Hello, readers.
I grew up in an Italian family, and my father-in-law was fully Italian. In our culture, it’s all or nothing. Think Yonkers, New York, or Long Island. Picture a tray of baked ziti. It’s a bit of a mess. There are four loud women in the kitchen, two of them are round. No pasta, no meat, right? Pasta needs sauce, and cheese, you know? Then there are names that sound like a lot of familiar faces: Mikey, Nicky, Tommy, John John, Junior, Angela… and at least five Maries. Maybe even a Mary.
From that, a couple of things are clear. First, there won’t be a SOTD on Columbus Day, so don’t wait for an email from me. I’ll see you on Tuesday.
And second…
Columbus
American slavery has roots that stretch back before 1619.
There have been massacres, forced adoptions, unjust killings of women and children, forced assimilation, and, well, torture.
I’m not a historian or anything, but I spent a little time this morning looking up some primary sources from indigenous tribes that existed long before European settlers arrived. Their oral traditions speak of these events! I haven’t looked through everything yet, but there are accounts of prolonged torture, slave trafficking, and even mentions of genocide. It’s pretty grim.
Surprisingly, many Native Indian tribes attempted to eliminate each other long before European influence hit. We don’t often hear about this, mainly because the “diversity, equity, and inclusion” movement has put a spin on history that’s become quite popular over the last couple of decades. But those harsh realities? They still exist in the records if you dig a little.
When European settlers arrived, the competition among tribes ramped up, along with the violence. It’s not often shared now, but we sometimes hear that they were just foraging when, out of nowhere, scurvy-stricken Europeans showed up, bringing chaos. But that’s really not the whole picture. They were actively fighting to make alliances, and some saw the opportunity to advance their own positions with European aid.
I did stumble upon bits about one tribe during my research. It’s hard to sidestep them; they’re often tied to more negative aspects of history.
And yet, there were elements like aristocracy, honor, profound spirituality, loyalty, courage, and respect for community and elders. The traditions around coming of age were intricate, and their warrior culture was deep and complex.
Before our way of living obscured their history, even our helicopters carried their names, like Apaches and Iroquois. Names like Chinook and Blackhawk, and ships named after Sioux, Seminole, and Cherokee.
Interestingly, some Navy SEALs are known to keep hatchets as part of their gear. Even if a missile were launched by anyone, like President Trump, it would probably be a Tomahawk.
There has always been a level of respect for their culture, especially in military contexts. We knew about the atrocities committed. If the statue had been of a white figure, it might’ve been downed in a couple of centuries. Instead of forgetting their legacy, we deliberately set aside moments to honor Native Americans.
In fact, they’re woven into our very existence.
Without them, American history wouldn’t exist as we know it. Their tragic end was perhaps inevitable.
And I have to say, I’m not sorry about that.
Arguably, the greatest advancements for humanity stemmed from America’s eastward push. The gradual decline of human suffering worldwide over the last couple of centuries can be traced back to the rise of American ideals.
Sure, we have our faults. Everyone does. Columbus, for instance, wasn’t without sin.
That guy had guts. Sailing across the Atlantic was basically a gamble with death. Five centuries later, with all our technology, we still misplace things at sea. Columbus and his team decided to chase glory and aim really high.
We might focus on his flaws, but it’s his courage, resourcefulness, foresight, and determination that we remember.
Teaching kids about him is not an attempt to whitewash history; it’s just a way for them to learn history’s value. Dressing up as Indians or Pilgrims during Thanksgiving? It’s just kids grasping basic lessons about different cultures sharing a meal. Why shouldn’t they learn that?
If you’re looking for blood and guts, maybe go back to grad school.
History is messy, and Columbus plays a significant role in it. It’s hard to imagine Western civilization’s timeline without his journey across the Atlantic.
This voyage created the foundation for America. As discussed, a crucial part of his legacy has been the global decline in suffering.
Like pioneers that followed—Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Steve Jobs, and Elon Musk—he believed he was destined for greatness. And honestly, although that notion might seem a bit wild, perhaps it wasn’t so misguided.
Innovation has transformed humanity. With the Declaration of Independence standing out, no other document might compare in significance.
All of this traces back to Columbus.
So on Monday, focus on his courage and vision.
What I am reading
Make sure to cover that lovely tray of Nat Sandoval’s baked ziti with a scarf.
Lawyer explains freedom of speech to Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
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It often comes down to money.
‘They are continuing the war’: Scott Bessent highlights who prolongs the Russia-Ukraine conflict
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It’s time to address America’s ongoing discontent.
Portland anarchists openly devise mass attack on federal aircraft
