I've never been a Columbus fan, but maybe it's time to stop picking on the guy. He was a historic explorer, after all. And some European was bound to sail here eventually and begin conquering the natives. Most importantly, Columbus Day is now an annual occasion for Italian Americans to celebrate their heritage. I've witnessed that pride of culture. My children's great-grandfather on their mother's side sailed to San Francisco from Columbus' hometown of Genoa in the 1800s. Like many, he headed for the Sierra gold country.