Cuomo Says Columbus is Source of Italian Pride

Advocates of those who are claiming war against “white supremacy” have taken the liberty of toppling or at least beheading statues throughout the United States.   These include Jefferson Davis, Clark Linn, Williams Wickman and General Robert E. Lee.

One of the protesters targets is Christopher Columbus.  For example, he was beheaded in Boston.

But Governor Andrew Cuomo is resisting against doing likewise at the well-known statue that is the center of Columbus Square in New York City.

“The Christopher Columbus statue represents in some ways the Italian-American legacy in this country and the Italian-American contribution in this country,” Cuomo said. “I understand the feelings about Christopher Columbus and some of his acts, which nobody would support. But the statue was, has, come to represent and signify an appreciation to the Italian-American contribution to New York, and for that reason I support it.”

Protesters are claiming the explorer represents the “genocide European settlers carried out on the indigenous population.

But on Thursday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo defended Columbus as someone who represents Italian-American pride, and said the famed statue of the explorer atop Columbus Circle should remain.

There is currently a  bill in Albany that would rename the Columbus Day holiday in New York after indigenous people. Critics say Cuomo needs to be more in tune with how people are feeling right now following days of protest.