This is late, because I haven’t updated in a while, but I kinda like it so I’m posting it.
Some people have objections to the celebration of Columbus Day – the man was, after all, an immoral liar, mass murdered, and beneficiary of one of the most undeserved lucky mistakes in human history.
I, however, don’t mind Columbus Day (and not because we don’t get school off (we didn’t this year) or because I just don’t care (though that is partially true)) because I see it as standing for something else. Columbus’ dream was a mistaken one, his “discovery,” to be blunt, was not one, and his actions were disreputable at best.
But Columbus Day is a day to celebrate impossible dreams, unforeseen discoveries, and powerful actions. It is a day when an event which shifted the course of a continent is commemorated. Columbus was no hero – few truly are – and perhaps his name does not deserve to adorn a holiday. But this seems to me an unimportant distinction. Yes, the day is named for Columbus. But the day doesn’t mean Columbus.
Columbus Day was this week. Following in the footsteps of a 15th century Italian madman, let us dream, let us discover, let us act.