whs_princip.html
good reviews on the candidates.

The outsider wants to unite the school. Having a divisive mascot is definitely a problem.

I wonder what candidate would make the decision to eliminate the stone marker on the hs lawn?

(No one else in town has the guts to do it)

[Unregistered]

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-us-ole-miss-mascot,0,4485709.story

Walpole. Is it "Miss or Mass"??

I have two comments. 1. Look at the picture in the article. If we turned those flags upside down, we would have a blue W with white stars and a red (or orange) background. AWESOME, and theoretically, no one would complain! Thanks for giving us this idea by pointing out this article.

2. "Colonel Reb Foundation" I am going to start the Walpole chapter of this organization.

[Unregistered]

http://www.nbfhs.com/

What high school wants to be associated with the same mascot as Nathan Bedford Forrest High in Florida?

Ours!


(btw: Nathan Bedford Forrest was the founder of the Ku Klux Klan).

Its another way to let black folks in town to know who is in charge around here.

[Unregistered]

Walpole has another young athlete to be proud of. Kyle Guilbert a jr attackman on the varsity lacrosse squad has just been named an Adidas All American, one of many good athletes that has come out of the walpole system. Lets focus on the positives in our town sports. Go Rebels!!!

[Unregistered]

Walpole has another young athlete to be proud of. Kyle Guilbert a jr attackman on the varsity lacrosse squad has just been named an Adidas All American, one of many good athletes that has come out of the walpole system. Lets focus on the positives in our town sports. Go Rebels!!!

Congrats to Kyle and all his coaches for a job well done. Rebel Pride !!

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;10093]http://www.nbfhs.com/

What high school wants to be associated with the same mascot as Nathan Bedford Forrest High in Florida? Nathan Bedford Forrest was the founder of the Ku Klux Klan. QUOTE]

I've seen the movie many times, but the most recent time after seeing this post. I finally caught the reference that Forrest Gump was also named after Nathan Bedford Forrest.

This site can be educational!

[Unregistered]

http://www.samobar.com/180/2010/03/the_rebels_days_are_numbered.html

the kids at the high school sound like they are finally waking up after 40 years. Bravo to the new generation!!!

[Unregistered]

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/0407/Virginia-governor-Is-it-so-wrong-to-love-the-Old-South

y'all gonna just looove this...

[Unregistered]

The town and the HS do not condone 'continued use of the Confederate flag' as the Globe article implies. Another case of them talking to 'someone' (Obar) and then just using his hear-say to create a fact. The HS and Town do not 'condone continued use of the Confederate Flag" Mr. "Raven". You know that, but you continue to obfuscate that fact (God knows why...) That is why the Globe readership has dropped off very significantly.

[Unregistered]

The town and the HS do not condone 'continued use of the Confederate flag' as the Globe article implies. Another case of them talking to 'someone' (Obar) and then just using his hear-say to create a fact. The HS and Town do not 'condone continued use of the Confederate Flag" Mr. "Raven". You know that, but you continue to obfuscate that fact (God knows why...) That is why the Globe readership has dropped off very significantly.

it is sad to say: the rebel mascot is a divisive one. Unfortunately some people continue to think accepting symbols of divisiveness are the only way.

by the way, the confederate soldier stone on the front lawn of the HS is school/and town property. The administration goes along with it, and so does the town. Any media outlet would agree (unless they are part of the "emperors new clothes network"). It goes hand-in-hand with legendary Rebel Coach Lee appearing at least years football games wearing rebel flags: he is considered one of the greatest coaches of New England...and he is an ardent Confederate flag supporter and waver!

Sam Obar is actually a very conservative young man who can, through the haze of supposedly conservative anti-political-correctness, see the truth in the foolishness of the adults around him.

We should be congratulating him for his courage. I am absolutely positive no kid on any of the athletics teams would ever have the guts to take the same stand. And thats an unfortunate lesson all of the towns athletes "learn" about "rebel pride". Don't buck the system, or you will be "out".

keep it up sam. You are only beginning. The world is watching.

[Unregistered]

It's sad to say that many things are divisive. That ol' abortion bugaboo, taxes, prop 2 overrides, politics, religion...

Because something is divisive doesn't automatically mean that it has to be abolished.

Tell you what, though, this has been bandied about before; put it to a vote. Vote on it, accept the outcome, and then for God's sake, move on to something else. PLEASE!

[Unregistered]

The town and the HS do not condone 'continued use of the Confederate flag' as the Globe article implies. Another case of them talking to 'someone' (Obar) and then just using his hear-say to create a fact. The HS and Town do not 'condone continued use of the Confederate Flag" Mr. "Raven". You know that, but you continue to obfuscate that fact (God knows why...) That is why the Globe readership has dropped off very significantly.

I read that article several times over, and the Globe article does not say that the town and the HS condones continued use of the Confederate flag.

The only obfuscating going on on this subject has come from the pro-rebel crowd. This post is "rebel obfuscation" at its finest.

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;10573]It's sad to say that many things are divisive. That ol' abortion bugaboo, taxes, prop 2 overrides, politics, religion.../QUOTE]

you are absolutely right, many things are divisive. but does our high school mascot have to be? shouldn't that be something that unites?

[Unregistered]

you are absolutely right, many things are divisive. but does our high school mascot have to be? shouldn't that be something that unites?

I think you may be missing the point. Many things in life are divisive, you could say that it's because of a little thing called free will. Nothing is ever 100% agreed upon. I find it strange that there are groups of people who are responding to the disagreement by declaring that what they don't like MUST be banned.

When something is "divisive" it merely means that more than one person disagrees on the issue at hand.

The real question is, will the folks on the "con" side of the question ever let it go when the majority of the people are "pro"? Why is that the negative side of the equation can't simply accept that the majority accept the issue and want it to remain? At some point, the "con"s have to give in and let it go based upon the opinions of the majority.

If 20% of the people with an opinion on the subject were to accept that 80% of the people with an opinion on the subject are fine with the way things are, would those 20% ever just drop it? Or are we to endure this constant gnashing of teeth forever?

Put it to a vote, accept the determination, and then put your energies where they will do some good.

[Unregistered]

http://vimeo.com/10953871

Divisive? Absolutely

time for something else. This is embarrassing for the town of walpole.

[Unregistered]

it is sad to say: the rebel mascot is a divisive one. Unfortunately some people continue to think accepting symbols of divisiveness are the only way.

by the way, the confederate soldier stone on the front lawn of the HS is school/and town property. The administration goes along with it, and so does the town. Any media outlet would agree (unless they are part of the "emperors new clothes network"). It goes hand-in-hand with legendary Rebel Coach Lee appearing at least years football games wearing rebel flags: he is considered one of the greatest coaches of New England...and he is an ardent Confederate flag supporter and waver!

Sam Obar is actually a very conservative young man who can, through the haze of supposedly conservative anti-political-correctness, see the truth in the foolishness of the adults around him.

We should be congratulating him for his courage. I am absolutely positive no kid on any of the athletics teams would ever have the guts to take the same stand. And thats an unfortunate lesson all of the towns athletes "learn" about "rebel pride". Don't buck the system, or you will be "out".

keep it up sam. You are only beginning. The world is watching.

The video leaves out the stone marker on the town lawn. Is it still there or not? The students who produced this video did a very professional job with it. They deserve some congratulations here. Do kids at WHS know anything about the Civil War?

[dvorak]

Doesn't anyone else find it ironic that the neighbor's "confederate flag" has the wrong number of stars? I think I'll start a petition asking him to fix it.

[Unregistered]

http://vimeo.com/10953871

Divisive? Absolutely

time for something else. This is embarrassing for the town of walpole.

I find all the Kerry, Obama, Deval Patrick bumper stickers to be divisive. Since those are also on private property, can't we just force those people to take them off?

[Unregistered]

http://vimeo.com/10953871

Divisive? Absolutely

time for something else. This is embarrassing for the town of walpole.

One has to admit that without the confederacy link, (flags, general lee, rebel soldiers, southern cause, all that), the rebel mascot is pretty lame.

either bring back the flag and the old traditions, or find something else.

the track coach must not get along with the football crowd! suggestion to the track coach: do like the girls field hockey did a long time ago: come up with your own mascot.

[Sparky]

New logo suggestion. Can someone make a generic version of this image...

13

[Unregistered]

New logo suggestion. Can someone make a generic version of this image...

13

good one, but its sexist. sorry!

[Unregistered]

http://www.lsrebellion.blogspot.com/

came up with this.

Its Rebel Pride in action!

[Unregistered]

http://vimeo.com/10953871

Divisive? Absolutely

time for something else. This is embarrassing for the town of walpole.

http://www.nbfhs.com/

whats good for Jacksonville, Florida's Nathan Bedford Forrest high school is good for walpole high! Go Rebels!

(Nathan Bedford Forrest, former Confederate General and Leader of the Ku Klux Klan).

To the guy with the flag at the field. Your display of "freedom" is embarrassing. What is more embarrassing is that the administration seems to act as if they have their hands tied. Making announcements at every game that they have nothing to do with it is an admission of their weakness on the matter.

The track coach should just rename his team like the poster said. I beleive he may have the courage to do that.

The girls field hockey did it years ago. All sports should follow suit.

[Unregistered]

http://www.lsrebellion.blogspot.com/

came up with this.

Its Rebel Pride in action!

Low internet search skills does not give you the right to take a potshot at the kids.

Stop wasting your time and ours and get a non-binding referendum on a ballot. Let the town vote on it, accept the results, move on.

Seriously.

[Unregistered]

One has to admit that without the confederacy link, (flags, general lee, rebel soldiers, southern cause, all that), the rebel mascot is pretty lame.

either bring back the flag and the old traditions, or find something else.

the track coach must not get along with the football crowd! suggestion to the track coach: do like the girls field hockey did a long time ago: come up with your own mascot.

I like it! Walpole's "Runnin' Ravens".

[Unregistered]

Low internet search skills does not give you the right to take a potshot at the kids.

Stop wasting your time and ours and get a non-binding referendum on a ballot. Let the town vote on it, accept the results, move on.

Seriously.

A public vote on this subject will bring outside scrutiny. I wouldn't advise it. Regarding taking potshots at kids: I think all potshots have been directed at the fool adults that hold onto this stuff in town. I'm guessing you are one of them.

Some of these "kids" are pretty sophisticated, you know.


Its not over! Not by a long shot.

[Unregistered]

http://www.nbfhs.com/

whats good for Jacksonville, Florida's Nathan Bedford Forrest high school is good for walpole high! Go Rebels!

(Nathan Bedford Forrest, former Confederate General and Leader of the Ku Klux Klan).

To the guy with the flag at the field. Your display of "freedom" is embarrassing. What is more embarrassing is that the administration seems to act as if they have their hands tied. Making announcements at every game that they have nothing to do with it is an admission of their weakness on the matter.

The track coach should just rename his team like the poster said. I beleive he may have the courage to do that.

The girls field hockey did it years ago. All sports should follow suit.

I had formed an intelligent and coherent response to this post, but in the end the appropriate response is just a simple, "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" So that's what I went with.

Get a hobby. Please. Or better yet, volunteer at the snack shack to help with games. Maybe if you actually got to know some of the kids you'd come to the realization that they're not racists, the symbolism is not racist, you're over reacting, and things are fine. I doubt it, but there's always that chance.

[Unregistered]

I had formed an intelligent and coherent response to this post, but in the end the appropriate response is just a simple, "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" So that's what I went with.

Get a hobby. Please. Or better yet, volunteer at the snack shack to help with games. Maybe if you actually got to know some of the kids you'd come to the realization that they're not racists, the symbolism is not racist, you're over reacting, and things are fine. I doubt it, but there's always that chance.

Sorry, but unless you and the kids are descendents of confederate soldiers (highly doubtful), then the symbolism is dual meaning. You and the kids may not be racist, but you absolutely do play into the hands of racists. They love fools who think confederate flags are "fun".

How about this: Don't read these posts, and don't comment. Change the channel.

It seems you are obsessed with defending the Rebel Cause. its childish.

[Unregistered]

A public vote on this subject will bring outside scrutiny. I wouldn't advise it. Regarding taking potshots at kids: I think all potshots have been directed at the fool adults that hold onto this stuff in town. I'm guessing you are one of them.

Some of these "kids" are pretty sophisticated, you know.


Its not over! Not by a long shot.

Who cares if it brings outside scrutiny? What are you afraid of? Put it to a vote, accept the results, shut up, move on. It's tiring.

And, btw, I love your stance. If someone disagrees with your opinion that person is a fool. No one else is allowed an opinion that differs from you because that's foolish. Way to be.

[Unregistered]

I had formed an intelligent and coherent response to this post, but in the end the appropriate response is just a simple, "Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" So that's what I went with.

Get a hobby. Please. Or better yet, volunteer at the snack shack to help with games. Maybe if you actually got to know some of the kids you'd come to the realization that they're not racists, the symbolism is not racist, you're over reacting, and things are fine. I doubt it, but there's always that chance.

