THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 4, 1995 TAG: 9510040008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
In 1977, Congress designated the second Monday in October a federal holiday in honor of Christopher Columbus. Only 15 years later, the 500th anniversary of his arrival was virtually ignored. How did he go from hero to bum so quickly?
Here's the reason. The gurus of political correctness have found that Columbus was personally responsible for desecrating the wilderness on two whole continents.
Even worse, he introduced the indigenous people of this strange land to that great evil, tobacco. Then there's the little matter of wanting to baptize everyone. With all these odious transgressions, it's no wonder Columbus is hardly mentioned, even on his day.
We've got to change the name of our October holiday to get rid of this dead white male. Why not substitute a hero from non-western civilization - Genghis Khan, perhaps; or Hideki Tojo, for his peaceful overtures in Asia; or Idi Amin, who gave so much joy to Africa. What about Saladin, that 12th century noble peacemaker who's still remembered in Jerusalem for his kindness to the locals.
Saladin Day sounds good, and it'll be a great plus for celebrating our diversity. Sure beats that evil old Columbus.
JAMES MARTIN
Virginia Beach, Sept. 28, 1995 by CNB