On Mon, 17 Mar 1997 20:17:52 -0800 (PST) Jeff Gilligan
<jeffgill at teleport.com> writes:
>
>Lets get serious. The name "Oldsquaw" is the offical name of the
species
>in North America. I believe that the bird is named because it makes a
>call that sounds to some like "old squaw" on its breeding grounds.
>There is nothing inherently derogatory in the word "squaw".

I agree. I am of Native American descent (Abenaki), and a feminist, and
do not find the name "oldsquaw" to be offensive in the least. Rather, I
find the name to be colorful and interesting.
I believe that "political correctness" can be carried too far.

Cathi Pelletier
Waterbury, CT
Heronwing at juno.com