The traditional Columbus Day, the anniversary of the date Columbus first set foot in the Western Hemisphere, is Oct. 12. It is now celebrated as a Federal holiday on the second Monday in October, which makes it today, Oct. 8, this year.
Those who hate western civilization and its effects no longer celebrate Columbus Day. They cite the horrible things which happened to the indigenous populations, aka “Indian tribes.”
Others who admire western civilization and its manifold accomplishments continue to recognize the contribution of that enterprising Genoese gentleman, and his royal Spanish employers. We nevertheless recognize it came at a substantial human cost to all involved, including to the indigenous peoples.
Needless to say, COTTonLINE falls in this latter category. We honor Columbus and the spread of what is now called “western” civilization, but might more rightly be called English colonial culture, to North America and parts of the Caribbean. The world is a better place because it happened.
The Spanish/Portuguese colonial legacy in Central and South America is a more mixed blessing. It is charming and graceful to be sure, but too often violent, corrupt and caudillo-spawning for our taste.
