[ml/nj]

Do you think my ancestors were unable to do this because we aren't European? I've heard this statement tossed about for most of my life. No one questions that Europeans were capable of sailing around the world, but when it comes to non-Europeans there certainly many who cannot believe that "savages" were smart enough to do it.

The "Europeans" had significantly larger vessels with their significantly greater ability to carry provisions, and probably had the collective advantage of using the Mediterranean as a proving ground. Columbus and those other trans-Atlantic guys also had a target quite a bit larger than Hawaii.

This has nothing to do with being a savage. (&FTR I do not believe that the Indians were "savages.") You seem somewhat sensitive about this though.

ML/NJ

[MoJo2001]

I'm really not sensitive to the issue. I've grown up learning both sides of these opinions. I will kindly disagree with you. I believe my ancestors were quite capable of sailing the vast oceans. I believe they were just as competent in navigating the oceans as any of their European counterparts.

I figure God will let us all know when we're all ready to know the answer.