Often wondered why we have a Columbus Day holiday.

[John Schmidt]

The country isn't named after him, he certainly wasn't the first to discover North America. There's proof of Scandinavian settlements not only along the Canadian coast but farther south in what's now the U.S. and even far inland. They apparently followed some of the natural waterways. There's even proof they used a northern passage due to melted ice, some 600-700 years ago, the same area they're trumpeting now about being caused by global warming. So, why do we have a Columbus Day, he wasn't instrumental in settling the coastal area so why don't we have a Mayflower Day or some such? Seems more fitting to me.  ???

[sandy]

Queen Isabella paid good money for those ships and she wanted recognition. Within 50 years of Columbus's arrival, all native peoples in the Caribbean had died of European diseases.

[solo1]

john, it's simple. you wouldn't deny all those government and bank employees of their rightful holiday days, would you?  After all, they work hard.

Seriously. what always puzzled me was they get Veterans Day off too but veterans have to work.

[Patrick]

Old habits and beliefs die hard. I've often wondered the very same thing.  There still are many that believe Columbus did discover this country. Most don't know he made 4 trips and never did end up here.

Its pretty well proven Eric the Red and his son were here in the 10th century and established a big settlement for a century or two and that the Knights Templar were also here in the 14th century.

Greenland was green before the Little Ice Age hit.

[Moonshot_1]

The country isn't named after him, he certainly wasn't the first to discover North America. There's proof of Scandinavian settlements not only along the Canadian coast but farther south in what's now the U.S. and even far inland. They apparently followed some of the natural waterways. There's even proof they used a northern passage due to melted ice, some 600-700 years ago, the same area they're trumpeting now about being caused by global warming. So, why do we have a Columbus Day, he wasn't instrumental in settling the coastal area so why don't we have a Mayflower Day or some such? Seems more fitting to me.  ???

Columbus is the first European to become hopelessly lost and refuse to ask directions. He is an Icon to the American male. So we have a Holiday to honor him. Rightfully so.

[Jess from VA]

Columbus day is to keep the Italians happy.

St Patrick's Day is to keep the Irish happy... but they don't get a day off work.

Personally, I prefer Guinness to red wine.

[RP#62]

It celebrates that fateful day back in 1942 when Columbus discovered Ohio - well according to polling of high school seniors anyway.

[Rams]

Hmmm, I always thought it was a Union thing.   They wanted another holiday and that's what the Dems came up with.   

[Gavin_Sons]

WHAT!!!! you mean everything I learned in school is not correct? This is ludicris

[TJ]

We have Columbus Day because it's my birthday................   

[J.Mencalice]

Because without Columbus they'd still be looking for this place. ???
If you live in Nebraska, the world IS flat.

[Pappy!]

You have to see this on Columbus day. This should give you a good idea on how effective our current "edumacational" system is today. Watters World at its best !

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4553778128001/watters-world-columbus-edition-/?intcmp=hpff#sp=show-clips

[John Schmidt]

We have Columbus Day because it's my birthday................   

Geez Terry, I knew you were old but....wow. You really are older than me if that's the case. Let's see....2015 minus 1492.....that ciphering is too big a number for me!   

[Serk]

I admit it's completely puerile of me, but I celebrate Columbus Day purely because it pisses off the SJW Politically Correct liberals to do so.

 

[Patrick]

I admit it's completely puerile of me, but I celebrate Columbus Day purely because it pisses off the SJW Politically Correct liberals to do so.

 

Hmmm, not sure what that means, but, guess I'll have to start celebrating it too.   

[Alpha Dog]

Old habits and beliefs die hard. I've often wondered the very same thing.  There still are many that believe Columbus did discover this country. Most don't know he made 4 trips and never did end up here.

Its pretty well proven Eric the Red and his son were here in the 10th century and established a big settlement for a century or two and that the Knights Templar were also here in the 14th century.

Greenland was green before the Little Ice Age hit.

