New York Town Votes To Keep Its Name As ‘Swastika’

A town in upstate New York has voted to to keep its controversial name as Swastika, claiming that it has nothing to do with the Nazis.

According to CNN, the they argued the town was named after a Sanskrit word that translates to “well-being.”

“We regret that individuals, out of the area, that lack the knowledge of the history of our community become offended when they see the name,” Jon Douglass said to CNN. “To the members of our community, that the board represents, it is the name that their ancestors chose.”

“I think that’s probably, maybe some viewpoint that it’s associated with hate. But then I believe there are others that do not associate it with hate,” Douglass added. “Did the Hindus and the [Buddhists] and all them, did they erase it from their religious history because of the Germans?”

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The change was initially requested by a cyclist who would often pass through the area.

“I think it should be obvious that the town should update its name and should pick a name that is not so offensive to so many Americans and so emblematic of intolerance, hate, and tyranny,” Michael Alcamo said to NPR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWbkBBnlooQ