TO THE EDITOR:
Upon reading your editorial in this week’s Rhode Island Catholic, regarding the celebration of Columbus Day, I was appalled by the writer's reference to the Brown faculty as "professors’ of privilege" and the student body as "21st century students of comfort."
Brown University is a gem in the state of Rhode Island. An institution unsurpassed in the advancement of science, medicine, and political awareness. To dismiss it as an enclave of spoiled, privileged people bent on upsetting the status quo, is ignorant and truly insulting. Brown's connection to the slave trade has been acknowledged and addressed. (It should be noted that Moses Brown was an active abolitionist) I would also add that the Church is not without its own skeletons.
We're all familiar with the phrase "the truth shall set you free." Why this writer chooses the myth about Columbus over the facts of history is incomprehensible. The "man who discovered America" was in fact searching for riches, as were so many others, under the auspices of Roman Catholic empires. He did more than bring disease and a bit of "damage" to the indigenous people. Credible historians use the word "genocide" to describe his treatment of the Taino and others.
Lastly, to brush aside the truth in order that "the most powerful, wealthiest nation on earth" may enjoy a guilt-free holiday, is the pinnacle of arrogance and insensitivity. The writer's phrase "conquering of the natives" is explicit enough.
In this 21st century, already seething with distrust and animosity, it is a very wise thing to teach our children factual history and not continue to propagate myths and untruths; and that would be something to be truly proud of as Americans..
Francine Hannon
East Greenwich