I'd like an honest answer here: Do you, as a presumed adult taxpayer and voter, support the return of the Confederate flag to Walpole High School, and if so, will you openly (and non-anonymously) advocate that in the Walpole Times?

You claim that the symbolism is not racist. If it isn't, then the fools are every one else. Correct??

[Unregistered]

I'd like an honest answer here: Do you, as a presumed adult taxpayer and voter, support the return of the Confederate flag to Walpole High School, and if so, will you openly (and non-anonymously) advocate that in the Walpole Times?

You claim that the symbolism is not racist. If it isn't, then the fools are every one else. Correct??

And now you're mixing issues. The high school does not fly the confederate flag, that's on private property. The Rebel name is not racist. The kids are not racist. The high school is not racist.

[Unregistered]

My God, you folks are still at it? According to Sam Obar there is a movement "within the annals of Walpole High School" to "eradicate" the symbols that are associated with the high school's nickname? Besides the obvious syntax errors, what exactly does this mean? Some townie gets his jollies hoisting a Confederate flag to hang over the fence near Turco Field? But this is OK and protected by his free speech, according to Obar..so how besides by geographic proximity, is this related to High School policy? Why not just park a panel truck in front of the flag on game days, sort of a rolling concessions stand to alleviate the long lines at the more permanent structure. Problem solved, no one offended. Aren't there more pressing issues for adults to worry about?

[Unregistered]

My God, you folks are still at it? According to Sam Obar there is a movement "within the annals of Walpole High School" to "eradicate" the symbols that are associated with the high school's nickname? Besides the obvious syntax errors, what exactly does this mean? Some townie gets his jollies hoisting a Confederate flag to hang over the fence near Turco Field? But this is OK and protected by his free speech, according to Obar..so how besides by geographic proximity, is this related to High School policy? Why not just park a panel truck in front of the flag on game days, sort of a rolling concessions stand to alleviate the long lines at the more permanent structure. Problem solved, no one offended. Aren't there more pressing issues for adults to worry about?

I drove by Canton HS the other day. Home of the Bulldogs. They have a stone with two brick pillars on the front lawn. There is an image of a bulldog on it.

I drove by Walpole HS the other day. Home of the Rebels. They have a stone with two brick pillars on the front lawn. There is an image of a Confederate soldier on it.

Reasonable conclusion to visitors at Turco Field (especially when they see the "old rebel" displaying his flag, and hear the announcement that the school tries to distance itself from him): Walpole highs mascot honors the Confederacy.

Suggestion: Bring back the Confederate flag, or change the mascot to something else.

[Sparky]

Still pushing to keep the Rebels name, with a logo the students would like:

14

[Unregistered]

Rebel without a cause

[Unregistered]

http://vimeo.com/10953871

Divisive? Absolutely

time for something else. This is embarrassing for the town of walpole.

The one person in this video that thinks having a confederate flag at WHS is not some guy living next door to turco field, its a student. Unfortunately he doesn't see why the black male student thinks its offensive, nor does he understand why the 3 adult school representatives think its offensive too. That is even more embarrassing!

http://vimeo.com/10953871

[Unregistered]

The one person in this video that thinks having a confederate flag at WHS is not some guy living next door to turco field, its a student. Unfortunately he doesn't see why the black male student thinks its offensive, nor does he understand why the 3 adult school representatives think its offensive too. That is even more embarrassing!

http://vimeo.com/10953871

I swear, you people could find an issue and a cause in a cow flap. I shudder to think what the cause du'jour would be if this actually went away.

[Unregistered]

That is Cool... The fifties are so long ago, it's time somebody 'did something' with it.. !

[Unregistered]

to the person that thinks confederate flags are ok...are you going to bring one to Walpole Day? You may make a "point" with the Governor!

[Unregistered]

to the person that thinks confederate flags are ok...are you going to bring one to Walpole Day? You may make a "point" with the Governor!

No, I'm bringing a sign that says "Hey Governor Patrick - Welcome to Walpole - We Need Our $750,000 Back!"

Maybe Senator Timilty can help out. It was during his watch that we lost this money, and despite his exhortations that it was first priority to get it back, and he would "fight every day" to get it back, it doesn't look like it's ever coming back. Didn't the schools just cut $650,000 from the budget. Hmmmm, $750K would have helped out nicely right there. . . . .

[Unregistered]

Those students should be commended for the job they did in the assembly of the video and the fairness of their discussion of the topic.

[Unregistered]

Those students should be commended for the job they did in the assembly of the video and the fairness of their discussion of the topic.

The students did a near-professional level production on this video. It is unfortunate that our town has to have such a polemic based upon a seemingly innocent activity: High School sports. That fact alone should make all of us wonder about it.

Maybe we should just forget about a mascot, and rally around the cry "Go Walpole". Whats wrong with that?

[Coach Ford]

I think I can speak for the entire Walpole Lacrosse community when I say that we are very proud of the high school program and the level of play that they consistently bring to the field. That's no small feat, and Coach Andalo, his staff, and the players should be commended for their intensity, talent, and determination.

As a youth lacrosse coach, I'm seeing the 7th and 8th grade boys play to a very high level at their Walpole Youth Lacrosse and Friday Night Lights program. Walpole's lacrosse tradition has a very bright future ahead of itself and it would not be possible without the support of the entire town. Thank you to the parents, the players, the coaches, and the community for supporting these great programs.

If your son has any interest at all in lacrosse, he should do his best to join the program next season. The program is growing by leaps and bounds and for good reasons. Now is a great time to jump on the Walpole Lacrosse train and ride it.

If you or your family are looking for free entertainment, come by Turco field on a Sunday this month and enjoy the show at any Walpole Youth Lacrosse game.

If you want to see Lacrosse played at a very high level, please come and support the Walpole High School program at their games. The schedule can be found here:
http://walpolelacrosse.vnsports.com/schedules/

Coach Ford
Walpole Youth Lacrosse

[Unregistered]

http://www2.tricities.com/tri/news/local/article/complaint_compels_sullivan_south_to_explore_confed erate_flag_issue/46401/

even southerners are dealing with this!

[Unregistered]

http://www2.tricities.com/tri/news/local/article/complaint_compels_sullivan_south_to_explore_confed erate_flag_issue/46401/

even southerners are dealing with this!

First, Walpole did deal with this back in 1988 when the School Committee banned the use of the Confederate flag as a formal symbol for the school. That is what the article is about. Maybe there are some private vestiges of its use still around, the neighbor of Turco Field being the most egregious example. Maybe one or two license plates, maybe a couple of kids bring some form of the flag to the super bowl. We get it, it's not acceptable and almost everyone agrees this is improper and does not represent Walpole High School or the town of Walpole. But your post implies that Walpole hasn't done anything about the formal use of the flag as a school symbol, which is not the case.

My second point is that I feel sorry for you, even pity. You obviously have 'confederate flag' on some kind of Google alert, so everytime it's mentioned in some small southern town, you post it here as if it were relevant to the town of Walpole. Boy, you're really stickin' it to the old town every chance you get. Well, no one pays attention because what is happening in Sullivan County, Tennessee is not relevant to Walpole, MA Don't you have a more productive use of your time, like helping to eradicate drug and alcohol abuse at the high school?

[Dutch]

Front page of Boston Globe today: http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/05/25/in_walpole_rebels_pride_still_sparks_a_fight/?page=2

While I agree with the previous poster that there are just a few instances of this symbol that crop up in town, and the issue itself isn't on the radar of many, the neighbor at Turco Field is garnering attention every time the prepared statement must be read at a Walpole High game. The inability of the school committee to come up with a creative solution to this problem is furthering the debate.

To demonstrate Walpole Pride, and mask the neighbors sign, why not display a large photo mural highlighting student athlete achievement from a mobile lift..... If no action is taken soon, the debate will take center stage and require a ballot initiative to either embrace the symbology of yesterday or drop the rebel act.....

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/05/25/in_walpole_rebels_pride_still_sparks_a_fight/?page=1


thanks to the Old Rebel next to the HS for making the old town look like a bunch of morons!

[Unregistered]

From today's Globe:

http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/05/25/in_walpole_rebels_pride_still_sparks_a_fight/

[Unregistered]

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2010/05/25/Neighbor-school-at-odds-over-flag/UPI-93261274804487/

time for a new mascot name: based on what we must look like, how about a play on the red sox..."A Bunch Of Idiots"

[Unregistered]

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2010/05/25/Neighbor-school-at-odds-over-flag/UPI-93261274804487/

time for a new mascot name: based on what we must look like, how about a play on the red sox..."A Bunch Of Idiots"

How about we stop chastising ourselves and engaging in self-flagellation and tell the rest of the world to mind its own business. Must be a slow news day for this to be on the front page of the globe. This non-story story is 16 years old - that's how long the flag has not been associated with the school.

Let's say we change our school name to the Daffodils. That's not going to stop this person from displaying the confederate flag on his private property.

[Unregistered]

That was a fine name. Seems to me it could go back to that, though there would be plenty of loser townies who would still fly their rebel flags proudly.

Wonder why the homeowner, who we all know, didn't come out publicly and comment.

[Unregistered]

why not break up theese threads Mr. Glynn?

Walpole Sports: Where people can make comments about athletes, coaches, plays, games, etc.

And The Rebel Mascot: Where people like the guy next to the HS field can espouse his twisted logic, and the rest of them can trash him (or vice-versa).



After seeing this on tonights news, it made me sick.


http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO142987/

clearly, our school administrators "experiment" in keeping the rebel name is a total failure.

Time for something new

[Unregistered]

mr. finneran seems to imply someone else put up the flag on his property, with his permission. who actually put this thing up?

http://www.necn.com/05/25/10/Flag-sparks-controversy-in-Walpole-Mass/landing_newengland.html?blockID=241395&feedID=4206


I support any kid at walpole high school that wants a new team name. That would put an end to all of this once and for all.

[Unregistered]

Too bad the school commitee candidates are running unopposed. The flag issue is just one of many issues that the committee has handled poorly.

[Unregistered]

mr. finneran seems to imply someone else put up the flag on his property, with his permission. who actually put this thing up?

http://www.necn.com/05/25/10/Flag-sparks-controversy-in-Walpole-Mass/landing_newengland.html?blockID=241395&feedID=4206


I support any kid at walpole high school that wants a new team name. That would put an end to all of this once and for all.

Lets face it, Mr. Finneran is being exploited and used to keep the controversy alive and well in the town. I suspect he doesn't even follow Walpole Sports but agreed to putting up the flag at the suggestion of a few that thought it would be funny.
How funny is what this has all become:
The town is divided
Any elderly minority spectator has the opportunity to relieve terrible memories of hatred towards them simply because of their skin color as they walk by the flag. Considering they probably only wanted to watch their grandchild play a game of high school football, it seems like a less than hospitable gesture on our part.
The current high school players have spectators shaking their heads at how ridiculous this all is.
The announcment is embarressing
No adult in any leadership position at the high school has the real courrage to take action.
For crying out loud, build something in front of it, cut it down, do something.
Take a risk.
Lets get back to the fun of high school sport.
Its less about us who went to high school in 1975.
Its about the kids who are in the school in 2010.
Maybe if Coach Lee is such a stand up guy and has the cult following everyone knows he has, he can do something.

[Unregistered]

Lets face it, Mr. Finneran is being exploited and used to keep the controversy alive and well in the town. I suspect he doesn't even follow Walpole Sports but agreed to putting up the flag at the suggestion of a few that thought it would be funny.
How funny is what this has all become:
The town is divided
Any elderly minority spectator has the opportunity to relieve terrible memories of hatred towards them simply because of their skin color as they walk by the flag. Considering they probably only wanted to watch their grandchild play a game of high school football, it seems like a less than hospitable gesture on our part.
The current high school players have spectators shaking their heads at how ridiculous this all is.
The announcment is embarressing
No adult in any leadership position at the high school has the real courrage to take action.
For crying out loud, build something in front of it, cut it down, do something.
Take a risk.
Lets get back to the fun of high school sport.
Its less about us who went to high school in 1975.
Its about the kids who are in the school in 2010.
Maybe if Coach Lee is such a stand up guy and has the cult following everyone knows he has, he can do something.


the solution is simple: change the name to something else!

other schools have changed their names, including Walpole at one time. Just do it again, and MOVE ON.

[Unregistered]

Ok, let's go through all of this again. Nothing's changed other than the fact that the Globe apparently ran out of news. How this ended up on the front page is beyond me because it feels like a non-story.

PUT. IT. TO. A. VOTE.

Honestly, shut up and ask for a vote. I'm sick of all the whining. Do you really want to cry about this forever or can we just get to a point where we agree to vote on it, accept the determination and then move on?

The belly aching about "perception", and the feigned empathy for people unknown is beyond ridiculous. Put it to a vote. I dare you. But you won't do that, will you? You don't want a vote on it. You just want to make people bend to your will because, well, who knows? Things are not going your way these days and I guess something has to change.

Whatever. Have it your way, we'll relive this thing again. We'll go back and forth and dig up the same old subjects. Racists. Divisive. Villa. The football program. Blah, blah, blah. Same old, same old.

