Free Republic

The controversial issue of the Rebels nickname for athletic teams at Walpole High has simmered for many years. Like many matters of racial tension, it has come to a boil in recent weeks. On Thursday night, the Walpole School Committee voted unanimously 9-0 to cease use of the name due to the negative connotations of the Rebels nickname, which opponents argue remains closely associated with the Confederacy and its racist legacy.

WALPOLE — The School Committee took steps Thursday night to distance itself from a Confederate flag overlooking the high school athletic field, voting to permanently block the rebel emblem flying on private property with a public banner emblazoned with a big W and with a second banner printed with a disavowal of the divisive symbol. “Walpole is not a racist town and does not want to be perceived that way,” School Committee chairwoman Nancy Gallivan said before the unanimous vote.

CIA: Attacks May Come From TrucksMissile Threat Still LingersPosted: 9:10 p.m. EST March 11, 2002 Updated: 10:18 p.m. EST March 11, 2002 WASHINGTON -- A CIA official said terrorists are more likely to use a truck than a missile to launch attacks on the US. But Robert Walpole told a Senate committee Monday that the missile threat is still greater than it was quot;during most of the Cold War.'' Walpole believes the threat will continue to grow quot;as the capabilities of potential adversaries mature.'' Walpole said there are several advantages to weapons delivered without missiles. He said they are quot;are...