Incredible arrogance – Fedgov and more: the Swastika Lake saga continues

Once a quiet alpine lake hidden in Wyoming’s rugged backcountry west of Laramie, “Swastika Lake” is now at the center of a heated national debate. While its recent name change was supposed to address the symbol’s disturbing modern associations, many people are not happy—and tourists should pay attention. Here are some reasons this scenic spot is making headlines:

In 2024, a quiet Wyoming lake became the focus of significant debate. Known as “Swastika Lake” for decades, the U.S. Board on Geographic Names renamed it, based on a request from someone in California, and pushed by a wealthy sports franchise owner in New Jersey. And a few Wyomingite who share those people’s philosophy. This decision was part of an effort to address the negative associations many have with the symbol today. The change sparked conversations among people who cherished the name for its historical roots and for the symbol’s original (millenia-long) meaning, long before any sinister connotations arose.

Longtime residents of Wyoming (and many others) know that the lake’s original name was from the swastika’s ancient symbolism: good luck and harmony. Before WW2, this symbol was widely appreciated across various cultures for its positive connotations. For these people, the name was a nostalgic nod to the past. Nothing to do with Hitler and National Socialism. Why should we not preserve a piece of cultural heritage? Many believe that the name should serve as a window into the times before the Dritte Reich. It’s a reminder of the symbol’s origins, not its later infamous use.

Some in the vicinity claim a lack of consultation before the name change: the record may support that. Many feel that the State and federal authorities acted arbitrarily, bowing to political correctness, and disregarding the voices of those who are most connected to the land. Many people (local and traditional users of the land) believe their insights and historical understanding could have, should have been part of the decision-making process. The decision, seemingly top-down, contrasts with Wyoming values of collaboration and community engagement, No surprise we have discontent now.

Tourists navigating the scenic trails around the lake find themselves amidst conflicting names. While some maps and GPS systems have updated to “Westside Lake,” many trail signs and older guides still reference “Swastika Lake.” To further confuse things, many wanted it named “Knight Lake” for a well-known local historical figure. Typical, no? The confusion creates risks to many things, including response and personal safety. Outdoor enthusiasts, drawn by the lake’s pristine beauty, are still debating over the correct name. The clash of old and new reflects broader tensions, as visitors are inadvertently swept into this local controversy. And think they have as much voice as locals.

For some, changing the lake’s name is rewriting history. Altering names risks losing touch with historical context. Some say instead of renaming, efforts should focus on providing context and education about the symbol’s historical significance. This is much broader: the wisdom of heritage preservation is swept away by progressive change. All sides of the issue try to force understanding of history, and use government power to do so.

Not all locals are resistant to the lake’s new name. Some community members, particularly from Indigenous and minority groups, have welcomed the change. For these advocates, the name ‘Swastika’ stood as a painful reminder of oppression and hate. The renaming is seen as a step towards a more inclusive society, one that acknowledges the hurt such symbols can cause. This shift in nomenclature is appreciated as an opportunity to foster understanding and respect among different cultural groups, highlighting the dynamic nature of cultural symbols and their evolving meanings.

Swastika Lake joins a growing list of natural landmarks across the U.S. that have undergone renaming processes. Another example is the “former” Swastika Mountain, near Eugene, Oregon and now renamed “Mount Halo.” This trend reflects an ongoing effort to address names deemed offensive or outdated. Mountains, rivers, and valleys have been reassessed, leading to national discussions about the stories these names tell. The movement highlights the power of names in shaping cultural identity and collective memory. As more locations reconsider their names, the complexity of balancing historical acknowledgment with modern sensibilities becomes increasingly apparent.

Tourist agencies claim they are trying to be “neutral.” But too many who are the powers behind the tourism agenda have their own agenda which they are pushing. They claim (without much merit) that things like this drive away tourists and damage the local economy. And those outside supporters clearly want to impose their own (West Coast and East Coast) ideals and standards on Wyoming: that sports owner, reportedly a Jew and of course against antisemitism, claims that to keep the old name was antisemitic!

The debate over Swastika Lake’s name is emblematic of larger cultural and political tensions. As with many name changes across the country, it surfaces deeper issues around heritage, identity, and modern values. The backlash is fueled by differing perspectives on what it means to honor history while embracing change. Some see the renaming as progress, while others view it as unnecessary. This divide highlights the complexities of navigating cultural evolution, where symbols and names are battlegrounds for broader societal debates. Keep in mind that the name did not rile anyone enough to demand change until almost 80 years after the demise of the National Socialist German Workers Party, and indeed more than a century after the NSDAP adopted the symbol. Do some people believe that Wyoming is now a fascist State because of this lake?

This is not new, of course: the following clips from 1940 demonstrate that: political correctness and false narratives have been around for a long, long time.

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Source: https://freedombunker.com/2025/08/08/incredible-arrogance-fedgov-and-more-the-swastika-lake-saga-continues/