If you want to keep going 'round and 'round on this, then ok, let's waste everyone's time again.

[Unregistered]

the solution is simple: change the name to something else!

other schools have changed their names, including Walpole at one time. Just do it again, and MOVE ON.

Unfortunately, this "solution" of yours will not eliminate the eyesore alongside the high school field... so while we can (perhaps should) vote on a new mascot name, the hurtful and controversial reminder of a time long ago and all the emotions that come with it will be right there at every single sporting event at the high school.

the true solution would be for the high school, with the support of the town (and by that I mean $, time, manpower), to put something creative and attractive up right in front of that eyesore. there are a number of sheets currently hanging on the fence at the field wishing the 2010 seniors well... we clearly have some artistic talent and interest here at WHS... lets tap into that and get creative. of course, its school property, so they'll need to take the lead... anyone?

[Unregistered]

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2010/05/27/choose_a_different_set_of_rebels/

clearly this is NOT going away.

I feel sorry for our town. I really really really do.

[Sparky]

I already submitted my alternative that wouldn't require a name change and is gender neutral...

15

[Sparky]

Just curious...are the Rebel detractors okay with the Porkers?

[Unregistered]

That was a fine name. Seems to me it could go back to that, though there would be plenty of loser townies who would still fly their rebel flags proudly.

Wonder why the homeowner, who we all know, didn't come out publicly and comment.

What is wrong with Hilltoppers?

I can think of several things-- number one, what is a hilltopper? Some kind of lumberjack, perhaps?
Number two, there are very few hills in Walpole to do anything with, much less top.
And number three-- it's a stupid name. There was a reason it was changed 40 years ago.

[Unregistered]

Just curious...are the Rebel detractors okay with the Porkers?

There have been published reports over the years complaining about the Porkers, i.e. it is degrading to women etc. Since every little female athelete in Walpole grows up hearing about the exploits of the Porkers and dreams about being a Porker herself, the name hardly appears to be damaging the psyche of generations of little girls.

It is our name, get over it. Same with the Rebels-- change the logo to something Revolutionary and move on. It's our name; we shouldn't have to change it. I don't hear any complaints over the Patriots.

[Unregistered]

there is now a posted sign (albeit a smallish one) right in front of the flag on school property... you cannot look at the hideous flag without seeing this sign which basically says that this flag is not condoned or supported by the school, etc... its a good first step! i just wish the sign on the school property was bigger, to really distort the view of the flag. in fact, if the Boston Glob were to go back and take another picture of the flag and smear it across their front page to stir up the pot, they couldn't get a picture without this new sign right in the middle of it.

this is a good step... but what next???

bravo to the school for reacting quickly and in a dignified manner.

[Unregistered]

there is now a posted sign (albeit a smallish one) right in front of the flag on school property... you cannot look at the hideous flag without seeing this sign which basically says that this flag is not condoned or supported by the school, etc... its a good first step! i just wish the sign on the school property was bigger, to really distort the view of the flag. in fact, if the Boston Glob were to go back and take another picture of the flag and smear it across their front page to stir up the pot, they couldn't get a picture without this new sign right in the middle of it.

this is a good step... but what next???

bravo to the school for reacting quickly and in a dignified manner.

what planet do you live on? The school has turned its head from flag wavers in the stands for years. The superbowl Gillette scene in 2008 was typical.

Come on: Its the school system that has let this this rot on the vine until it ripened into something else..

[Unregistered]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/05/27/in.america.conversation.flag/

[Unregistered]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/05/27/in.america.conversation.flag/

My God, get a backbone will you? Folks around here who are against the name, the tradition, and whatever else are so willing to fold like a paper napkin that it makes one wonder how you handle daily stress.

It wouldn't be a problem if the town would stand with the teams and support them rather than crying about poor so-and-so who is sooooo offended by a symbol which is not racist, nor meant to be. Instead, what do we get? Milquetoast response coupled with whining and wailing.

Stand up for yourself. Stand up for your town. Stand up for your kids. Stand up, ferchrissakes. The weakness on display is embarrassing.

[Unregistered]

My God, get a backbone will you? Folks around here who are against the name, the tradition, and whatever else are so willing to fold like a paper napkin that it makes one wonder how you handle daily stress.

It wouldn't be a problem if the town would stand with the teams and support them rather than crying about poor so-and-so who is sooooo offended by a symbol which is not racist, nor meant to be. Instead, what do we get? Milquetoast response coupled with whining and wailing.

Stand up for yourself. Stand up for your town. Stand up for your kids. Stand up, ferchrissakes. The weakness on display is embarrassing.

People are standing up: against people like YOU and you can't stand the fact they are doing so.

Joe Finneran is making the whole town look like a bunch of boobs. thanks for giving him a pat on the back.

[Unregistered]

What is embarassing is how the townsfolk feel the need to apologize to outsiders for anything. Faux outrage by people who don't give a crap about Walpole should not really concern us. "The School does not endorse or condone any actions by this neighbor" is the only statement that should be read. Why doesn't the Amaral crowd find another windmill to tilt at..the majority of townsfolk do not want the nickname changed..that fact is irrefutable. The rest is noise, how 21st century Mass -holes who know little or nothing about the War Between The States now render opinions about what is and is not inappropriate, but would never speak up to tell a coddled brat to pull up his britches or stop the foul language..actions that are far more impactful in displaying the true colors of the town. Keep the Rebels, can the flag..move on!

[Unregistered]

People are standing up: against people like YOU and you can't stand the fact they are doing so.

Joe Finneran is making the whole town look like a bunch of boobs. thanks for giving him a pat on the back.

Are they? And how are they doing that? By bowing to every PC whim? Wearing hair shirts? How exactly are they standing up to ME?

If they are standing up, I'm not seeing it. Tell you what, if you want to "stand up" and fight for what you think is right, get up, leave the PC, go to town hall, find out how to put this thing on a ballot. If you're not willing to do that, but instead just want to bitch and whine and hope that some other arrogant, self-righteous, PC type will bring "hope and change" to the town that doesn't want it, then we can continue to go back and forth on Walpole Words.

What I can't stand has nothing to do with your opinion. What I can't stand is the constant whining with no real action. It's nails-on-a-chalkboard annoying. PLEASE take some action that it tangible. Do something other than whining and bowing to the PC crowd.

[Unregistered]

Are they? And how are they doing that? By bowing to every PC whim? Wearing hair shirts? How exactly are they standing up to ME?

If they are standing up, I'm not seeing it. Tell you what, if you want to "stand up" and fight for what you think is right, get up, leave the PC, go to town hall, find out how to put this thing on a ballot. If you're not willing to do that, but instead just want to bitch and whine and hope that some other arrogant, self-righteous, PC type will bring "hope and change" to the town that doesn't want it, then we can continue to go back and forth on Walpole Words.

What I can't stand has nothing to do with your opinion. What I can't stand is the constant whining with no real action. It's nails-on-a-chalkboard annoying. PLEASE take some action that it tangible. Do something other than whining and bowing to the PC crowd.

You are blind, or visually challenged. You can't see the young people trashing your way of thinking? Please: Get some glasses.

If you are so obsessed with setting up a vote on this issue, why don't you identify yourself (like your "opponents" have), and just set it up yourself.

Answer: You can't because you are a Rebel "chicken".

[Unregistered]

My God, get a backbone will you? Folks around here who are against the name, the tradition, and whatever else are so willing to fold like a paper napkin that it makes one wonder how you handle daily stress.

It wouldn't be a problem if the town would stand with the teams and support them rather than crying about poor so-and-so who is sooooo offended by a symbol which is not racist, nor meant to be. Instead, what do we get? Milquetoast response coupled with whining and wailing.

Stand up for yourself. Stand up for your town. Stand up for your kids. Stand up, ferchrissakes. The weakness on display is embarrassing.

It is actually strong to stand up for what you do NOT believe in. Even when ridiculed by a few shallow minded locals who have never been north of Norwood.

I don't want to stand up for the confederate flag. It is a sign of ignorance and intollerance. I find it offensive.

[Unregistered]

You are blind, or visually challenged. You can't see the young people trashing your way of thinking? Please: Get some glasses.

If you are so obsessed with setting up a vote on this issue, why don't you identify yourself (like your "opponents" have), and just set it up yourself.

Answer: You can't because you are a Rebel "chicken".

If I don't think the name should change, why would I bother to set up a vote to change it? I guess the name will remain then, based on inaction. Thanks!

[Unregistered]

If I don't think the name should change, why would I bother to set up a vote to change it? I guess the name will remain then, based on inaction. Thanks!

why? so someone can question it and set up a 2nd vote?

[Unregistered]

http://slmnews.blogspot.com/2010/05/confederate-flag-near-walpole-mass-hs.html

This is a Great website if you are into seceding from the Union. A wonderful connection for our high school.

Joe Finneran: Thanks a lot for making an issue of your childish rebel fantasies.

And the School Committee: are you going to really continue making announcements at every sporting event at Turco Field?

[Unregistered]

I would vote to keep the Rebel name but with a revolutionary war theme. After all the British considered the colonists Rebels. And if you need a flag to wave there were plenty used during the revolution. Check this site.

http://americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/flags.htm

I like the Sons of Liberty flag also known as the Rebellious Flag. I read that it was also known as the Anti-tax Flag.
Now wouldn't that be ironic.

[Unregistered]

http://slmnews.blogspot.com/2010/05/confederate-flag-near-walpole-mass-hs.html

This is a Great website if you are into seceding from the Union. A wonderful connection for our high school.

Joe Finneran: Thanks a lot for making an issue of your childish rebel fantasies.

And the School Committee: are you going to really continue making announcements at every sporting event at Turco Field?

Maybe we should write in candidates for the School Commitee this year instead of electing the same old, same old unopposed candidates.

[Unregistered]

I would vote to keep the Rebel name but with a revolutionary war theme. After all the British considered the colonists Rebels. And if you need a flag to wave there were plenty used during the revolution. Check this site.

http://americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/flags.htm

I like the Sons of Liberty flag also known as the Rebellious Flag. I read that it was also known as the Anti-tax Flag.
Now wouldn't that be ironic.

sounds good but being in the shadows of the Patriots doesn't seem to jive too much....you know what I mean? I think anything other than a Confederate Rebel is pretty PC.

Either bring back the Confederate flag (a lot of supporters would go for that) or go for something totally new.

[Unregistered]

I would vote to keep the Rebel name but with a revolutionary war theme. After all the British considered the colonists Rebels. And if you need a flag to wave there were plenty used during the revolution. Check this site.

http://americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/flags.htm

I like the Sons of Liberty flag also known as the Rebellious Flag. I read that it was also known as the Anti-tax Flag.
Now wouldn't that be ironic.

I'd love to see that happen, but with the Confederate flag adjacent to Turco Field, and the cult-following of Coach Lee in town, its only a band-aid effort.

Lets face it: The School Committee has only really acted on this when someone says something. They put up a sign yesterday as a sort of disclaimer after the Globe got hold of the story. They are looking pretty darn foolish, as everyone knows the right way to handle this and to bring the town together again.

Change The Name

No one is going to die. Revenues at sporting events probably will INCREASE. Its called Public Relations.

Do it for future generations. The Rebel boys of Walpole screwed this up for everyone.

[Unregistered]

http://slmnews.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-walpole-massachusetts-readers.html


The internet has polluted our youth.

Walpole School Administrators: Cut the cord. PRONTO.

[Unregistered]

http://slmnews.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-walpole-massachusetts-readers.html

40 years of "Rebel Pride" have brought us to this.

I consider this the first volley in the renewed War Between The States...

[Unregistered]

Actually, did you see the welcome note to Walpole readers that was on the site linked above?

http://slmnews.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-walpole-massachusetts-readers.html

Check out the Black man and former NAACP leader, speaking about the flag.

[Unregistered]

I would vote to keep the Rebel name but with a revolutionary war theme. After all the British considered the colonists Rebels. And if you need a flag to wave there were plenty used during the revolution. Check this site.

http://americanrevwar.homestead.com/files/flags.htm

I like the Sons of Liberty flag also known as the Rebellious Flag. I read that it was also known as the Anti-tax Flag.
Now wouldn't that be ironic.

Perfect idea . End of story!!! Keep the name Rebels and I for one, am going to start sporting the Sons of Liberty flag; it is pretty cool (maybe a little boring, but it will put an end to this nonsense). Also, for several years, a group of anonymous community leaders and businessnen, calling themselves The Sons of Liberty, donated most of the money for the annual rd of July Fireworks. No more southern theme, now Walpole's Rebels are patriots!

[Unregistered]

http://www.samobar.com/180/?x=entry:entry100530-130350

To the School Committee and School administration: Get some guts here and stand up to them.

