Columbus Day should not be celebrated.

Columbus is considered by many to be a villain. Not only did he ruthlessly murder thousands of natives but also engaged in acts of torture in his role as viceroy. During his second voyage, he enslaved and murdered the Taino Indians, the natives of Hispaniola. Within a short time — two-and-a-half years — an approximate number of 250,000 Taino were dead. His description of the natives, as follows:“They love their neighbors as themselves, and their discourse is ever sweet and gentle, and accompanied with a smile; and though it is true that they are naked, yet their manners are decorous and praiseworthy.”

This was written by Columbus, after his first journey. His intentions and treatment of the Indians quickly readjusted into full-out gold collection regardless of loss of life of what he perceived to be an inferior race. The promise of keeping 10 percent of all treasures discovered certainly added to Columbus’ drive for treasure, which he and the Spanish single-mindedly pursued until virtually all the natives were dead and most of the gold had been harvested or stolen.

The murders, rapes and mutilations committed by Columbus and his men are rarely mentioned in today’s society. Columbus’ role as slave trader and murderer extraordinaire are neither written about nor mentioned during this most unfit of holidays. The total number of deaths attributed to Columbus in the first four years is in the range of 4 million innocent souls. The use of Indian bodies as food for the dogs is well documented, as well as Columbus and his men’s sport of hunting innocent men, women and children.

Just as we do not have holidays celebrating Hitler, we should not have holidays celebrating Columbus.

Adam Lee

Senior

Computer Engineering