From childhood, I was told of the magnificence of Columbus. He found the new world, but at who's expense? He glorified Spain, but with what principle? Columbus' conquests were genocidal acts against the natives, so why do we celebrate him?
The natives who inhabited the east coast of Mexico and South America saw the first men on horseback like Gods sent by the ocean; they were wrong. Columbus sent the natives into painful labor camps, slaughtered them to show his dominance, and exterminated their tribes and cultures. Millions died from disease, overworking, and brutality.
I am asking all of you to shine light on this malicious act by signing to change Columbus Day to Native Remembrance Day. Let us pay homage to (and ask forgiveness from) those who died in the exploration of America.