Change The Name

This will NEVER end

[Unregistered]

Gee. some punk vandalism right around graduation..stop the presses! Surely it must be the offensive nature of that..what is it again..the nickname "Rebels" in the footsteps of "Patriot" Place. Yes, the very sound of the word Rebels must make liberal lefties skin crawl! Ohh. what's that..it's not the nickname..it's someone's private expression of his 1st amendment rights that has everyone in a lather? Oh, change the Walpole nickname to the "Convicts" or the "Wolfpack" or any other name..that will be sure to stop the neighbor from displaying the flag..oh if life were only so simple! It must surely be news because CNN's 1000 viewers and the Globe's 10,000 readers say it is so! Grow up Walpole..you will never be another gilded "W" town, so at least w/ the "Rebels" you have foreged your own identity!

[Unregistered]

Gee. some punk vandalism right around graduation..stop the presses! Surely it must be the offensive nature of that..what is it again..the nickname "Rebels" in the footsteps of "Patriot" Place. Yes, the very sound of the word Rebels must make liberal lefties skin crawl! Ohh. what's that..it's not the nickname..it's someone's private expression of his 1st amendment rights that has everyone in a lather? Oh, change the Walpole nickname to the "Convicts" or the "Wolfpack" or any other name..that will be sure to stop the neighbor from displaying the flag..oh if life were only so simple! It must surely be news because CNN's 1000 viewers and the Globe's 10,000 readers say it is so! Grow up Walpole..you will never be another gilded "W" town, so at least w/ the "Rebels" you have foreged your own identity!

it is the immature, obnoxious, embarassments that keep making this issue about about them and their memories instead of thinking about the entire community. If after 1994 the Confederate Flag had dissappeared from school events, this woudl be a non-issue. If there were no Confederate window decals, and homemade/homesold Confederate T-Shirts, if there were no "adults" telling the current kids about "The Good ol' Days" with Dixie and the Confederate Flag, if, if, if....

The reason the whole Rebel name is now under attack (and rightfully so), is because of the people who continue to put the Confederate Flag in the spotlight. If they would have just let it fade away, adopted the "Don't Tread on Me" Flag (or something like it), stopped with the whinning about how we are stealing their heritage, and made the name Rebel into something to be proud of, this would be a non-issue. Their decision to not let it go has ironically become the main reason why we must do just that.

It is not going to be too long before people who are trying to find something out about Walpole MA are going to be searching google and come across this stuff. Could be a college admission councellor trying to decide if your son/daughter should be offered admission. See thing as their hometown will probably not help. It could be the CEO of company looking to set up a new clean energy company (away from the aquifer of course, but that's another thread), only to see what type of PR nightmare could exist in this town. Granted it may not be to this extent, or all at once, but things like this are going to start happening.

At this point, the flag waivers have sealed their own fate in my eyes. The took that attitude that we could have the flag out of their cold dead Rebel hands. That attitude had pretty much done just that by making the killing off of the Rebel name the only way to make this go away.

[Unregistered]

It may interest those posting that the Gadsden flag (the "Don't Tread on Me" banner) is now being considered politically incorrect along with the Confederate battle flag. Censorship knows no boundaries. Once you begin to censor just a little bit, in the end, EVERYTHING goes except for Big Brother and his minions. For the younger set, that is the government "face" in the Orwell book 1984. Orwell might have been a little behind date-wise, but he's certainly on course for the eventual result.

[Unregistered]

Gee. some punk vandalism right around graduation..stop the presses! Surely it must be the offensive nature of that..what is it again..the nickname "Rebels" in the footsteps of "Patriot" Place. Yes, the very sound of the word Rebels must make liberal lefties skin crawl! Ohh. what's that..it's not the nickname..it's someone's private expression of his 1st amendment rights that has everyone in a lather? Oh, change the Walpole nickname to the "Convicts" or the "Wolfpack" or any other name..that will be sure to stop the neighbor from displaying the flag..oh if life were only so simple! It must surely be news because CNN's 1000 viewers and the Globe's 10,000 readers say it is so! Grow up Walpole..you will never be another gilded "W" town, so at least w/ the "Rebels" you have foreged your own identity!


its probably an "adult punk".

Better get 100 of those signs made. This is going to be a long summer.

[Unregistered]

it is the immature, obnoxious, embarassments that keep making this issue about about them and their memories instead of thinking about the entire community. If after 1994 the Confederate Flag had dissappeared from school events, this woudl be a non-issue. If there were no Confederate window decals, and homemade/homesold Confederate T-Shirts, if there were no "adults" telling the current kids about "The Good ol' Days" with Dixie and the Confederate Flag, if, if, if....

The reason the whole Rebel name is now under attack (and rightfully so), is because of the people who continue to put the Confederate Flag in the spotlight. If they would have just let it fade away, adopted the "Don't Tread on Me" Flag (or something like it), stopped with the whinning about how we are stealing their heritage, and made the name Rebel into something to be proud of, this would be a non-issue. Their decision to not let it go has ironically become the main reason why we must do just that.

It is not going to be too long before people who are trying to find something out about Walpole MA are going to be searching google and come across this stuff. Could be a college admission councellor trying to decide if your son/daughter should be offered admission. See thing as their hometown will probably not help. It could be the CEO of company looking to set up a new clean energy company (away from the aquifer of course, but that's another thread), only to see what type of PR nightmare could exist in this town. Granted it may not be to this extent, or all at once, but things like this are going to start happening.

At this point, the flag waivers have sealed their own fate in my eyes. The took that attitude that we could have the flag out of their cold dead Rebel hands. That attitude had pretty much done just that by making the killing off of the Rebel name the only way to make this go away.

I concur: there have been years of opportunity to turn this into something else. The compromise made years ago to keep the Rebel name, and ditch the flag is an obvious failure.

Time for a new name. You had your chance and you blew it.

[Unregistered]

it is the immature, obnoxious, embarassments that keep making this issue about about them and their memories instead of thinking about the entire community. If after 1994 the Confederate Flag had dissappeared from school events, this woudl be a non-issue. If there were no Confederate window decals, and homemade/homesold Confederate T-Shirts, if there were no "adults" telling the current kids about "The Good ol' Days" with Dixie and the Confederate Flag, if, if, if....

The reason the whole Rebel name is now under attack (and rightfully so), is because of the people who continue to put the Confederate Flag in the spotlight. If they would have just let it fade away, adopted the "Don't Tread on Me" Flag (or something like it), stopped with the whinning about how we are stealing their heritage, and made the name Rebel into something to be proud of, this would be a non-issue. Their decision to not let it go has ironically become the main reason why we must do just that.

It is not going to be too long before people who are trying to find something out about Walpole MA are going to be searching google and come across this stuff. Could be a college admission councellor trying to decide if your son/daughter should be offered admission. See thing as their hometown will probably not help. It could be the CEO of company looking to set up a new clean energy company (away from the aquifer of course, but that's another thread), only to see what type of PR nightmare could exist in this town. Granted it may not be to this extent, or all at once, but things like this are going to start happening.

At this point, the flag waivers have sealed their own fate in my eyes. The took that attitude that we could have the flag out of their cold dead Rebel hands. That attitude had pretty much done just that by making the killing off of the Rebel name the only way to make this go away.


who wrote this? Please put your name to it, because its only going to look like the usual people making anonymous comments. Be courageous like some of the kids at the high school. Being right is nothing to be ashamed of.

We need more model citizens like you to stand up.

[Unregistered]

Some posters sound like overbearing parents: "You people didn't get the message...now we must take your silly name away from you!" "You had your chances.." Just stop it please. There is nothing inherently wrong with the nickname "Rebels" and anybody who tries to connect a small suburban old Massachusetts mill town to all the negative connotations of slavery under the Old South is trying to create controversy. Those who take umbrage over the sight of the Confederate Flag..just ignore it. I find the use of the "N" word detestable..but it seems every rapper of every color can use it ad nauseum..where is that outrage? How many years did slavery exist, nationwide, under the Stars and Stripes? Do these same people turn their backs or their stomachs over Old Glory over the same issue? Or do they push their point because they must always be right? Why not find a way to honor the current Walpole residents serving in the Armed Forces, rather than some imagined slight to Union casualties from Walpole? Kids like the "Rebels" nickname because it connotes the identity they have forged..hard-working, tough, successful sports teams. They carry it with distinction..let's let them continue wearing it proudly.

[Unregistered]

it is the immature, obnoxious, embarassments that keep making this issue about about them and their memories instead of thinking about the entire community. If after 1994 the Confederate Flag had dissappeared from school events, this woudl be a non-issue. If there were no Confederate window decals, and homemade/homesold Confederate T-Shirts, if there were no "adults" telling the current kids about "The Good ol' Days" with Dixie and the Confederate Flag, if, if, if....

The reason the whole Rebel name is now under attack (and rightfully so), is because of the people who continue to put the Confederate Flag in the spotlight. If they would have just let it fade away, adopted the "Don't Tread on Me" Flag (or something like it), stopped with the whinning about how we are stealing their heritage, and made the name Rebel into something to be proud of, this would be a non-issue. Their decision to not let it go has ironically become the main reason why we must do just that.

It is not going to be too long before people who are trying to find something out about Walpole MA are going to be searching google and come across this stuff. Could be a college admission councellor trying to decide if your son/daughter should be offered admission. See thing as their hometown will probably not help. It could be the CEO of company looking to set up a new clean energy company (away from the aquifer of course, but that's another thread), only to see what type of PR nightmare could exist in this town. Granted it may not be to this extent, or all at once, but things like this are going to start happening.

At this point, the flag waivers have sealed their own fate in my eyes. The took that attitude that we could have the flag out of their cold dead Rebel hands. That attitude had pretty much done just that by making the killing off of the Rebel name the only way to make this go away.

http://nuttynewswire.com/story/24115.shtml

[dricci8842@verizon.net]

I am the parent of four kids who've played every youth sport in this town over the past 29 years, including WHS varsity softball, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling on teams called the Rebels. I agree there is nothing inherently wrong with the name Rebels, which could apply to Revolutionary War patriots as well as civil rights activists of the 1950s. However, the Confederate battle flag is another story. To justify it on the basis of a spurious comparison to rappers using offensive language is simply ridiculous. Also, to dismiss the Confederate flag's association with slavery because it was a long time ago is equally without merit. What if a local school sports team called itself the Storm Troopers and adopted the swastika as a logo? Some of our Walpole neighbors need to get out of their suburban cocoon.
--Dennis Ricci, Recreation Committee

[Unregistered]

I am the parent of four kids who've played every youth sport in this town over the past 29 years, including WHS varsity softball, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling on teams called the Rebels. I agree there is nothing inherently wrong with the name Rebels, which could apply to Revolutionary War patriots as well as civil rights activists of the 1950s. However, the Confederate battle flag is another story. To justify it on the basis of a spurious comparison to rappers using offensive language is simply ridiculous. Also, to dismiss the Confederate flag's association with slavery because it was a long time ago is equally without merit. What if a local school sports team called itself the Storm Troopers and adopted the swastika as a logo? Some of our Walpole neighbors need to get out of their suburban cocoon.
--Dennis Ricci, Recreation Committee

The post (referred to by the quote above--tg) neither attempts to "justify" the use of the Confederate Flag, nor attempts to "dismiss" the Confederate flag's association with slavery. Your attempt at an analogy fails as well. What if the Walpole Robotics club called itself the "Storm Troopers" in deference to "Star Wars" replete w/ a "Star Wars"-themed robot..and some local crank hoisted a Swastika flag outside their gathering place?? What then? Play out your analogy? Many symbols can be associated, and disassociated with slavery. As noted, the US Flag waved proudly over many cotton fields prior to the Civil War, as did many state flags. Perhaps some longtime Walpole residents who know the flagwaver near Turco field should ask him to remove it.

[Unregistered]

I am the parent of four kids who've played every youth sport in this town over the past 29 years, including WHS varsity softball, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling on teams called the Rebels. I agree there is nothing inherently wrong with the name Rebels, which could apply to Revolutionary War patriots as well as civil rights activists of the 1950s. However, the Confederate battle flag is another story. To justify it on the basis of a spurious comparison to rappers using offensive language is simply ridiculous. Also, to dismiss the Confederate flag's association with slavery because it was a long time ago is equally without merit. What if a local school sports team called itself the Storm Troopers and adopted the swastika as a logo? Some of our Walpole neighbors need to get out of their suburban cocoon.
--Dennis Ricci, Recreation Committee

Mr. Ricci: you must admit, that although there was a compromise in the past...to ditch the flag, etc., it pretty much has failed, and that keeping the name only keeps the pain going? The anti-rebel element is coming from the kids at the high school itself.

And, why keep a mascot that is divisive? Isn't that contrary to what a mascot is supposed to represent? Thanks for using your name sir.

[Unregistered]

I am the parent of four kids who've played every youth sport in this town over the past 29 years, including WHS varsity softball, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling on teams called the Rebels. I agree there is nothing inherently wrong with the name Rebels, which could apply to Revolutionary War patriots as well as civil rights activists of the 1950s. However, the Confederate battle flag is another story. To justify it on the basis of a spurious comparison to rappers using offensive language is simply ridiculous. Also, to dismiss the Confederate flag's association with slavery because it was a long time ago is equally without merit. What if a local school sports team called itself the Storm Troopers and adopted the swastika as a logo? Some of our Walpole neighbors need to get out of their suburban cocoon.
--Dennis Ricci, Recreation Committee

sorry, but "rebel" and "to rebel" means taking up arms against a government by the people who are citizens of that same government.

