Understand that there are those, mostly academics, who judge Columbus, the
man, by the supposed moral standards of
today. They see Columbus as the
beginning of an unjust political system that remains in need of serious
correction, “fundamental transformation,”
if you will.
William J. Connell, Professor of History and holder of the Joseph
M. and Geraldine C. La Motta Chair in Italian Studies at Seton Hall University,
presents a factual review of Columbus Day and what it was intended to mean to
this country. In concluding his written remarks, Prof. Connell, includes these words.
Speaking of Christopher Columbus, the man, Professor Cornnell continues: So much for his ethnicity. What about his moral standing? In
the late 19th century an international movement, led by a French priest, sought
to have Columbus canonized for bringing Christianity to the New World. To the
Catholic Church’s credit, this never got very far. It sometimes gets overlooked
in current discussions that we neither commemorate Columbus’s birthday (as was
the practice for Presidents Washington and Lincoln, and as we now do with
Martin Luther King, Jr.) nor his death date (which is when Christian saints are
memorialized), but rather the date of his arrival in the New World. The
historical truth about Columbus—the short version suitable for reporters who
are pressed for time—is that Columbus was Italian, but he was no
saint.
The holiday marks the event, not the person. What Columbus
gets criticized for nowadays are attitudes that were typical of the European
sailing captains and merchants who plied the Mediterranean and the Atlantic in
the 15th century. Within that group he was unquestionably a man of daring and
unusual ambition. But what really mattered was his landing on San Salvador,
which was a momentous, world-changing occasion such as has rarely happened in
human history. Sounds to me like a pretty good excuse for taking a day off from
work. . . . . . you should read the full article, here, at The American Scholar.
Obama's Official Columbus Day tribute:
As dawn broke over the Atlantic on October 12, 1492, a
perilous 10-week journey across an ocean gave way to encounters and events that
would dramatically shape the course of history. Today, we recall the courage
and the innovative spirit that carried Christopher Columbus and his crew from a
Spanish port to North America, and we celebrate our heritage as a people born
of many histories and traditions.
When the explorers laid anchor in the Bahamas, they met
indigenous peoples who had inhabited the Western hemisphere for millennia. As
we reflect on the tragic burdens tribal communities bore in the years that
followed, let us commemorate the many contributions they have made to the
American experience, and let us continue to strengthen the ties that bind us
today.
At this point in Obama's statement, he makes the implicit point that America and its resident population, were actually invaded by the Europeans. Understand that the American Indian was mistreated, often, in the worst ways imaginable. What complicates the problem, however, besides the fact that the indigenous population was as terribly violent as those whom they fought against, is the fact that the American Indian was a nomad, moving from one locale to another, never staying at a particular location long enough to develop it as a monument to their society. Today, we call these monuments, "townships," or "cities." The indigenous population of North America lived off the land, and had no concerns for regional or territorial conquest. Initially, they simply wanted to protect their way of life. In time, however, their attitudes changed in the face of an increasing white population and the rest is history. I won't continue the discussion, here, but, know this: anti-colonialist such as B Hussein Obama, do not treat American history fairly, in this matter. In Obama's statement, he makes no mention, no hint, at having moved on past the American/Indian wars. The good news is this, Obama did not take the discussion "over the cliff," in this statement, and neither will I - blog editor.
In the centuries since that fateful October day in 1492,
countless pioneering Americans have summoned the same spirit of discovery that
drove Christopher Columbus when he cast off from Palos, Spain, to pursue the
unknown. Engineers and entrepreneurs, sailors and scientists, explorers of the
physical world and chroniclers of the human spirit — all have worked to broaden
our understanding of the time and space we live in and who we are as a people.
On this 520th anniversary of Columbus’s expedition to the West, let us press
forward with renewed determination toward tomorrow’s new frontiers.
As a native of Genoa, Italy, Christopher Columbus also
inspired generations of Italian immigrants to follow in his footsteps. Today,
we take time to celebrate the innumerable contributions that generations of
Italian Americans have made to our country. Throughout 2013, Italy will also
commemorate this rich heritage and the enduring bonds between our countries
with the Year of Italian Culture in the United States, which Americans will
join in celebrating.
In commemoration of Christopher Columbus’s historic voyage
520 years ago, the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934, and
modified in 1968 (36 U.S.C. 107), as amended, has requested the President
proclaim the second Monday of October of each year as “Columbus Day.”
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 8, 2012, as Columbus Day. I call
upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate
ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be
displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of our diverse
history and all who have contributed to shaping this Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, fifth day of October, in two thousand
twelve, and United States of America
I have hereunto set my hand this the year of our Lord of the
Independence of the two hundred and thirty-seventh.
BARACK OBAMA
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