Columbus was an awful leader and his attempt at governing led to rebellious colonists in the New World. When the King of England sent a representative to govern there, Columbus refused to comply. He was arrested, shackled, and returned to Spain in disgrace.

Now I don’t normally go in for the wiping of history. I don’t think we need to tear down statues and rename schools in order to set the historical record straight. Some concepts transcend the human and stand for things that may be more important. You can teach the truth without erasing history.

Like what I wrote about Vasco de Gama in another post, Columbus was no saint.

First of all, he may not have “discovered” America. Eric the Red may have discovered it 500 years prior to Columbus and there is evidence that the Chinese may have set foot on North America before even that.

Secondly, according to journals kept by his crew and missionary diaries he was extraordinarily cruel to the Native Americans. Men were worked to death and young girls sold into sex slavery. One Catholic priest claims to have witnessed Columbus and his crew kill and dismember thousands of locals.

So why is he on a stamp (and he is on many, not only United States stamps)?

Simple really.

Columbus Day was created by President Harrison in 1892 in response to the anti-Italian motivated lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans in 1891. Then later in 1934, Congress, under pressure from the Knights of Columbus.

However. Barack Obama also decreed a Lief Erickson day on October 9th of each year. I think we should get that day off.

To honor Leif Erikson and celebrate our Nordic-American heritage, the Congress, by joint resolution (Public Law 88-566) approved on September 2, 1964, has authorized the President of the United States to proclaim October 9 of each year as “Leif Erikson Day.”

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2013, as Leif Erikson Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs to honor our rich Nordic-American heritage.

https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/10/08/presidential-proclamation-leif-erikson-day-2013