The civil rights activists of the 1950's-1960's used peaceful means to get their point across. They were absolutely NOT rebels, and for you to attempt to somehow imply they were is wrong. This type of logic is what keeps this "rebel ball" rolling, because you actually teach the children the wrong thing.

[Unregistered]

Some posters sound like overbearing parents: "You people didn't get the message...now we must take your silly name away from you!" "You had your chances.." Just stop it please. There is nothing inherently wrong with the nickname "Rebels" and anybody who tries to connect a small suburban old Massachusetts mill town to all the negative connotations of slavery under the Old South is trying to create controversy. Those who take umbrage over the sight of the Confederate Flag..just ignore it. I find the use of the "N" word detestable..but it seems every rapper of every color can use it ad nauseum..where is that outrage? How many years did slavery exist, nationwide, under the Stars and Stripes? Do these same people turn their backs or their stomachs over Old Glory over the same issue? Or do they push their point because they must always be right? Why not find a way to honor the current Walpole residents serving in the Armed Forces, rather than some imagined slight to Union casualties from Walpole? Kids like the "Rebels" nickname because it connotes the identity they have forged..hard-working, tough, successful sports teams. They carry it with distinction..let's let them continue wearing it proudly.

If you considered giving "children" a chance over 14 years and then saying enough-is-enough overbearing, then I can not imagine what you would consider inneffective parenting.

(By the way, the fact that your analogy characterizes the flag waivers as children, while accurate, doesn't really help you cause)

[Unregistered]

it is the immature, obnoxious, embarassments that keep making this issue about about them and their memories instead of thinking about the entire community. If after 1994 the Confederate Flag had dissappeared from school events, this woudl be a non-issue. If there were no Confederate window decals, and homemade/homesold Confederate T-Shirts, if there were no "adults" telling the current kids about "The Good ol' Days" with Dixie and the Confederate Flag, if, if, if....

The reason the whole Rebel name is now under attack (and rightfully so), is because of the people who continue to put the Confederate Flag in the spotlight. If they would have just let it fade away, adopted the "Don't Tread on Me" Flag (or something like it), stopped with the whinning about how we are stealing their heritage, and made the name Rebel into something to be proud of, this would be a non-issue. Their decision to not let it go has ironically become the main reason why we must do just that.

It is not going to be too long before people who are trying to find something out about Walpole MA are going to be searching google and come across this stuff. Could be a college admission councellor trying to decide if your son/daughter should be offered admission. See thing as their hometown will probably not help. It could be the CEO of company looking to set up a new clean energy company (away from the aquifer of course, but that's another thread), only to see what type of PR nightmare could exist in this town. Granted it may not be to this extent, or all at once, but things like this are going to start happening.

At this point, the flag waivers have sealed their own fate in my eyes. The took that attitude that we could have the flag out of their cold dead Rebel hands. That attitude had pretty much done just that by making the killing off of the Rebel name the only way to make this go away.

If the editor of the Boston Globe can editorialize on this issue, why can't the editor of our local newspaper do the same?

Also: Our Memorial Day celebration on Monday: Not one peep about the men from Walpole who died during the Civil War. That is pretty shameful. And if they did mention them, they might "offend" some Rebel athlete, or some adult Rebel fan or supporter?

[Unregistered]

http://nuttynewswire.com/story/24115.shtml

You must have a lot of free time on your hands to frequent such a moronic site. Could we suggest getting a life.

[Sparky]

You must have a lot of free time on your hands to frequent such a moronic site. Could we suggest getting a life.
You must have a lot of free time on your hands to be passing judgment on other people having a lot of free time on their hands.

This is a pet peeve of mine. You bothered to visit the stupid link, and then you bothered to post that you wasted your time visiting the stupid link, just to criticize someone else about how they spend their time. Go look in the mirror.

[Unregistered]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/features/x709126353/Confederate-flag-battle-wages-on-in-Walpole

I am a fraid that Keith Ferguson got something wrong during the interview he had with me some time ago. He claims I support associating the Rebel mascot at Walpole High with a revolutionary war theme.

He may have taken a comment of mine out of context, or plain have gotten it wrong, because I do not recall saying that. Actually, I felt that he was not going to write any article at all...that the issue had died. Any continuation of keeping the rebel name will only allow this type of issue to bloom up again in the future.

Especially now, with the actions of Joe Finneran and his friends (he has admitted he allowed someone else to put up the flag), I do NOT support keeping the Rebel mascot name.

I strongly support Sam Obar and the other students at Walpole High that would like to make a complete change.

I have my ideas about who put Joe Finneran up to this, because I am a townie too, and I know all the background. Yes, we have the right and "liberty" to be idiots, but even in the name of "liberty", some things are just plain wrong....and we alll know this.


Mike Amaral
Walpole, Massachusetts

[Unregistered]

What, exactly, was the "chance" given to the High School so that the PC crowd might "allow" them to continue with the nickname "Rebels"?? Were the Boosters supposed to go door-to-door suppressing 1st Amendment rights so that no one ever be offended? Why is it a kid waving a flag in Gillette rankles this crowd more than the 10 kids w/ nip bottles in their pockets? There are a whole lot of issues more pressing and more dire concerning high school kids today than a nickname.

[Unregistered]

What, exactly, was the "chance" given to the High School so that the PC crowd might "allow" them to continue with the nickname "Rebels"?? Were the Boosters supposed to go door-to-door suppressing 1st Amendment rights so that no one ever be offended? Why is it a kid waving a flag in Gillette rankles this crowd more than the 10 kids w/ nip bottles in their pockets? There are a whole lot of issues more pressing and more dire concerning high school kids today than a nickname.

You're missing the point, it's not important for you to understand, nor is it imperative that you receive an explanation. The "anti-Rebel" crowd has given the rest of us plenty of time to "clean up our act", see things the same way that they see things, and they're not going to stand for it any longer!

We must act now and change the name because "someone" might be offended. "Someone" might
get the wrong idea. "Some people" may get the wrong impression of Walpole.

The entire town must stand on it's head NOW because fictitious, fantasy, people who have not yet come forward may faint at the idea that the name given to the WHS sports teams implies that we are into slavery.

Based on those non-issues, and the fact that the rest of the town doesn't share Mike Amaral's opinion... THINGS MUST CHANGE!!

[Unregistered]

I graduated from Walpole High School in 1968. The one thing I can verify is that there was no maliciousness or hatred intended in the initial adoption of the Rebels as a school mascot. Sadly, we were all just too stupid to realize the implications of it since we were so sheltered. That said, it is embarrassing that a school that prided itself on providing educational excellence ever allowed the name to be used. Where were the adults? Unfortunately, there was a contingent of yahoos who could put the boosters on Friday Night Lights to shame who thought that once Coach Lee arrived that it would be a great idea to turn the town into a mini Texas. By the way, Coach Lee may have gone to school in Memphis, but he was from Newton, and in my opinion was one of the most divisive individuals to ever hit Walpole. Just ask the people who weren't jocks or cheerleaders). I was also a member of the field hockey team known as the Porkers. I am as embarrassed by the name now as I was then. Again, where were the adults? I had as much pride in the school as anyone, but it was disgusting then, and it is disgusting now.

To all you people who are insisting that this is PC gone amok, I would say you might want to consider why stormfront.org, a KKK hate group site, would prominently display the story, saying Go Rebels! They recognize the flag for what it symbolizes. Walpole residents would be doing themselves a favor if they pulled their heads out of the sand and did the same. Not only is it a symbol of hatred, a sad period in history, and the support of slavery, it defiles the names of the men from Walpole who died to save the Union. Walpole just comes of as ignorant. If that's what people want, then sure, dig in your heels. The name for the high school changed before, so please don't try the "tradition" meme....it can be changed again and should be. I applaud the school system for trying to rid the school of this travesty...now it's time to educate those young athletes who don't see the harm and way passed time for the so-called adults -- especially Joe Finneran -- to grow up. Your glory days are long past. Maybe if you left Walpole once in a while you'd see that the world has moved on.

[Unregistered]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/features/x709126353/Confederate-flag-battle-wages-on-in-Walpole

I am a fraid that Keith Ferguson got something wrong during the interview he had with me some time ago. He claims I support associating the Rebel mascot at Walpole High with a revolutionary war theme.

He may have taken a comment of mine out of context, or plain have gotten it wrong, because I do not recall saying that. Actually, I felt that he was not going to write any article at all...that the issue had died. Any continuation of keeping the rebel name will only allow this type of issue to bloom up again in the future.

Especially now, with the actions of Joe Finneran and his friends (he has admitted he allowed someone else to put up the flag), I do NOT support keeping the Rebel mascot name.

I strongly support Sam Obar and the other students at Walpole High that would like to make a complete change.

I have my ideas about who put Joe Finneran up to this, because I am a townie too, and I know all the background. Yes, we have the right and "liberty" to be idiots, but even in the name of "liberty", some things are just plain wrong....and we alll know this.


Mike Amaral
Walpole, Massachusetts

Keith Ferguson has contacted me, and according to his notes, I did mention I may possibly go for a "Rebel of 76" mascot during our wide-ranging hour-long interview last year. I now recall that. Guess I forgot (I am only human). A "rebel of 76" rebel would be self transforming into the "76'ers", like Philadelphia.

I am still not a supporter of continuing with what we have now. If athletes are lining up to have their photos taken in front of the Confederate flag, then its obviously time for a change.


I look forward to more from Keith on this subject...he is probably the most prolific writer the Walpole Times has ever had.

Mike Amaral

[Unregistered]

Excuse me, but "educating the children" does not involve indoctrinating them into the proper mindset..the one that a woman 43 years removed from high school now holds. The nickname "Rebels" is not in and of itself crass, divisive, or obnoxious. It is distinctive, catchy, and singular in Massachusetts. Kids grow up in this town cheering for, looking up to, and wanting to be Walpole Rebels. What is sad is the alumni of that generation, who now seem to be going through a midlife crisis, and want to involve themselves in high school politics. Get a life, Mr, Finneran..and a backbone. While Walpole may have an identity crisis, it is not because of the Walpole Rebels..the kids at that school have made sure of that by excelling in all their endeavors, academically, athletically, and artistically...the real problem is the clown court of Selectmen and the stigma of "You live in Walpole...oh, by the prison?" While alumni may have varying opinions of Coach Lee and his legacy..that time has come and gone. The kids by a large majority want to keep the "Rebel" nickname..so let them. Maybe the adults need to grow up and stop living vicariously through their kids while listening to Springsteen's "Glory Days!!"

[Unregistered]

I graduated from Walpole High School in 1968. The one thing I can verify is that there was no maliciousness or hatred intended in the initial adoption of the Rebels as a school mascot. Sadly, we were all just too stupid to realize the implications of it since we were so sheltered. That said, it is embarrassing that a school that prided itself on providing educational excellence ever allowed the name to be used. Where were the adults? Unfortunately, there was a contingent of yahoos who could put the boosters on Friday Night Lights to shame who thought that once Coach Lee arrived that it would be a great idea to turn the town into a mini Texas. By the way, Coach Lee may have gone to school in Memphis, but he was from Newton, and in my opinion was one of the most divisive individuals to ever hit Walpole. Just ask the people who weren't jocks or cheerleaders). I was also a member of the field hockey team known as the Porkers. I am as embarrassed by the name now as I was then. Again, where were the adults? I had as much pride in the school as anyone, but it was disgusting then, and it is disgusting now.

To all you people who are insisting that this is PC gone amok, I would say you might want to consider why stormfront.org, a KKK hate group site, would prominently display the story, saying Go Rebels! They recognize the flag for what it symbolizes. Walpole residents would be doing themselves a favor if they pulled their heads out of the sand and did the same. Not only is it a symbol of hatred, a sad period in history, and the support of slavery, it defiles the names of the men from Walpole who died to save the Union. Walpole just comes of as ignorant. If that's what people want, then sure, dig in your heels. The name for the high school changed before, so please don't try the "tradition" meme....it can be changed again and should be. I applaud the school system for trying to rid the school of this travesty...now it's time to educate those young athletes who don't see the harm and way passed time for the so-called adults -- especially Joe Finneran -- to grow up. Your glory days are long past. Maybe if you left Walpole once in a while you'd see that the world has moved on.

please come forward and identify yourself. others have, and they could use your "help".

if some of the kids at the HS are waking up to this, why can't the school committee, or the admin? Lynch's comments are plain cowardly..."I'm not going to touch that with a ten-foot pole."

and he is the head educator for the town of Walpole?

yes this is embarrassing

[Unregistered]

http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1090786

I have no clue where this website is, but I suspect its down south somewhere.

[Unregistered]

http://lsrebellion.blogspot.com/2010/06/confederate-flag-near-walpole-hs-sparks.html

This blog from North Carolina thinks Joe Finneran is a hero. Read the comments.

Does Walpole have a public relations department? We are going to need one.