It seems you know some real history.  When I was in school it was widely accepted by teachers and Academia that Columbus Discovered North America.  After years they finely accepted Leif Erickson landed and established settlements  on the Canadian Shores and of course we have Leifs writings of these days.  In 1398 I believe Sir Henry St. Clair of Scotland brought some ships to these shores.  His documents are not known of however he may have been traveling with the Knights Templars Treasures and would not want to write about this.  I personally think he hid at least some of these treasures on the famous Oak Island as they had the knowledge to construct the the remarkable engineering that is found there.  Columbus was related to the Sinclairs is some manner so he already knew of this world while all others scoffed him.

There is evidence to be found that the Chinese, Polynesians, people from Africa, and possibly several others had made trips to the Americas long before the above peoples.  So much is lost from ancient history and to much is assumed by modern day scholars.
Chuck

[Moonshot_1]

Don't forget the Aliens. I saw it on TV and the internet so it must be true.

[czuch]

The Chinese had great city ships when the Europeans were still fighting Rome.
There is a lot written about them, if you have the desire to look.
 East-West discovery was almost simultaneous.
Funny how the aliens shared the information about the same time.

[Patrick]

Old habits and beliefs die hard. I've often wondered the very same thing.  There still are many that believe Columbus did discover this country. Most don't know he made 4 trips and never did end up here.

Its pretty well proven Eric the Red and his son were here in the 10th century and established a big settlement for a century or two and that the Knights Templar were also here in the 14th century.

Greenland was green before the Little Ice Age hit.

It seems you know some real history.  When I was in school it was widely accepted by teachers and Academia that Columbus Discovered North America.  After years they finely accepted Leif Erickson landed and established settlements  on the Canadian Shores and of course we have Leifs writings of these days.  In 1398 I believe Sir Henry St. Clair of Scotland brought some ships to these shores.  His documents are not known of however he may have been traveling with the Knights Templars Treasures and would not want to write about this.  I personally think he hid at least some of these treasures on the famous Oak Island as they had the knowledge to construct the the remarkable engineering that is found there.  Columbus was related to the Sinclairs is some manner so he already knew of this world while all others scoffed him.

There is evidence to be found that the Chinese, Polynesians, people from Africa, and possibly several others had made trips to the Americas long before the above peoples.  So much is lost from ancient history and to much is assumed by modern day scholars.
Chuck

Yep, and, its believed those you mentioned were on the west coast before the Erickson's  found their way here.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I could give a rat's ass what they call it as long as I get a day off or work it at double time and a half.

[John Schmidt]

I could give a rat's ass what they call it as long as I get a day off or work it at double time and a half.

Joe, sounds good to me, except as a State worker we didn't get Columbus day off. But, since every one else seemed to be shut down for the day we weren't able to accomplish much so it was an easy day at work....sorta like a day off away from home. 

[Dave Ritsema]

I admit it's completely puerile of me, but I celebrate Columbus Day purely because it pisses off the SJW Politically Correct liberals to do so.

 

Serk...I bet you have been waiting all day to use the word puerile. 

[Willow]

I admit it's completely puerile of me, but I celebrate Columbus Day purely because it pisses off the SJW Politically Correct liberals to do so.

Serk...I bet you have been waiting all day to use the word puerile.  

It's often too easy to slip into puerility when those with whom one is interacting consistently respond in a puerile manner.

It's true that Lief Erickson is known to have reached North America long before Columbus.  It's suspected that his people settled as far inland as the Dakotas.  There is good reason to believe that the North American continent was visited by Phoenicians and possibly Egyptians.

Columbus and the publicity of his visit is what is credited with exciting the European nations to send explorers and settlers to exploit and steal the North American continent from its less militarily advanced occupants.  That is why we are here today.

I'm with Joe.  Let's celebrate Columbus Day by getting away from work.  In fairness let's celebrate Leif Erickson Day, Phoenician Day, and let's dig up the names of some worthwhile American Indian leaders that we can honor with some more days off work.      

[The emperor has no clothes]

I admit it's completely puerile of me, but I celebrate Columbus Day purely because it pisses off the SJW Politically Correct liberals to do so.

Serk...I bet you have been waiting all day to use the word puerile.  

