I was amazed to find a letter in the Press & Dakotan (Oct. 22), in which Jerry W. Jones asked, "[W]hen did we change Columbus Day to Native American Day?" The writer guessed that it was a case of "another one of those 'ethnic' groups that think they need to be distinguished."

Actually, Jerry, I believe the late Gov. George Mickelson established Native American Day in 1990 as part of his plan for reconciliation among South Dakota peoples. Apparently South Dakota didn't have enough Italians in the legislature to reject his thoughtful plan. It was a courageous act by the governor, for it acknowledges the American Holocaust and challenges history teachers to present their students an honest look at America's past.

After having significantly reduced the indigenous populations and having civilized and christianized most of the remaining native peoples of the Americas, it seems now that the white man's burden demands that he educate his own ignorant masses. Removing tongue from cheek and presuming the question was posed in earnest, may I offer this simple and brief explanation as to why we do not and should not have a Columbus Day? The guy doesn't deserve it! He discovered nothing.

The Italian mercenary secured boats and funds from Spain in exchange for his promise to find a route to the continent of India. He failed -- never made it to Asian sub-continent. Christopher Columbus, in fact, never set foot in North America. He was, however, graciously received by the native Arawak people of the island of Guanahani in the Caribbean Greater Antilles. Columbus described the people who met him on their shores as "in dios" (from God). Disease, slave trade, genocide and cruel treatment of the hospitable native inhabitants of the Caribbean islands led to near annihilation of their populations and, ultimately, the populations of all the Americas. Christopher Columbus was arrested for his abuses, taken back to Spain in chains and stripped of his colonial office. Upon release, Columbus was ordered never to return to Hispaniola. The man died in political obscurity, still under the delusion he had "discovered" a new route to India.

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12 February 2000, lrb