My name is Kevin Kruckeberg and I am a former Chief of the Apache Tribe in

the Prairie Nation from the Beuhler YMCA in Palatine, Illinois. The news I

have heard regarding the YMCA's decision to drop the Native American theme

for the program is disturbing. The move is a transparent concession to

political correctness. Our use of, and references to American Indian

spiritual values have encouraged diversity of race and religion in our ranks

and spawns good natured competition between tribes. It promotes respect for

nature and for those who are different. The theme in no way has disparaged

the original peoples of this country, in fact it promotes recognition of

their finest works.

Shame on the decision-makers for the revised program. They haven't the

backbones to be "Indians", and only they should be prohibited from using the

reference. Maybe the Boy Scouts could pick up the theme, as they certainly

have no problem fighting for what they feel is important. The Young Men's

Christian Association has shown me these four things:

1. They are really not Young

2. They certainly are not Men.

3. They don't have the courage of Christians

4. They don't appear to want to maintain an Association.

Regardless of what the YMCA does, I will remain Full Moon the Apache Sachem

and my kids will enjoy the program as it is until they graduate. Good luck

with the new "Y-worry" program.