I'm with Joe.  Let's celebrate Columbus Day by getting away from work.  In fairness let's celebrate Leif Erickson Day, Phoenician Day, and let's dig up the names of some worthwhile American Indian leaders that we can honor with some more days off work.      

I vehemently disagree. I don't get Columbus Day off.  If the other holidays were added it would predispose me to resent you guys. 

[Serk]

I admit it's completely puerile of me, but I celebrate Columbus Day purely because it pisses off the SJW Politically Correct liberals to do so.

Serk...I bet you have been waiting all day to use the word puerile.  

I'm with Joe.  Let's celebrate Columbus Day by getting away from work.  In fairness let's celebrate Leif Erickson Day, Phoenician Day, and let's dig up the names of some worthwhile American Indian leaders that we can honor with some more days off work.      

I vehemently disagree. I don't get Columbus Day off.  If the other holidays were added it would predispose me to resent you guys. 

If it's any consolation, I don't get the day off of work either... Of course, being a salaried "exempt" IT type, I'm never really off work anyway...

[The emperor has no clothes]

I admit it's completely puerile of me, but I celebrate Columbus Day purely because it pisses off the SJW Politically Correct liberals to do so.

Serk...I bet you have been waiting all day to use the word puerile.  

I'm with Joe.  Let's celebrate Columbus Day by getting away from work.  In fairness let's celebrate Leif Erickson Day, Phoenician Day, and let's dig up the names of some worthwhile American Indian leaders that we can honor with some more days off work.      

I vehemently disagree. I don't get Columbus Day off.  If the other holidays were added it would predispose me to resent you guys. 

If it's any consolation, I don't get the day off of work either... Of course, being a salaried "exempt" IT type, I'm never really off work anyway...

Thanks, misery does love company.  I really can't complain, I get plenty of holidays off. It does kind of piss me off to work on Veterans Day and see youngsters getting sloshed with no idea why it's a holiday.

[Serk]

Thanks, misery does love company.  I really can't complain, I get plenty of holidays off. It does kind of piss me off to work on Veterans Day and see youngsters getting sloshed with no idea why it's a holiday.

I've always found it odd that veterinarians get their own holiday, but people doctors don't... Oh well, any excuse to have a day off, grill, and drink beer I guess...

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks, misery does love company.  I really can't complain, I get plenty of holidays off. It does kind of piss me off to work on Veterans Day and see youngsters getting sloshed with no idea why it's a holiday.

I've always found it odd that veterinarians get their own holiday, but people doctors don't... Oh well, any excuse to have a day off, grill, and drink beer I guess...

Damn Youngsters ! 

[art]

  This whole posting was entertaining. As to the Egyptians being here this country could have been called Egypt. Think of it.

[Willow]

If it's any consolation, I don't get the day off of work either... Of course, being a salaried "exempt" IT type, I'm never really off work anyway...

I've been a salaried IT type for a lot of years.  I'm really old and really good so I work pretty much however and whenever i want to.  Truthfully I once was very driven.  these days I still like to do a good job but I feel absolutely no guilt over hours I do or don't put in.  I take all the holidays that are offered.  Did I mention that I am retired and working full time?  Oh and getting paid the best salary of my life.  I'm excited about the possibilities of a few more holidays, but I don't really need them, meathead.   

[Hooter]

You guys have spoiled my day... All this time I thought we were celebrating that detective that was on TV for so long because he did a good job. I'm now devastated!

[RP#62]

I admit it's completely puerile of me, but I celebrate Columbus Day purely because it pisses off the SJW Politically Correct liberals to do so.

Serk...I bet you have been waiting all day to use the word puerile.  

It's often too easy to slip into puerility when those with whom one is interacting consistently respond in a puerile manner.

It's true that Lief Erickson is known to have reached North America long before Columbus.  It's suspected that his people settled as far inland as the Dakotas.  There is good reason to believe that the North American continent was visited by Phoenicians and possibly Egyptians.

Columbus and the publicity of his visit is what is credited with exciting the European nations to send explorers and settlers to exploit and steal the North American continent from its less militarily advanced occupants.  That is why we are here today.

