United States, Columbus Day without celebrations. Trump: “A great Italian, no more attacks”

NEW YORK – The pandemic, this year, will be in charge of lending a hand to those who find the Columbus egg increasingly indigestible. In fact, the fear of contagion has forced the cancellation of parades and celebrations in honor of the discoverer of America scheduled for today October 12: Columbus Day, the day of the discovery of America back in 1492. But, of course, fears remain for those statues that for years have been the focus of protests: destroyed, removed or stained with blood red paint. After the summer of racial protests after the death of the African American George Floyd, the figure of the Genoese explorer is more than ever in the index.

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Considered by many as the one that opened the doors to the extermination of the indigenous people: equated with much more controversial historical figures, such as the Spanish missionaries Junipero Serra and Juan de Onate, accused of having participated in a true genocide of indigenous peoples. Since last June, therefore, 35 statues have been removed or demolished, at the hands of protesters or by decision of the authorities to avoid more accidents: as in Chicago, where the mayor was Lori lightfoot order the removal of the two present in the city. Things seemed to have calmed down lately. But to exacerbate tensions again, on Friday, the usual thought Donald trump. “We remember the great Italian who opened a new chapter in world history and the permanent significance of his action for the Western Hemisphere,” he wrote in the traditional proclamation that presidents make on the occasion of the anniversary, celebrated here since 1792. So putting himself also his political hat on the explorer: “The extremists try to undermine the legacy of Columbus, replacing the story of his great successes with egregious accusations of failures, conquests, transgressions.” One way of winking at the Italian-American community, that of the most remote immigration, which supports it to a great extent: “Christopher Columbus represents one of the immeasurable Italian contributions to American history, Columbus inspired the first immigrants to bring them a rich culture in the New World. “

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United States, Trump celebrates Colombo: “A great Italian.” And lash out at extremists who undermine his legacy

Yes, a compliment to old migrants, certainly not new ones trying to enter the United States: “America benefits from the affection and generosity of the 17 million Italian-Americans, whose love for family and homeland strengthens the fabric of nation For them, Columbus continues to be a legendary figure. ” A decisive statement, devoid of the precautions he always took instead Barack Obama. The former president, although he recognized the value of the navigator, always remembered the consequences of his trip on the indigenous people, who in this blessed “union of continents” ended up effectively exterminated.

Yes, because in reality it is not only the “extremists”, as the president calls them, who have questioned the figure of the navigator. For years, numerous states and cities have replaced Columbus Day on the calendar with “Indigenous Peoples Day” – often accompanied by a celebration of “Italian heritage” so as not to disappoint the Italian-American community too much.

Two years ago the controversy was so furious that it pushed the mayor of New York Bill de Blasio – an Italian-American too – to include the colossus of Columbus Circle on the list that a special commission has put under review for possible removals. But then it was decided to leave it there, although cordoned off and guarded. Like the other, the statue placed in Central Park – manned by the police, now seems to almost look enviously at the nearby William Shakespeare, who instead often houses a jazz orchestra under its pedestal. Yes, nothing but the Columbus egg. Now the omelette is ready.