Which of the "town fathers" wants to go on CNN or 60 Minutes for an interview? Better start pulling straws boys and girls!


The league of the South is one of the premier secessionist organizations in America today. And they will support the waving of Confederate flags at Walpole High School? Nice work Joe.

[Unregistered]

http://lsrebellion.blogspot.com/2010/06/confederate-flag-near-walpole-hs-sparks.html

This blog from North Carolina thinks Joe Finneran is a hero. Read the comments.

Does Walpole have a public relations department? We are going to need one.

Which of the "town fathers" wants to go on CNN or 60 Minutes for an interview? Better start pulling straws boys and girls!


The league of the South is one of the premier secessionist organizations in America today. And they will support the waving of Confederate flags at Walpole High School? Nice work Joe.

The speed at which you are able to throw a hissy fit is astounding. I hope you stretched out before that last volley, I'd hate for you to pull a muscle.

Reading the post that you cited seems to imply that the supporters, to which you refer, disagree with your notion of the Confederate Flag as a symbol of racism. The post further has a label for those who insist that the flag is a symbol of the South's fight for slavery. That seems more in line with the way in which Walpole presents the Rebel name even while bending to the will of people who don't understand the symbol they are disparaging.

From the side that you've presented, however, it would seem that you feel we need to answer to that post with a PR push on a national television program and I wonder why? If we simply respond to baseless accusations with the truth and present ourselves for who we are, then all questions are answered and we appear to be a strong community that supports each other. I think you and I know the truth though, the anti-rebel contingent isn't about support for fellow Walpole citizens, it's more about control through hysteria and a never ending campaign of non-truths.

What Joe Finneran has done, responding to the hysteria, has polarized your side... no doubt. However, by amping up the rhetoric you've exposed the agenda. You could care a lick about the high school team name, you just want control over others. I'm picturing the town leaders from the movie Footloose here. In spite of you, the kids will dance and enjoy themselves because the reality is, there's no racial slight and no one of any reasonable intellect is coming forward to claim personal offense.

My advice to you is to accept what we are and where you live; work to be more of a contributing Walpole citizen rather than one that needs to destroy Walpole so it can be built in your own image. Think of how happy we could all be if you would only see thing for what they are and not for the cynical view that you present.

[Unregistered]

I have to say that I have crossed over the fence on this issue over the past two years. The reason? I now have high school kids. They have high school friends, and I have asked them how they feel about this issue.

As ften quoted in this forum, none of them care, but it is "why" they don't care that scares the heck out of me.

They don't care becuase they don't understand history, and they don't understand history because history - as a rule - ( especially American history) has taken a back seat. It's not important anymore, and it's thought of a a tedious subject.

So while some of us that have actually cracked a book on our own, or taken 9th grade American History, or have an appreciation of history and how one event consequently leads to another - others do not. They don't care. They don't care to know. It's not always thier fault.

This flag has absolutely no correlation to anything that has ever happened in the town of Walpole. It was someone else's symbol, and -at that time - it symbolized a seccesionist ideaolgy and one the supported - amoung other things - slavery.

Taking this viewpoint, it's no longer a "PC" issue, it's a logical issue. It doesn't makes logical sense to have this as a symbol. Find something that is Walpole-based, or Massachusetts based. Link the rebel name to the Revolutionary War, and not the Civil War. The name should be associated with something postive. Not something that is tied to so many negative chapters in our history.

Let's not change the name, or the colors ( which I know are also the colors of the Confederate flag, but let's not push it), and if this guy still wants to nail a confederate flag to his fence, just tell people he's the president of the Boss Hog fan club and he'll eventually go away.

Just do it soon. Once it's changed, it's done and it won't take long for this issue - and this silly man - to be a distant memory.

[Unregistered]

I have to say that I have crossed over the fence on this issue over the past two years. The reason? I now have high school kids. They have high school friends, and I have asked them how they feel about this issue.

As ften quoted in this forum, none of them care, but it is "why" they don't care that scares the heck out of me.

They don't care becuase they don't understand history, and they don't understand history because history - as a rule - ( especially American history) has taken a back seat. It's not important anymore, and it's thought of a a tedious subject.

So while some of us that have actually cracked a book on our own, or taken 9th grade American History, or have an appreciation of history and how one event consequently leads to another - others do not. They don't care. They don't care to know. It's not always thier fault.

This flag has absolutely no correlation to anything that has ever happened in the town of Walpole. It was someone else's symbol, and -at that time - it symbolized a seccesionist ideaolgy and one the supported - amoung other things - slavery.

Taking this viewpoint, it's no longer a "PC" issue, it's a logical issue. It doesn't makes logical sense to have this as a symbol. Find something that is Walpole-based, or Massachusetts based. Link the rebel name to the Revolutionary War, and not the Civil War. The name should be associated with something postive. Not something that is tied to so many negative chapters in our history.

Let's not change the name, or the colors ( which I know are also the colors of the Confederate flag, but let's not push it), and if this guy still wants to nail a confederate flag to his fence, just tell people he's the president of the Boss Hog fan club and he'll eventually go away.

Just do it soon. Once it's changed, it's done and it won't take long for this issue - and this silly man - to be a distant memory.

They should have done something about this 16 years ago. They didn't, and now we have this public mess spreading across the country. If a "proud Rebel" hadn't been urged to put up that flag, this may have died down.

It looks like the gloves are off, and there is going to be a scuffle. I'm putting my money on the Union. The justifications for keeping things the same are evaporating on a daily basis.

[Unregistered]

So according to you, there was only one correct answer to the question you posed to your kids and their high school friends.."Yes, Mom, we find that Rebel name offensive because of all the negative historical connotations inherent in the name and the non-affiliated symbol your crackpot friend displays in his yard as is his Constituitionally-protected right!" If they dare say "No, we think it's distinctive and kinda cool" or "Nope, we really don't care!" then they are wrong or do not "understand" history like someone who took a 9th grade survey course should? Your kids high school careers will be a distant memory soon enough..why not let them enjoy it instead of stressing on something as insignificant as a nickname? Have you seen any Wildcats in Weymouth? Or Mustangs running around Norwood?

[Sparky]

...
...It doesn't makes logical sense to have this as a symbol. Find something that is Walpole-based, or Massachusetts based. Link the rebel name to the Revolutionary War, and not the Civil War. The name should be associated with something postive. Not something that is tied to so many negative chapters in our history.

Let's not change the name, or the colors ( which I know are also the colors of the Confederate flag, but let's not push it), and if this guy still wants to nail a confederate flag to his fence, just tell people he's the president of the Boss Hog fan club and he'll eventually go away.

Just do it soon. Once it's changed, it's done and it won't take long for this issue - and this silly man - to be a distant memory.
But everything you are suggesting has already taken place. The School Committee and the school have renounced the use of the Confederate Flag as the team's symbol, while retaining the team name.

And for the record, the flag is red, white, and blue, while the team colors are blue and orange. My impression is that the kids like both the name and the colors, so I think the the school is correct in not throwing out the baby with the bath water.

16

[Unregistered]

So according to you, there was only one correct answer to the question you posed to your kids and their high school friends.."Yes, Mom, we find that Rebel name offensive because of all the negative historical connotations inherent in the name and the non-affiliated symbol your crackpot friend displays in his yard as is his Constituitionally-protected right!" If they dare say "No, we think it's distinctive and kinda cool" or "Nope, we really don't care!" then they are wrong or do not "understand" history like someone who took a 9th grade survey course should? Your kids high school careers will be a distant memory soon enough..why not let them enjoy it instead of stressing on something as insignificant as a nickname? Have you seen any Wildcats in Weymouth? Or Mustangs running around Norwood?

thousands of people visit walpole at our own sports venue, turco field. They should leave having a positive impression about the town of walpole. They don't. they just hear a lame speech from the school committee, and get to attend the event in front of an alumni's thumb-nosing. its pretty pathetic.

[Unregistered]

"This flag has absolutely no correlation to anything that has ever happened in the town of Walpole. It was someone else's symbol, and -at that time - it symbolized a seccesionist ideaolgy and one the supported - amoung other things - slavery.

Taking this viewpoint, it's no longer a "PC" issue, it's a logical issue. It doesn't makes logical sense to have this as a symbol. Find something that is Walpole-based, or Massachusetts based. Link the rebel name to the Revolutionary War, and not the Civil War. The name should be associated with something postive. Not something that is tied to so many negative chapters in our history.

Let's not change the name, or the colors ( which I know are also the colors of the Confederate flag, but let's not push it), and if this guy still wants to nail a confederate flag to his fence, just tell people he's the president of the Boss Hog fan club and he'll eventually go away.

Just do it soon. Once it's changed, it's done and it won't take long for this issue - and this silly man - to be a distant memory."

So what are you advocating? Changing the name or not changing the name? Why couldn't the Boss Hogg crack be used today?

[Unregistered]

thousands of people visit walpole at our own sports venue, turco field. They should leave having a positive impression about the town of walpole. They don't. they just hear a lame speech from the school committee, and get to attend the event in front of an alumni's thumb-nosing. its pretty pathetic.

if suddenly visitors came to Turco and found out they totally renamed the team, I think they would say that Walpole finally came into the 21st century and did the right thing. will this happen? NO

[Unregistered]

So "thousands of people" come to Turco to get a positive impression of Walpole that is derived from the High School's nickname? So the "Marauders" would give them a bad impression, but the "BlueBirds" would leave them smiling? What is pathetic is that you think so little of townsfolk, that none of them are as enlightened as you, and none of them can appreciate the deep subtext and texture of the nickname "Rebels" and how it immediately brings to your mind all the horrors of the Deep South. It is equally pathetic that you wouldn't think to derive enjoyment about the product actually on Turco Field..the quality of play, the sportsmanship, the athleticism, the pride and hustle shown by the boys and girls, but instead worry how your neighbors might think less of you because of the local "Dukes of Hazzard" fan. God forbid we have a costumed fan in vertical stripes and leg irons..people might think there is a prison in the town!

[Unregistered]

if suddenly visitors came to Turco and found out they totally renamed the team, I think they would say that Walpole finally came into the 21st century and did the right thing. will this happen? NO

If suddenly visitors came to Turco and found out they totally renamed the team, I think they would say, "who cares?" It was never a problem except for a vocal minority who couldn't tolerate the opinion of others.

[Unregistered]

Do you not think that if the name is changed, a greater showing of the flag will follow?

[Unregistered]

So "thousands of people" come to Turco to get a positive impression of Walpole that is derived from the High School's nickname? So the "Marauders" would give them a bad impression, but the "BlueBirds" would leave them smiling? What is pathetic is that you think so little of townsfolk, that none of them are as enlightened as you, and none of them can appreciate the deep subtext and texture of the nickname "Rebels" and how it immediately brings to your mind all the horrors of the Deep South. It is equally pathetic that you wouldn't think to derive enjoyment about the product actually on Turco Field..the quality of play, the sportsmanship, the athleticism, the pride and hustle shown by the boys and girls, but instead worry how your neighbors might think less of you because of the local "Dukes of Hazzard" fan. God forbid we have a costumed fan in vertical stripes and leg irons..people might think there is a prison in the town!

this sounds like a death rattle to me. I am sure the national attention you will be getting is going to give you the fatal heart attack. suggestion: just let it go.

[Unregistered]

the comments from the League of the South blog in North Carolina supporting the "Rebel Cause" at Walpole High are priceless. How about starting a secessionist group here in Walpole?

http://lsrebellion.blogspot.com/2010/06/confederate-flag-near-walpole-hs-sparks.html

Regarding the comment from Walpole on Palmetto Patriots blog in South Carolina: Thank God someone knows where to put Rebel flags! How about working that out with Joe Finn?

http://slmnews.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-walpole-massachusetts-readers.html

again, thanks Joe, for making our town look like a bunch of braying asses.

[Unregistered]

So "thousands of people" come to Turco to get a positive impression of Walpole that is derived from the High School's nickname? So the "Marauders" would give them a bad impression, but the "BlueBirds" would leave them smiling? What is pathetic is that you think so little of townsfolk, that none of them are as enlightened as you, and none of them can appreciate the deep subtext and texture of the nickname "Rebels" and how it immediately brings to your mind all the horrors of the Deep South. It is equally pathetic that you wouldn't think to derive enjoyment about the product actually on Turco Field..the quality of play, the sportsmanship, the athleticism, the pride and hustle shown by the boys and girls, but instead worry how your neighbors might think less of you because of the local "Dukes of Hazzard" fan. God forbid we have a costumed fan in vertical stripes and leg irons..people might think there is a prison in the town!

actually "The Jailers" would be pretty unique. You know, Walpole Prison IS a nationally known maximum security prison.

The theme song for the band: "The Chain Gain"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmZdvVnMXCc

[sdobar]

I had previously vowed to boycott WalpoleWords because of the rampant slander, anonymity, and downright lies.

However, I have always enjoyed reading this forum. I feel that this forum thread has turned into nothing more than back-and-forth banter of “yes, it's offensive, take it down” and “no, it's not offensive, keep it up”.

