Only a paper in Madison, Wisconsin would print this op-ed on Columbus without labeling it a parody. The author asserts that "the world has suffered ever since" Columbus' ships touched ground 513 years ago. Furthermore, we are told, honoring him with a holiday and parades is a moral abomination:

Every member of every group in these parades furthers the belief that slavery was OK. Every politician who speaks at the ceremonies honors the belief that stealing resources, including land and people, from natives in the Americas and Africa was OK. The executions that Columbus started in these Americas have to end, and we must stop singing his praises. What are you celebrating?

Can we cancel the 2005 Columbus Day celebration? It should be a day of mourning and reconciliation.

Can we admit that he was a liar, thief, rapist and creep? When we honor him, we say his actions were OK.

Another America-hater avails himself of the right to free speech from the idyllic confines of Verona. At least Randall Robinson, noted black activist and best-selling author who says he was "worn down by an American society that is racist," had the courage to move out.