[Magdalen] Columbus.

[Cantor03 at aol.com]

There has been a spate of defacements of statues of
Christopher Columbus this year around the time of the
holiday (USA around October 12).
 
Some groups have been calling for complete removal of
the statues, and, presumably, the cancellation of the
holiday.  They point out that the eventual outcome was to
decimate the indigenous peoples (American Indians/Native
Americans).  
 
Trump, of course, has entered the fray on the side of  "preserving
history."  On this point (and this point only!) I agree with  him.
 
There is no question that there has benn irreparable damage 
to the American Indian community and culture, but that was,
sadly inevitable with the clashing of far advanced (advanced,
not better) cultures such as those of Western Europe vs
the American Indians/Native Americans.
 
In any case, IMHO leave up the Columbus statues, and start
a drive to erect memorials to the indigenous peoples.  USA
cities could stand more decorative statuary along our city
streets.  We're far behind the Europeans in such matters.
 
I do recall vividly the standing room only Eucharist at the USA
Washington National Cathedral commemorating the "500th
Anniversary of Survival of the Native Americans" after the
arrival of Columbus.  This was October 12, 1992.  My then
bishop, +Wantland, who is a Native American, was there 
pontificating with the other half dozen ECUSA Indian bishops.
 
 
David S.