I'm with Joe.  Let's celebrate Columbus Day by getting away from work.  In fairness let's celebrate Leif Erickson Day, Phoenician Day, and let's dig up the names of some worthwhile American Indian leaders that we can honor with some more days off work.      

The alternative celebration is Indigenous Peoples Day.


-RP

[JimmyG]

So when was Columbus day?

[musclehead]

Old habits and beliefs die hard. I've often wondered the very same thing.  There still are many that believe Columbus did discover this country. Most don't know he made 4 trips and never did end up here.

Its pretty well proven Eric the Red and his son were here in the 10th century and established a big settlement for a century or two and that the Knights Templar were also here in the 14th century.

Greenland was green before the Little Ice Age hit.

although the Vikings found the new world before Columbus they were without the written word to document the momentous occasion. therefore the honor goes to Columbus for being the first "modern" man to come close to setting foot here.
you have to imagine it though, at the time there was no documentation of points west and the circumference of the Earth was any ones guess. they set off in three ships and made land in about two months of leaving Europe. it had to be a nerve wracking two months

[Jess from VA]

it had to be a nerve wracking two months

Especially in a scow like this. Might as well have sailed over on a big cork.


Hey Chris, are we there yet!!!

[Patrick]

Old habits and beliefs die hard. I've often wondered the very same thing.  There still are many that believe Columbus did discover this country. Most don't know he made 4 trips and never did end up here.

Its pretty well proven Eric the Red and his son were here in the 10th century and established a big settlement for a century or two and that the Knights Templar were also here in the 14th century.

Greenland was green before the Little Ice Age hit.

although the Vikings found the new world before Columbus they were without the written word to document the momentous occasion. therefore the honor goes to Columbus for being the first "modern" man to come close to setting foot here.
you have to imagine it though, at the time there was no documentation of points west and the circumference of the Earth was any ones guess. they set off in three ships and made land in about two months of leaving Europe. it had to be a nerve wracking two months

So, it wasn't a nerve wracking experience for the Ericsson's or the Templars ?

Since it was well pretty well proven Columbus was not the first here in the early '60s why then do our history books continue the myth ?  Thats what bothers me. With history, as well as politics, I'd like to have the truth told.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Old habits and beliefs die hard. I've often wondered the very same thing.  There still are many that believe Columbus did discover this country. Most don't know he made 4 trips and never did end up here.

Its pretty well proven Eric the Red and his son were here in the 10th century and established a big settlement for a century or two and that the Knights Templar were also here in the 14th century.

Greenland was green before the Little Ice Age hit.

although the Vikings found the new world before Columbus they were without the written word to document the momentous occasion. therefore the honor goes to Columbus for being the first "modern" man to come close to setting foot here.
you have to imagine it though, at the time there was no documentation of points west and the circumference of the Earth was any ones guess. they set off in three ships and made land in about two months of leaving Europe. it had to be a nerve wracking two months

 With history, as well as politics, I'd like to have the truth told.

[old2soon]

Going wide here you want the "truth" from a idjit that thinks there are 57 states?  RIDE SAFE.

[Willow]

We may be shooting a little wide here on a few points.  I'm an old, old guy and as far back as when I was in elementary school the education system informed us of other high seas wanderers who came from Europe to North America before Christopher Columbus.  The phrase that he discovered America was used but not representing that he was the first from that side of the Atlantic.  It's interesting that even with the earlier experiences of Lief Erickson it seems Columbus was expecting to sail west from Span and land on the shores of China or India.

The Norsemen did have the ability to write.  There are actually a few examples of alleged rune signage that were left in various locations on the North American continent.

Columbus' expeditions, despite that he never seemed to have comprehended what he had come to, resulted in the Europeanization of the Americas.  I guess we should refer to them as the western continents.  Even Americus Vepucius was very much among the European intruders.     

[Serk]

Willow, I believe you're mistaken here. When you were in elementary school I don't think such things were in history class, I believe they were being discussed on the nightly news...