There is a lack of historical significance behind Columbus Day. As many of you who have taken an American History class are aware, Christopher Columbus is not all he is cracked up to be. School children are often lied to when told Columbus discovered America because a viking named Leif Ericson was probably the first European to discover the Americas. More importantly, Columbus initiated the oppression of a complete race of people as he exploited and enslaved Caribbean natives.
There is nothing more patriotic than voting in America, so why shouldn't it be a federal holiday? Americans should take pride in democracy and celebrate all day long.