Hi, Larry--

You are, of course, correct that slavery was common practice in Columbus's time. Western Europeans had, however, moved away from the practice of overt slavery, and were even moving away from serfdom, among members of their own nations. Slavery continued to be practiced, but heathen primitives (read: non-Christian non-Europeans) were considered morally appropriate merchandise.

Yet some Europeans spoke out against the practice even at this early period. The voice of Bartolome de las Casas, a Catholic priest and missionary who one would think had a vested interest in Native American conversion to Christianity (forced or voluntary), still rings with outrage across the centuries. So it's not as if no one had given it any thought.

Columbus's voyage shows uncommon courage and imagination, even though founded on a rather large-magnitude error. His ability to keep three crews from mutiny shows great leadership. Several historians consider him one of the outstanding sailors in maritime history. But in his treatment of the people he met upon landing, he shows himself not to be a beacon of enlightenment. The light he sheds from the humanitarian lamp doesn't hold a candle to de las Casas.

Nothing is to be gained by claiming greatness for the man in areas where he was not great. It only diminishes the areas in which he truly was talented.

This is the Law of Diminishing Hyperbolic Returns. I notice our politicians today haven't learned it yet.

Regards--
Mary Anne