Attacks on Columbus driven by hate

Diminishing the brave explorer’s achievements does nothing to advance the cause of indigenous people

History is history and Christopher Columbus ushered in the European “Age of Discovery” in 1492.

Although there may have been many forays by previous explorers, Asians, Vikings, etc., into what is now known as the Americas; it was following Christopher Columbus’ exploration into the “New World” which, yes, was inhabited by what we call indigenous people, that expanded worldwide European civilization. Discovering the discovered is still discovery. There has been a movement afoot for some time (since 1954) to eliminate Columbus Day (first celebrated in 1938) as a national holiday. It has become fashionable for some people, through ignorance of history and the influence of revisionists’ historic propaganda to bash Christopher Columbus and his accomplishments.

What this reveals, in fact, is a hidden agenda to express hatred of the Italian-American and/or His- panic people in a socially acceptable manner.

The Spanish brought with them horses, cattle, sheep, cats and other animals, and other types of agriculture that had never been seen here before.

Plus the wheel, ironwork tools, a rule of equality under the law and a unifying language, among many other things.

They brought Western Civilization to the New World. This is significant! Something to celebrate, not try to erase.

Outside groups have strived repeatedly and relentlessly to eradicate the honoring of Columbus and his substantial contributions to world history.

Vilifying Spain, its people and the Roman Catholic Church does not change the fact that his achievements were amazing. Was he a perfect man, no, but who is?

This mariner’s audacity, perseverance, constancy, vision, and competence in his profession in confronting uncharted seas is worthy of extreme honor.

Columbus Day is a federal and a state holiday. However, here at Albuquerque Public Schools, it was obliquely eliminated in favor of nothing. (Actually, now simply a four day “Fall Holiday” weekend).

On Wednesday the Albuquerque City Council voted to substitute Columbus Day for Indigenous People Day. Erasing history? How sad.

Perhaps Indigenous Day is a good idea, but let us not be deceived that it must be on October 12 and no other.

Why insist on this day when there are so many other days from which to choose? It does not honorably serve one to diminish another.

This movement to eliminate a day set aside to honor Christopher Columbus, who sailing west to encounter Asia, first stumbled across the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492 — he made four trips to the New World, changing the history of the world for all time — should not continue.

Let us not be a party to revisionist hate.