Staff Reports
Columbus Day, a federal holiday in the United States, has long been a point of pride for Italian Americans and a celebration of their heritage. However, under the new Biden administration, there is a push to also acknowledge “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” which has drawn criticism from conservatives. The recent proclamations from President Biden regarding both holidays highlight the stark contrast in tone and focus.
The Columbus Day proclamation, while acknowledging Christopher Columbus and his voyage, primarily centers around the stories and experiences of Italian Americans. It emphasizes their journey to America and their contributions to the nation. While it briefly touches upon the idea of America’s founding and the ongoing pursuit of equality, it suggests that the country has not fully lived up to these ideals. This is a concerning sentiment, as it undermines the exceptional nature of America and fails to recognize the progress that has been made.
On the other hand, the Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation is noticeably longer and seems more heartfelt. It focuses on the struggles and injustices faced by Native Americans throughout history. It highlights the devastating policies of the past that have impacted Indigenous peoples and acknowledges their resilience and continued importance to the fabric of the United States. While it is important to acknowledge the difficult history of Native Americans, it is equally important to celebrate the contributions of Italian Americans to our nation’s story.
It is disheartening to see the Biden administration prioritize the acknowledgment of Indigenous Peoples’ Day over Columbus Day. This decision seems to be more about appeasing the far-left and rewriting history than honoring the contributions of Italian Americans and celebrating their heritage. While recognizing the injustices faced by Native Americans is important, it should not come at the expense of erasing and devaluing the experiences of other communities.
Additionally, the lack of attention given to Columbus Day by the administration is concerning. The White House and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre failed to draw attention to the proclamation on their official accounts. This is a clear indication that the Biden administration does not prioritize the celebration of Columbus Day and is more interested in promoting their own agenda.
Furthermore, the decision to host a barbecue on Sunday, despite the ongoing crisis in Israel, shows a lack of leadership and a disregard for the severity of the situation. The administration’s failure to address the attack on Israel while carrying on with a leisurely event is deeply troubling. It sends a message that they are more interested in their own enjoyment than in standing up for our allies and defending American values.
The Biden administration’s approach to Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day is deeply flawed and politically motivated. It undermines the contributions and experiences of Italian Americans while prioritizing a narrow narrative of victimhood. This reimagining of history is damaging and erodes the principles on which our nation was founded. It is important to celebrate the diverse tapestry of American history and not allow political agendas to overshadow the accomplishments and struggles of any community.
