Letters to the Editor

Why Columbus Day Should Not be Changed to Indigenous Day

Dear Editor, One might argue, did Columbus really discover America? But to suggest he was a racist with no proof is disingenuous. It’s also disingenuous to suggest that Columbus statues are rooted in racism.

Some issues to consider when discussing this matter are:

Eleven Italians were lynched in New Orleans in 1891 while thousands cheered on what was the largest mass lynching in the US history. To fight the oppression, Italian Americans promoted Columbus Day. Columbus was a progressive. Claims that the statues symbolize racism are simply not true.

Humanity was separated for 10,000 years until his Atlantic voyage to America, creating a United world as we know it. Columbus was a dreamer not a slave owner.

What the Human Rights Commission should be doing besides more research, is celebrating his legacy. Columbus Day is not about the discovery of America it’s about providing a safe haven for immigrants wishing to leave oppressed foreign governments where human life has no value.

Revere should be in the forefront of stopping this ridiculous dialogue of changing Columbus Day to Indigenous day.

My suggestion is find another day for Indigenous day.

Toni Esposito

Let’s Wait until Someone Gets Hurt!

Dear Editor,

Not very good logic is it? But that is the passive attitude our elected officials are taking concerning the coyote problem in Revere. The city is being overrun by these feral animals, especially in the High Street/Lincoln School areas. We all know how prevalent they are. We see them, we hear them, and we don’t want anyone to get attacked by them. Whether it’s “pass the buck”, or “don’t bother me until something happens”, this wait and see mentality shows a complete disregard for Revere residents, especially younger kids that live in the area and attend the Lincoln School. It’s obvious the coyotes live in the woods behind the Lincoln. Obvious! It has been well documented by neighbors as well as the major television stations. But let’s wait until something happens. Smart! How about our elected officials do something other than pander to local developers and start caring more about all the people of Revere, not just some of them.

Anthony Mattera