What's in a Code Name?

The ubiquity of political correctness gets a lot of people in hot water these days. Some of these people don't know any better (yes, this is true), some people don't think before they speak and some just don't think it matters. If one is in the public eye, sensitivity to the feelings of all people and awareness of right and wrong is essential. It is more than an issue of being polite. Being respectful of people's race, religion, ethnic background and beliefs should be an obvious and intentional way of interaction.

I do not know how military code names are selected. What is the meaning of the code name? What is the intent? Would I be politically incorrect if I said that those "military types" are playing cowboys and Indians? Of course, when I was reading the newspaper article that morning when the execution of Osama bin Laden was announced, I did not really think anything of it when I saw the code name "Geronimo". I just kept on reading. Then later, I read that there was an uproar over the use of the Apache chief's name, and I thought "huh? What's the big deal?" Now granted, it was very early in the morning and I was not fully awake. Obviously this is a big deal to the native Americans. They feel the use of Geronimo's name, for one reason, equates him with the terrorist bin Laden. To the Apaches, Geronimo is a hero.

Now all those years ago, Geronimo evaded the American cavalry. He was said to be able to walk without leaving footprints. Bin Laden had evaded the military for 10 years. Whatever the reason for the choice of the name of Geronimo for this particular mission, a large percentage of our population has been insulted. Does a code name really matter? An evil person has been executed, mission accomplished. Will Geronimo's name and memory be tarnished because of the association with this mission?  My only answer can be: I hope not. This is a regrettable and disappointing situation.

What do you think?

Geronimo

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