Columbus Day is soon upon us. As an Italian-American, I am extremely proud that the “officially recognized“ discovery of America was proclaimed by an Italian. But, as a Jeffersonian, I have some thoughts about American holidays in general and what should be officially recognized as a national holiday. Jefferson was memorialized for that.

There are PC screamers about these days wanting to throw out Columbus Day and reclaim it as “Native American Day.” “Why either/or? Do both,” Jefferson would say. And he would be correct. I state here unequivocally, that I am equally proud and supportive of my many Native American friends. My son’s godfather is a tribal elder and past president of the Wampanoag Tribe of Martha’s Vineyard.