Columbus Day History, Date, and Controversy
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I must say a huge THANK YOU to commentor, Samantha, who left her comment on October 12, 2020. Everything she said is so true! I wish we could all read her thoughts about the founding of the Americas. I would add that I think our imbecilic government did the wrong thing in renaming Columbus Day as Indigenous Peoples Day. They should have contacted the leaders of the Native American Tribes (both here and in Canada), allowed them to pick a day that would mean something to them as a culture, and made that day Native American Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, whatever the natives would like it to be called. Now, we Americans have just another thing to gripe about and undoubtedly it will overflow into the Native American community. The government (and others) are no doubt trying to create division in all of us, even in something as a remembrance holiday. Shameful.
Since I'm Scottish and my ancestors were deported in prison ships after the battle of Dunbar (we lost, by the way), I can honestly say that I'm grateful to be an American and I'm grateful that there were Vikings and other intrepid explorers like Columbus that allowed my ancestors to settle here, even if it was against their will. There's a bit of MicMac in my Scottish ancestors so I suggest, since many of us came here from somewhere else, that rather than try to change history, we grant the real people of this country their own honorable and well deserved day. Humans are humans. We all came here from someplace else, even the indigenous people across the land bridge from Siberia.
Well, its like this. We know that when anyone, anywhere 'discovers' something, things change. Are they all good things? Not always. And although I agree with the fact that those coming to the Americas did some awful things, so did those that live here as well. If we are going to be honest here, lets be honest. Also, back then, understanding was different. Which is why things were done the way they were done. No, things were not always done well. But its like when you are new parents, you make your mistakes and as you learn and grow as a parent, you look back and see that you could have done some things differently, better... but you cannot go back and change them now, you can just go forward.
As long as we look at one another as humans with feelings and cares and that all were made equally, then we can start to move forward. There is no reason for hostility when you explain why you feel things should change, there is no reason for anger or vengeance. That does not change anything, it just makes things worse. As much as some might try, we cannot change history, it is what it is and if we try to erase it, we will end up making the same mistakes over and over again. (its like doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results)
But, if we move forward, being reminded that each person is an individual with great potential,
and great cares, and we help one another out when needed, you will see a different world then the one we even currently have. It is sad to see that some think hate towards one another will change anything. It only makes it worse. We can all work together and find grace towards one another and kindness. But it starts with you, and it starts with me. Not sparing for a fight, or picking one, but actually working at getting along. There is no need for everyone to agree on everything, that won't always happen, but we can still get along even if we do not agree. But when we push and threaten and fight, it only causes things to stay the same. And then, aren't you doing what you say you hate most about what happened in past history? As I said, if you try to erase history, you are bound to repeat it. I see it happening today in what is going on in the states. It is a very sad commentary. Hate begets hate. That will never change.
Very well said, Samantha...
Unfortunately, people are sheep (as God has said, in Isaiah 53:6).
The sheep have strayed (from Him), to follow the loudest & most divisive voices...(thinking that it's their own path).
But the One prophesied of during the ancient days, has come and by His death & resurrection, has opened the path of return to God; He alone is the peace we all seek, but too often deny.
All of humanity is distinct from one another; yet all made in the image of God...giving each dignity!
But as (dumb) sheep, many use their free will, not only to defy the Creator of all; but to denigrate others.
Young people, at great expense to their parents, have been brainwashed; thinking that they think for themselves, while being manipulated by the loudest & most manipulative voices...and the powers that be.
Very well said! Thank you for this comment.
"The purpose of Indigenous Peoples’ Day is not to erase Columbus Day from history..."
Then why is it celebrated on the same day, and why have some governments just straight up changed the name? Seems like they're trying to replace it to me.
To celebrate Columbus Day is to celebrate Genocide Day.
Ostensibly,the purpose of Columbus Day was to honor Italian-Americans. I just wish that instead of the monster and hypocrite Columbus, they would have chosen Galileo, an astronomer. He was no killer, nor a slaver, and his discoveries in space contributed to science in a major way. Now THAT person, Galileo would have been ideal to represent Italy. And look into ' The Doctrine of Discovery,' and the Papal Bulls instigating Columbus and his ilk. Have Galileo Day AND Indigenous Day.
I am not an indigenous person. My people came from Sweden by way of Canada. I am an American and I love my country, but I can't say I'm proud of how the Europeans came and declared this land theirs. Let me ask you this. If you were comfy in your recliner watching tv in your house that you have cared for and love, and suddenly someone came through your door, looked around, and said "Yes, I love it here!!", this is our house now and you people are going to have to move somewhere else. We will even give you a little shed to live in! How would you feel about that? I would want to fight to keep my house. I know you can't stop progress, I just wish it didn't have to be cruel.
I do not celebrate this holiday, which has wreaked havoc on our native Americans, the first people. Columbus and his troops killed them, enslaved them, and brought diseases to this new land to which the natives had no immunity! This to me was a crime of inhumanity. Instead, I celebrate Indigenous People's Day, and I am not a native American, but I am humanitarian. And did you know that Vermont does not celebrate Columbus Day? It is a work and school day for the state.
