Dino Drudi claims (letter, November 25th) that Christopher Columbus’ discovery of the Western Hemisphere “galvanized Europe in a way that led to emigration, commerce, and colonization.” What Drudi conveniently fails to mention is that Columbus’ discovery also led to genocide and enslavement of indigenous peoples. And on Columbus’ achievement, comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory said it best: “Give me a break. Columbus discovered America? Everybody knew that punk got lost. I mean, where was the Indians when he got here? Trust me. If you can discover a country that’s already occupied - I take it personal. I can walk out on the parking lot today and discover your car with you in it.”
Craig Taylor
Alexandria