I would like to restart the discussion.

Here is what I would like to ask all WalpoleWords users who post on this forum thread:
1. What does the Confederate flag mean to you?
2. Should the flag be kept up? Why or why not?

Two very simple questions that it would be interesting to hear some answers to and I will respect your opinions although I may disagree. I would like to have a quality conversation about this, and gauge the opinions of the community.

So let me get the conversation going:

I support the resident's First Amendment Rights to have the flag up on his property. I feel it is unfortunate that he has done so, but it is his right.

Regardless, I feel that the flag is a reprehensible symbol that mocks the sacrifices made by Walpole residents who fought in the Civil War against the Confederacy and died in Confederate prison camps. I feel that the flag has never represented anything positive – it represented a group of states that wanted to split apart our country and maintain slavery. It represented Southern resistance to desegregation. It represents hate groups. I feel that the Civil War was fought over slavery, because that is the primary reason why the Southern states seceded from the Union, according to their Articles of Secession, which you can view here:
http://sunsite.utk.edu/civil-war/reasons.html

You can also see my history of the Confederate flag here:
http://www.samobar.com/180/?x=entry:entry100529-093611

I feel that the flag should be taken down for a number of reasons:
1. The flag is an inappropriate symbol; see above

2. The flag portrays our town in a very negative way; see some of the comments people are making about our community on various news websites like Boston.com in response to this issue; whether or not you agree with what is being said in the comments, yes I am very concerned about the way people view my town and I am surprised that others are not.

3. The flag divides our community more than it unifies it; it pits students against each other; see the petitions that students have been signing at the high school asking Mr. Finneran to take the flag down, and the comments that students made in the WHDH video against the flag and the comments students made in the Globe article in favor of the flag.

4. A lot of the people who have been up in arms about the flag are the ones from out of town; sports coaches and officials who come to Turco Field to play against Walpole have been some of the NUMBER ONE complainers about this – that is probably why the Globe article was written in the first place. What do they think of Walpole? That we are ignorant, insensitive, and unwilling to move on from the tired and offensive history that this flag represents. That's very embarrassing, I believe, for our town. I would hope most would agree.

I recognize that the flag is on private property and I recognize that Mr. Finneran likely will not take the flag down. But I find it appalling that some residents are actually vehemently supporting the flag itself. I believe that the best reason that Mr. Finneran will take down the flag for is if he realizes that the rest of the community and the students at Walpole High do not support what he is doing. It is unfortunate that there are some who will rally behind Mr. Finneran and pat him on the back for a job well done. He is causing more harm than good by putting the flag up. Again, I would like your opinions on this.

This is not a non-issue, this is an issue that is alive and well and has been for many years - a lot of people are GENUINELY offended by the flag, including most black people, and the flag portrays Walpole as unknowledgeable about simple historical facts. I find it amusing that people keep saying that this is a non-issue - if it was, then why does it keep coming up again and again and again by different people every few years. First it was NEASC in their 1988 Accreditation Report. Then it was Mike Amaral. Then it was me. Then it was The Boston Globe. Soon it might be the nation's first black president, Barack Obama.

This is not an issue of political correctness - again, a lot of people are GENUINELY offended by the flag, including most black people and even many whites. There is a reason why over the past several decades, the Rebel mascot has slowly been dying off in schools across the country. There is a reason why the Confederate flag was removed from the South Carolina State Capitol a few years ago and a South Carolina college basketball coach called it "embarrassing." There is a reason why the NAACP, one of the nation's premier Civil Rights organizations, considers the flag "no less than the noose itself." There is a reason why white hate organizations have been gloating over the fact that Mr. Finneran, in a Northern town, is brazenly putting up the Confederate flag all in the name of "Rebel Pride" and that some students actually support him.

I am not in support of changing the Rebel mascot name altogether. I vehemently support any effort to maintain the name and connect it to the Revolutionary War rebels, who fought bravely only a few miles from here. However, I have been on record saying that I feel the name should be changed if Mr. Finneran persists in keeping the flag up. At some point, I would support pulling the plug. He is ruining the Rebel mascot for the rest of us, and perhaps that is why we should be taking it away. But I support doing whatever it takes to show him that the rest of the community does not support what he has done.

I look forward to your comments.

[Unregistered]

this is excellent writing by Sam Obar, Walpole High Class of 2010.

Can you imagine any of your classmates at WHS doing such a thing as this in his senior year??

http://www.samobar.com/180/?x=entry:entry100529-093611

[Unregistered]

thousands of people visit walpole at our own sports venue, turco field. They should leave having a positive impression about the town of walpole. They don't. they just hear a lame speech from the school committee, and get to attend the event in front of an alumni's thumb-nosing. its pretty pathetic.

They leave with a negative feeling because 99 times out of a 100 they have just had their butts handed to them by a team of Rebels (or Porkers), once again, as they have year after year after year. What's pathetic is their belief that they can actually compete with our teams. Has nothing to do with a flag, because as you remember, those thousands of people left as losers many, many years before the flag showed up.

[Unregistered]

if suddenly visitors came to Turco and found out they totally renamed the team, I think they would say that Walpole finally came into the 21st century and did the right thing. will this happen? NO

OK, the title has nothing to do with anything, I learned it in first year torts.

Look, in the town of Natick, they decided to rename the team from the Redmen to the "Red and Blue" How lame is this. Are we going to be the Walpole "Blue and Orange" Yeah, we could get fired up about that name. You say "Will this happen? NO" I say thank goodness.

[Unregistered]

the comments from the League of the South blog in North Carolina supporting the "Rebel Cause" at Walpole High are priceless. How about starting a secessionist group here in Walpole?

http://lsrebellion.blogspot.com/2010/06/confederate-flag-near-walpole-hs-sparks.html

Regarding the comment from Walpole on Palmetto Patriots blog in South Carolina: Thank God someone knows where to put Rebel flags! How about working that out with Joe Finn?

http://slmnews.blogspot.com/2010/05/welcome-walpole-massachusetts-readers.html

again, thanks Joe, for making our town look like a bunch of braying asses.

this is actually becoming entertaining. Maybe the last sentence says it all: That should be the name for the new mascot! kudos to the walpolian that fired that salvo down south.

[Unregistered]

SamObar seems to be confusing two issues. Everyone in town could find the Confederate flag detestable, however, the man that owns the property still has the Constitutionally-protected right to display it. Until the governing authority determines that the Confederate Flag is so detestable that it represents hate speech, that will continue to be the case. Again, why not merely pull a large canteen truck in front of the offensive flag during WHS sporting events, so that specatators do not have to see it, and to facilitate fundraising? This is an entirely different issue than changing the nickname of the teams from the "Rebels." Where are the adult alumni friends of the unruly neighbor, telling him to knock it off? It doesn't reflect poorly on the town, just on this little man.

[Unregistered]

I look forward to your comments.

I'm fairly certain that I don't agree with your framing of the subject. The discussion has not been about the flag, per se, the discussion (at least for me) is about the lack of backbone of certain townsfolk who believe we need to change in order to appease the opinion of others. This is the "political correctness" factor that drives people crazy, why are we bending and changing what is ours for the simple fact that something out of our control is perceived to be one thing when it is another?

I personally don't give a rat's behind about the flag, I sympathize with those who are truly offended by the site of the flag but I will not have the name changed because of their ignorance on the subject. The school has done the right thing by letting visitors know that the flag is on private property and at that point the discussion ends.

So, to frame the discussion around something for which you cannot control, in my opinion, is the wrong way to go. The discussion should be about a rallying cry to get the word out that Walpole is united around the high school, it's students, and it's traditions, while being against the actions of citizens on both sides of the fence who's agenda is to stir the pot (yes, I'm looking at you Joe Finneran and also you Mike Amaral)

[Unregistered]

What's the big deal about changing the name? It's a recent "tradition" built at the feet of a successful football coach. In a community that is hundreds of years old.

I don't particularly care one way or the other, but it's interesting to me that people can be so vehemently and oftentimes irrationally opposed to changing the nickname of a sports team that has already had its nickname changed in most of their lifetimes.

[Unregistered]

I'm sorry. I have posted a few things on this thread, but I guess what it comes down to is that we've already removed the flag from the equation - from an "official" standpoint. So, is this issue merely that some guy that want's to draw attention to himself is hanging a confederate flag on his private property, and that this is in view of the playing field, even though this symbol is no longer associated with Walpole High School??

It's private property - he can do what he wants - no matter how stupid or misguided. Additionally, I'll bet half the posters that are so up in arms about this rarely go to an actual game, but if you do, and you happen to find yourself in the position of having to explain the intent of this guy's display to a visitor - which you probably won't - why not just say that it used to be the schools team symbol, but we got rid of it becuase it was offensive.

Legally, he can write whatever he wants into the Times, and he can hang whatever he wants in his yard. It's up to you whether or not you want let it bother you.

[Unregistered]

From Obars blog...

http://www.wdisam.com/images/pdfs/letters.pdf

read the letter from the 1990's by Steve Sprague, well known around Walpole as a member of the scholarship committee and a former Rebel football player. Sounds like a League of the South man to me!!

It is guys like Steve, Joe Finneran and their childish adulation of the Confederacy (and John Lee) that have made the Confederate associations at Walpole High School so everlasting.

Steve: where are your letters to the Walpole Times now, I wonder??

[Unregistered]

I'm sorry. I have posted a few things on this thread, but I guess what it comes down to is that we've already removed the flag from the equation - from an "official" standpoint. So, is this issue merely that some guy that want's to draw attention to himself is hanging a confederate flag on his private property, and that this is in view of the playing field, even though this symbol is no longer associated with Walpole High School??

It's private property - he can do what he wants - no matter how stupid or misguided. Additionally, I'll bet half the posters that are so up in arms about this rarely go to an actual game, but if you do, and you happen to find yourself in the position of having to explain the intent of this guy's display to a visitor - which you probably won't - why not just say that it used to be the schools team symbol, but we got rid of it becuase it was offensive.

Legally, he can write whatever he wants into the Times, and he can hang whatever he wants in his yard. It's up to you whether or not you want let it bother you.

All taxpayers have a say in this. Its not your private rebel sandbox, you know! any taxpayer in Walpole has a stake in what our town is perceived to be by outsiders. It can affect our property values. Its not about rah-rah team. Its about the town as a whole. Our athletes are our ambassadors to the outside world (other towns). All taxpayers have a right and a duty to stick their nose in your rebel sandbox. Personally its starting to smell like a used cat-box.

[Unregistered]

All taxpayers have a say in this. Its not your private rebel sandbox, you know! any taxpayer in Walpole has a stake in what our town is perceived to be by outsiders. It can affect our property values. Its not about rah-rah team. Its about the town as a whole. Our athletes are our ambassadors to the outside world (other towns). All taxpayers have a right and a duty to stick their nose in your rebel sandbox. Personally its starting to smell like a used cat-box.

I believe the term is "seagull management". Swoop in, make a lot of noise, defecate everywhere, leave with my sandwich.

I disagree that the name "Rebels" is affecting your home value, that's a bit of a stretch. The athletic programs are successful organizations that build confidence, teach life lessons, and offer a physical outlet for our teenagers, but according to the quoted poster, it smells like a used cat-box. Excellent. I suggest that if you are so concerned about the program then you should get involved from the inside to see what's going on rather than ignorantly criticizing it from the outside.

[Unregistered]

What does the sandbox comment mean? "It may affect our property values?" I believe many "Rebel" proponents have urged people to end this silly debate by putting it to a ballot. Other than that, what does a local displaying a flag have to do with your property values? A high school's nickname affects the value of your home? Gee, if only Dighton-Rehoboth would call themselves the "Diamonds" then I could flip tihis townhouse I'm underwater in? By the way, all the people in this town are "ambassadors to the outside world" not just the athletes! And most high school kids do not have to sign on to the same rules as the athletes do..read the police log sometime, and let us know how the stream of DUI's, minors under the influence, restraining orders, etc. affect your property values!

[Unregistered]

I believe the term is "seagull management". Swoop in, make a lot of noise, defecate everywhere, leave with my sandwich.

I disagree that the name "Rebels" is affecting your home value, that's a bit of a stretch. The athletic programs are successful organizations that build confidence, teach life lessons, and offer a physical outlet for our teenagers, but according to the quoted poster, it smells like a used cat-box. Excellent. I suggest that if you are so concerned about the program then you should get involved from the inside to see what's going on rather than ignorantly criticizing it from the outside.

you left out "...teach kids to be boorish hosts and wave confederate flags at their sporting events and make the whole town look like a bunch of braying asses." (picked up the braying asses from a previous post...excellent!)

Did it ever occur to you confederate flag supporters that you may increase adult participation (and funding) for local sports if you dumped this mascot, this theme? and if you all say that there are no confederate flags as part of Walpole High, what IS the mascot, the logo, the theme? It sure as hell is not a Revolutionary War one. No, there is a stinking ooze coming out of your boneheadedness on this issue. We all know what it is.

