Squaw / Piestewa Peak

by Nick Coons
Apr 23, 2003

I never thought it had a chance. I figured the whole thing would just blow over. The idea of renaming Squaw Peak in this situation seemed so ridiculous, I'm surprised, and disappointed, that it actually happened.

Let me preface this entire argument by saying that I think the men and women that put their lives on the line for our country to protect our freedoms are some amazing people. And it's very tragic when one is killed in combat. I think everyone agrees with this, which is why our tradition of remembering our troops and celebrating their lives through memorials continues, and probably will continue on into the future.

But Lori Piestewa was not the only one who was killed. She was not the only one from Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

who was killed. The other troops who were killed in combat will not have the honor of having geographical landmarks named after them, but they are no less honorable.

It seems that with a decision such as this, we are catering specifically either to women or to minorities and that the other troops who have passed are not as worthy of remembering.

The standard five-year process for renaming the peak was completely circumvented. There's a reason we have a five-year waiting period before making such decisions -- It's so decisions aren't made based on emotions; they should instead be based on facts. This is not a decision that six people (5 - 1 vote in favor) should be able to make so quickly.

Let's follow the procedure. Put it back the way it was. And if certain individuals feel that the name should be changed, then put it on the 2008 ballot and let the people vote on it.