Regardless of the critiques of Columbus, this great man popularized the New World and initiated the exploration of the Americas. Because of Columbus’ feat, other Europeans followed in his footsteps (or I guess ‘wake’ would be more appropriate) across the Atlantic, ultimately leading to European colonization of North America. As the United States is a direct result of European settlement in North America, we should pay tribute to the man who started it all. To not celebrate Columbus is to not celebrate the founding of the USA, a beacon of freedom to the world. Erasing Columbus out of mainstream society would be a disservice to our heritage, an offense against our origins, and a shameful act against the great nation in which we reside.
Keith, you can criticize Columbus and still be conservative. Are the two mutually exclusive? I would hope not.
Choose your battles wisely. There are more important issues to be won.