[sdobar]

I'm fairly certain that I don't agree with your framing of the subject. The discussion has not been about the flag, per se, the discussion (at least for me) is about the lack of backbone of certain townsfolk who believe we need to change in order to appease the opinion of others. This is the "political correctness" factor that drives people crazy, why are we bending and changing what is ours for the simple fact that something out of our control is perceived to be one thing when it is another?

I personally don't give a rat's behind about the flag, I sympathize with those who are truly offended by the site of the flag but I will not have the name changed because of their ignorance on the subject. The school has done the right thing by letting visitors know that the flag is on private property and at that point the discussion ends.

So, to frame the discussion around something for which you cannot control, in my opinion, is the wrong way to go. The discussion should be about a rallying cry to get the word out that Walpole is united around the high school, it's students, and it's traditions, while being against the actions of citizens on both sides of the fence who's agenda is to stir the pot (yes, I'm looking at you Joe Finneran and also you Mike Amaral)

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I wanted to make sure that everyone on WalpoleWords does NOT support what Mr. Finneran has done by putting the Confederate flag on his property. Is there anyone who does support him? Please speak up, I would like to hear your opinion.


SamObar seems to be confusing two issues. Everyone in town could find the Confederate flag detestable, however, the fool that owns the property still has the Constitutionally-protected right to display it. Until the governing authority determines that the Confederate Flag is so detestable that it represents hate speech, that will continue to be the case. Again, why not merely pull a large canteen truck in front of the offensive flag during WHS sporting events, so that specatators do not have to see it, and to facilitate fundraising? This is an entirely different issue than changing the nickname of the teams from the "Rebels." Where are the adult alumni friends of the unruly neighbor, telling him to knock it off? It doesn't reflect poorly on the town, just on this little man.

I agree - the school should do more to disassociate our sports teams from the flag but there is only so much that can be done. When a sign with a disclaimer was put up in front of the flag the sign was vandalized very soon after. Furthermore, disclaimers are only read at football games and not at most other WHS sporting events that use Turco Field. If you put up a fence or park a truck in front of the flag, he will only fly the flag higher. That still doesn't avoid the problem of students bringing Confederate flags to games, which they have done in recent years. At some point, I fear that a decision needs to be made about whether the flag should come down or the mascot name should be changed altogether (which I am not formally advocating for at this point.)

The flag does reflect poorly on this town, not just the man. He has put the flag up in such a way that it overlooks school property and can be seen from nearly every part of Turco Field. It reflects very poorly on every one of us, in my opinion.

[Unregistered]

you left out "...teach kids to be boorish hosts and wave confederate flags at their sporting events and make the whole town look like a bunch of braying asses." (picked up the braying asses from a previous post...excellent!)

Did it ever occur to you confederate flag supporters that you may increase adult participation (and funding) for local sports if you dumped this mascot, this theme? and if you all say that there are no confederate flags as part of Walpole High, what IS the mascot, the logo, the theme? It sure as hell is not a Revolutionary War one. No, there is a stinking ooze coming out of your boneheadedness on this issue. We all know what it is.

The "boorish kids" that you refer to are not the athletes on the field. It's a bit difficult to wave a flag in the stands when you're on the field playing a game.

And I love how my inability to agree with your stance on the subject relegates me to boneheadedness (not an actual word, btw). It's called a difference of opinion.

Adult participation has much more to do with children in the program than it does with private citizen flag displays or team names. It's quite apparent that you have nothing to do with the athletic programs, nor would you ever, regardless of the conditions. You're a seagull manager. Swoop away, please, while others actively participate for the betterment of the young adults in Walpole.

[Unregistered]

you left out "...teach kids to be boorish hosts and wave confederate flags at their sporting events and make the whole town look like a bunch of braying asses." (picked up the braying asses from a previous post...excellent!)

Clearly, you have nothing to do with nor have any interest in learning about the athletic programs here in Walpole. You really should step off your soap box, take your head out of the sand and get to know some of these kids. The ones I know have a lot more dignity and character than I can detect in your inflamatory posts.

[Unregistered]

Does it occur to Mr. Obar et al that even if the nickname were changed, the Confederate flag would still be flown by the offending neighbor? What then? What windmill shall we tilt at? Perhaps the enlightened crowd will now decide what rights the townsfolk are to be given? Or perhaps they are "privileges" and not "rights"?? And before you reply that the Confederate Flag would look silly waving over the field where the Walpole Walrus now play..doesn't it already look like a silly gesture?

[Unregistered]

Does it occur to Mr. Obar et al that even if the nickname were changed, the Confederate flag would still be flown by the offending neighbor? What then? What windmill shall we tilt at? Perhaps the enlightened crowd will now decide what rights the townsfolk are to be given? Or perhaps they are "privileges" and not "rights"?? And before you reply that the Confederate Flag would look silly waving over the field where the Walpole Walrus now play..doesn't it already look like a silly gesture?

The students have had their consciousness raised, and aren't falling for your type of rhetoric anymore. Kids are amazing: They can figure out a dumb argument even if its made by the town fathers themselves.

If your only means of commentary is via anonymous postings on this website, then half the battle is won.

[Sparky]

Gawd, some of you think that people from other towns are really judging Walpole on this issue. You don't think they are smart enough to realize that this only newsworthy because one isolated "rebel" is fanning the flames of controversy? "Honey, I'd like to buy that nice house in Walpole, but it turns out there's this one guy who lives next to the high school that flies a confederate flag." Believe me, they are far more likely to judge us on our fan behavior during the actual games, because that is much more reflective of the characteristics and demography of the town.

[Unregistered]

it looks like Michelle Bolton at the Globe is on a mission.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/06/10/walpole_students_petition_homeowner_flying_confede rate_flag/

[Unregistered]

The Globe is desperate for readers, so they'll sensationalize anything these days. What's funny about it is, the Globe gave up on local news a long time ago (the Herald does a much better job there), but as a liberal slant rag is want to do, they love to point the "racist" finger.

[Unregistered]

http://www.wickedlocal.com/walpole/news/opinions/letters/x669150252/Letter-Walpole-should-dissociate-itself-from-Rebel-mascot

Looks like amaral is bucking for citizen of the year again.

[Unregistered]

The Globe is desperate for readers, so they'll sensationalize anything these days. What's funny about it is, the Globe gave up on local news a long time ago (the Herald does a much better job there), but as a liberal slant rag is want to do, they love to point the "racist" finger.

racists in walpole love what joe finneran is doing. I've heard it straight from the braying asses mouths.

Keep it up joe!

Don't forget, if it wasn't for the Globe, the catholic church would be doing "business as usual" wouldn't it?

[Unregistered]

Gawd, some of you think that people from other towns are really judging Walpole on this issue. You don't think they are smart enough to realize that this only newsworthy because one isolated "rebel" is fanning the flames of controversy? "Honey, I'd like to buy that nice house in Walpole, but it turns out there's this one guy who lives next to the high school that flies a confederate flag." Believe me, they are far more likely to judge us on our fan behavior during the actual games, because that is much more reflective of the characteristics and demography of the town.

What you are missing here is that there is a movement at Walpole High School by students who are against Mr. Finneran, and they seem to be in the majority.

You may not be offended by the Confederate flag display, but visiting athletes, fans and Coaches have definitely been offended by it. They are probably the ones that put the Globe up to this.

This is going on all over the place, including at Ole Miss, the University of Mississippi.

http://mascot.olemiss.edu/

[Unregistered]

racists in walpole love what joe finneran is doing. I've heard it straight from the braying asses mouths.

Keep it up joe!

Don't forget, if it wasn't for the Globe, the catholic church would be doing "business as usual" wouldn't it?

And there you are. Liberals love to call people who disagree with them, "racists". Next up should the be the old "Nazi" label. You see you can't argue with a liberal, they eventually will throw around the racist card.

[Unregistered]

And there you are. Liberals love to call people who disagree with them, "racists". Next up should the be the old "Nazi" label. You see you can't argue with a liberal, they eventually will throw around the racist card.

No matter what side you stand on this issue, you have to admit: Racists in Walpole love Joe Finneran and the Walpole Rebel controversy. No one "loves" throwing around the racist card. Is it a fact people that racists get a bonus from The General Lee Confederate flag wavers in Walpole? They LOVE it. And they can always claim: "Were not Racists, were just Walpole Rebels Fans".

http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t711747/

Stormfront.org, a white power website gives Walpole a hearty "Go Rebels" on their message board.

Its only going to get worse, folks.

[Unregistered]

No matter what side you stand on this issue, you have to admit: Racists in Walpole love Joe Finneran and the Walpole Rebel controversy. No one "loves" throwing around the racist card. Is it a fact people that racists get a bonus from The General Lee Confederate flag wavers in Walpole? They LOVE it. And they can always claim: "Were not Racists, were just Walpole Rebels Fans".

http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t711747/

Stormfront.org, a white power website gives Walpole a hearty "Go Rebels" on their message board.

Its only going to get worse, folks.

I HAVE to admit it? Admit what? Who are the racists that you've talked to? What are their opinions on the matter?

You see, what I have to admit is that you have no clue what other people think. You are ABSOLUTELY not out there finding people who are racists and asking them anything. You're sitting at your keyboard and you are ASSUMING something, but you really don't know what you're talking about. You are labeling people and you are declaring that these people who you don't know think a certain way. You're using inflammatory rhetoric, and you're just making it up.

A logical person would then ask the next question, "what is the motive?" What is your motive for doing such a thing? What do you gain by lying this way? I don't know. You could tell us, but I doubt that will happen. You will continue to throw bombs and you will continue to declare that Walpole is full of racists, but in the end there is no upside there is only conflict.

Congratulations. You've helped nothing and you've caused a problem. For no reason.

[Unregistered]

I HAVE to admit it? Admit what? Who are the racists that you've talked to? What are their opinions on the matter?

You see, what I have to admit is that you have no clue what other people think. You are ABSOLUTELY not out there finding people who are racists and asking them anything. You're sitting at your keyboard and you are ASSUMING something, but you really don't know what you're talking about. You are labeling people and you are declaring that these people who you don't know think a certain way. You're using inflammatory rhetoric, and you're just making it up.

A logical person would then ask the next question, "what is the motive?" What is your motive for doing such a thing? What do you gain by lying this way? I don't know. You could tell us, but I doubt that will happen. You will continue to throw bombs and you will continue to declare that Walpole is full of racists, but in the end there is no upside there is only conflict.

Congratulations. You've helped nothing and you've caused a problem. For no reason.

The world is spinning, moving, and changing around you. Progress, growth, and change cannot be stopped. No matter how angry you get. No matter how desperately you hold on to the past. You really appear, through your keyboard, to be unraveling. I sincerely believe you could use some kind of help.

Here is a big liberal hug coming your way from a newcomer who dislikes dirty business, is willing to pay taxes, and welcomes new ideas. Yes, I wish even you well. I really do. I feel badly for how angry you seem and how out of control the world seems to you. Try to let go, and embrace the change. It doesn't make the past any less real or wonderful. But it does make the present better, and the future full of all the posibility you can dream of!

Try it:)

[Unregistered]

The world is spinning, moving, and changing around you. Progress, growth, and change cannot be stopped. No matter how angry you get. No matter how desperately you hold on to the past. You really appear, through your keyboard, to be unraveling. I sincerely believe you could use some kind of help.

Here is a big liberal hug coming your way from a newcomer who dislikes dirty business, is willing to pay taxes, and welcomes new ideas. Yes, I wish even you well. I really do. I feel badly for how angry you seem and how out of control the world seems to you. Try to let go, and embrace the change. It doesn't make the past any less real or wonderful. But it does make the present better, and the future full of all the posibility you can dream of!

Try it:)

I'm not sure how you're finding anger in my written post, but I do see how you like to add diversions to the topic. Now anyone who disagrees with your opinion is an angry racist. Can we add Carnival Mind Reader to your resume, or will you admit that you're just making stuff up as you go along?

[Unregistered]

I'm not sure how you're finding anger in my written post, but I do see how you like to add diversions to the topic. Now anyone who disagrees with your opinion is an angry racist. Can we add Carnival Mind Reader to your resume, or will you admit that you're just making stuff up as you go along?

You will not find the word "racist" any where is my post. Nor do I even address the "rebel flag" issue. Looks like the only one making things up and looking for diversions is you:)

Try being happy. Let ypurself go. You might like it.

[Unregistered]

I'm not sure how you're finding anger in my written post, but I do see how you like to add diversions to the topic. Now anyone who disagrees with your opinion is an angry racist. Can we add Carnival Mind Reader to your resume, or will you admit that you're just making stuff up as you go along?

nice try. its not going to work.

as the previous poster said: a change is gonna come. Its not a negative one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbO2_077ixs

[Unregistered]

I'm not sure how you're finding anger in my written post, but I do see how you like to add diversions to the topic. Now anyone who disagrees with your opinion is an angry racist. Can we add Carnival Mind Reader to your resume, or will you admit that you're just making stuff up as you go along?

if you have complaints about mr. amaral and his crowd, why don't you address them to the board of selectmen? he is a town official, appointed by them. perhaps they agree with you and can arrange for his dismissal.