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I don't consider the Columbus story to be "American" history. This is European-Caribean history. That may be pettifogging, but that's just how I feel. In my mind, "American" history did not start for another ~200 years with the first successful colony in New England.

I agree that it does not matter whether Columbus did or did not discover America. It also does not matter what people perceive. What matters is the truth as best it can be determined.

I fail to understand how you can say that 'witnesses can't be taken as reliable sources'. This would suggest that we cannot rely on any history. Although we can't always decipher the emotions and intent of historical figures, we do have fairly good evidence on their actions.

It has been fairly well proven that Leif Erickson was in North America long before Columbus. It is also accepted as fact that colonization and exploitation (not intended as a negative) did not begin until after Columbus rediscovered and promoted the New World.

What is condoned at a specific time by the greatest amount of people at that specific time, although certainly a consideration, is not a valid basis for judging the character of people living in that time. We honor the Christian martyrs of the Roman period not because they went with the norm, but because they gave their lives instead of going with the norm.

Would you not condemn the crucifixion of Jesus, even though that was condoned behavior accepted by the majority of people at that time.

I'm have no goal of tearing down Columbus. He was brave and succeeded in his mission where many, many before him had failed. But as we celebrate his success, we would do well to also reflect on his shortcomings and the shortcomings of his era.

The Scandinavian side of my family always pushes Leif, my grandpa has a shirt with Leif Eriksen saluting Columbus with ale and saying "Welcome Mr. Columbus" :)

I agree with your post for the most part, but differ on two things:

I do consider the story of Columbus to be an American story, it is already so ingrained in our culture, but he is the one who really set the tone for the later explorers, and the real important colonization expeditions.

The other is on witnesses. I feel that if there is a general consensus of multiple witnesses, it is ok, but relying on one man alone I don't feel is a good idea, or a very reliable one.

I believe the crucifixion of Christ would have happened whether the people of the time condoned it or not, because such power did command it. I do see your point though.

I tend to think there is too much focus on the negatives in our society, and not enough on the good. Sometimes it is best just to let the people believe what they will, whether it is based in fact or not, without outside forces trying to change their views. People like Columbus I think should just be left alone, as Monday morning quarterbacking does no one any good.

"I'm have no goal of tearing down Columbus. He was brave and succeeded in his mission where many, many before him had failed. But as we celebrate his success, we would do well to also reflect on his shortcomings and the shortcomings of his era."

Why? Why do we have to focus on his shortcomings. What good is it going to do us today? None. It is just another attempt to cut down great men and heroes. It is a way of trying to make them just "ordinary", or worse. What is it about some people's psyche that makes them need to tear down a country's idols? How are you getting off on it? What is YOUR problem that you feel the need to do it.

In the days of Columbus, the norms were not our modern norms and you just can't judge history by today's moral standards. Does not compute. Square peg in round hole. And you guys all know it, but you compulsively try to do it anyhow because of your own unhealthy psychological needs to either feel morally superior, or to cut down someone who was great because you yourselves are so ordinary, or for some other sicko reason. I'm tired of all the political correctness, of which this is yet just another manifestation. Can the baloney.

Anyone who indulges in this is not a patriot for this country and its heroes. Maybe you are foreigners commenting on this and that's why you love the attack. In particular if you are from South America or Mexico. But I reject your elitist and, I might add, apparently liberal mind-bent. Whether or not Columbus and the explorers that followed him to the Americas were nice guys or not, will never negate their discoveries, the risks they took, nor the greatness of the West that they helped to settle. Stop the self-hatred for this country. It's not healthy. Wrong website for that.