Columbus Day Celebrates Western Civilization By Thomas Bowden
(Bucks County Courier Times, October 11, 2007) On October 12,
1492, Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, opening a
sea route to vast uncharted territories that awaited the spread
of Western civilization. Centuries later, the ensuing cultural
migration culminated in the birth and explosive growth of the
greatest nation in history: the United States of America. It is
fitting that we have set aside a day to honor the Great
Explorer. On one level, Columbus Day honors the man himself for
his many virtues. Columbus was a man of independent mind, who
steadfastly pursued his bold plan for a westward voyage to the
Indies despite powerful opposition--a man of courage, who set
sail upon a trackless ocean with no assurance that he would ever
reach land--a man of pride, who sought recognition and reward
for his achievements. We need not evade or excuse Columbus’s
flaws--his religious zealotry, his enslavement and oppression of
natives--to recognize th