Weekend Assignment #288: Columbus Day

Since Columbus Day just passed Karen wants our opinion about the holiday:



Weekend Assignment: #288: Columbus Day seems to have become a largely disregarded and maligned holiday in recent years, as the dark side of the explorer's legacy has made inroads in the public's perception. Do you think that the voyages of Christopher Columbus still merit a national holiday? Why or why not? And if not, what holiday would you propose to replace it?

Extra Credit: Did you even get Columbus Day off from work or school this year?

Yes, I think it still does merit a holiday. Sure, he wasn't a perfect man, but we do owe a lot to him. If someone else had discovered it, would things be different? We we be the same nation we are today? Who knows, a lot happened from the first time he came this way and the time we actually became a nation. (That was in 1776 in case you weren't sure). But, since he is regarded as the man who discovered America, we should celebrate his day. It only makes sense.

As for the dark side of his legacy, as Karen points out, no, he was not the best human being. That is something we have to remember, to avoid things like that again, but also put behind us in a way. You know? Let's not repeat those mistakes.

Also, I think we have to give this man special props. He was wrong on his charts and route, he thought the Earth was much smaller, he thought he was somewhere else when he got to the Bahamas, yet we still celebrate him every year. How awesome is that? If Columbus were around today he'd be a CEO of a major money losing corporation. Am I right? Also, notice how no GPS units are named Columbus? See, Magellan knew what he was doing. Well, I should say he knew what he was trying to do. If he lived he would have been successful in his endeavor.

But, I digress.

I did have Columbus day off this year, but it was just by chance. It's not one of our holidays at work. But, it made it easy to go see Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs with the kids.