Editor,
It has come to my attention that some history revisionist types are once again trying to stir up trouble where there should be none. This movement to eliminate a day set aside to honor Christopher Columbus, who sailing west to encounter Asia stumbled across the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492, changing the history of the world for all time, must stop.
Outside groups have strived repeatedly and relentlessly to eradicate the honoring of Columbus and his substantial contributions to world history. Vilifying Spain, its people and the Catholic Church does not change the fact that his achievements were amazing. This mariner’s audacity, his perseverance, his constancy, his vision, his obvious competence in his profession in confronting uncharged seas is worthy of extreme honor.
It pains me to know some would use Native American students at my alma mater to pursue their own hidden agenda. Subterfuge is being employed to breed hostility, hate and to continue propaganda and prejudices affecting U.S. relations with the Hispanic world. I recommend that every thinking person read Philip Wayne Powell’s book titled “Tree of Hate” to better understand and contain the damage this type of hate manifests.
Indigenous Day is a good idea, but let us not be deceived that it must be on Oct. 12 and no other. Why insist on this day when there are so many other days from which to choose? It does not honorably serve you to diminish another. Through this letter, I ask that UNM and its student government continue to celebrate Columbus Day on Oct. 12 and not be a party to revisionist hate.
Sincerely,
Jacqueline de la Porte
UNM alumna
