Reject Division: Affirm Columbus Day

A very nasty little culture war developed in Westford about three years ago over the issue of Columbus Day.  A movement was launched to eradicate memories of the great explorer and discoverer of America, Christopher Columbus.  The spin behind the effort was that his discovery almost led to the genocide of the native American population in America and that slavery was ushered into the North American continent. This measure was aggressively opposed and a pause took hold after a town-wide referendum on the question last fall essentially ended in a draw ( the ban Columbus faction won by 7 votes).             

Holding Christopher Columbus singularly responsible for these evils is a gross distortion of historical fact.  This distortion is one of several political machinations meant to maintain a divide among the American working population. The purpose of the division is to prevent and block the development of a unified front to reform American institutions and to expand economic opportunity for all.  Don’t fall for this.  Every country in the world has grievances within its populations.  The United States, above them all, has made tremendous sacrifices in the search for Justice.  No one else comes close.                   

If you vote Yes on this article you will not dismiss the heritage and suffering of America’s indigenous population.  This measure will retain that commemoration, but at the same time it will assert that it is not necessary to condemn other parts of our heritage, as well.  You will also serve notice to those who are seeking to divide us that you will not be fooled and that the history of all Americans deserves to be honored.