Saturday, October 11, 2014

Another long weekend, for some

"Homeland Security: Fighting Terrorism since 1492"
Gene was wearing this t-shirt at the coffee shop yesterday, and I thought the message was quite appropriate for the upcoming holiday on Monday: Columbus Day. This is a federal holiday (meaning we won't get mail delivery and the banks will be closed) around the country. I just looked it up for this area, however, and found that the schools will be open and actually, most of the banks as well. There's quite a kerfuffle brewing over Columbus Day here in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle voted this year to change the title of the holiday to "Indigenous People's Day" to honor the contributions of Native Americans on this day, instead of Columbus' discovery of America in October 1492. This led Italian Americans to object, saying (according to this article) that "this is a big insult to those of us of Italian heritage. We feel disrespected. America wouldn't be America without Christopher Columbus."

Sigh. And here in Bellingham, the City Council will vote on an ordinance that would have the date of October 13 designated as "Coast Salish Day." It will be interesting to see how all this plays out. Oh, and on another subject, I have already interviewed two of my friends to follow up with the idea of having a short biography here on the blog (Gene and Rita), but I've still got to write them and get an okay from each, making sure I get the facts right. I'm having fun already!
Sheltered from the rain
This morning, 14 of the walkers gathered in hopes of beating the rain that was on its way. Actually, we had just finished our walk when the heavy rain began. It kept up like this (see it coming off the roof?) for maybe a half hour and then the sun came out! It's one of those October days when sun, rain and clouds vie for dominance. It's that in-between time of year, and we all gathered afterwards for some coffee and conversation. A nice day, actually.
:-)
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27 comments:

  1. Linda KayOctober 11, 2014 at 1:59 PM

    Sounds like a lovely time, coffee with friends on a rainy day. WE had 3.5 inches overnight in Texas Hill Country, so we are very pleased. The thunder and rain sounded heaven-sent.

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  2. Hootin AnniOctober 11, 2014 at 2:47 PM

    I swear this country is getting ridiculous on being politically correct and I fear it's not going to get any better...if so, it'll be a god send.

    Glad you got your hike done before the heavy rain. Here it's been raining since about 8 am and it's going on 5 pm now!! Odd thing is when I look toward the north to the city...the sky is blue and clear. That's what I call a real stationary front!!

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  3. Elephant's ChildOctober 11, 2014 at 2:51 PM

    Rain? I have heard of it, and have some distant memories...
    Glad you got your walk in first.

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  4. TexWisGirlOctober 11, 2014 at 3:07 PM

    i have seen that shirt before - a friend of ours who is a blackfoot indian has one. i love it. :) and good to see gene, again!

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  5. RedOctober 11, 2014 at 3:31 PM

    As far as Columbus goes he was a greedy thug and wanted to get rich by taking whatever he could find. apologies to the Italians but I don't think they'd want to honor a thug.
    By the way I didn't know it was Columbus day for you. Have a great week end.

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  6. The Furry GnomeOctober 11, 2014 at 5:19 PM

    Sun, rain and clouds have been alternating here too - must be the same all across the country!

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  7. Trish and Rob MacGregorOctober 11, 2014 at 5:28 PM

    We were just talking today about columbus day. It's still listed that way on my calendar and some people still celebrate it. I'm all for changing the name.

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  8. Far Side of FiftyOctober 11, 2014 at 7:47 PM

    We still have Columbus Day here in MN..the banks are not open and there is no school. We are hicks from the backwoods I guess.
    I am excited to read about your friends:)

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  9. HilaryOctober 11, 2014 at 8:42 PM

    I'm looking forward to reading about Gene and Rita. I think it's a great idea to introduce them with greater depth.

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  10. #1NanaOctober 11, 2014 at 9:11 PM

    I hope we get some rain this week, but I also hope we get sunny skies for Vashon! Looking forward to seeing you.

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  11. Linda MyersOctober 11, 2014 at 9:31 PM

    I like downpours - so much more interesting than a drizzle.

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  12. LilliStJohnOctober 12, 2014 at 4:18 AM

    I think the holiday should be called "All Citizens Day" - THERE - no insults to anyone and NO ONE left out - politically correct - probably not, but who gives a heck. People are starving, cannot afford medicine or homes and the money spent on this type of thing is ridiculous. Happy Day on your holiday; whatever it may be called - Have a good one.

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  13. Stella JonesOctober 12, 2014 at 6:07 AM

    How interesting! I like the idea of special days, but there are so many people worthy of a special , we can't all have a special day. Although I will say that today is a special day for me because it is my birthday!

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  14. AnonymousOctober 12, 2014 at 6:22 AM

    Here in Hawaii, public schools are open on Columbus Day. I have to babysit Rylan, as his parents have to work, and his preschool is closed.

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  15. JuneOctober 12, 2014 at 6:23 AM

    Biographies would be fun. I like Gene's shirt. I've seen it, and wanted it, but dare not wear a Statement T-shirt.

    Personally, I think it would be nice if everybody got respected all the time and we didn't have to have DAYS to honor this one or that one. Although, speaking strictly as a civil servant, I do enjoy heading into this time of year, when we have at least one paid day off every month.

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  16. TomOctober 12, 2014 at 7:34 AM

    I get it -- Columbus brought the Europeans and their violence and disease to this continent and killed off a lot of Native Americans. But that was 500 years ago. Can't we move on? Let the Italians have their day. Then we can dedicate another day to Native Americans ... who surely deserve the recognition.

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  17. troutbirderOctober 12, 2014 at 9:20 AM

    Minneapolis did something similar recently. Here in the boondocks of our State most would be quite unaware of this topic....:(

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  18. Linda ReederOctober 12, 2014 at 9:32 AM

    Since I am not Italian, and in my home states of Oregon and Washington we have never observed Columbus Day, I'm cool with re-naming it. Old Chris was a bit of a monster anyway. "Indigenous Peoples Day" doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. "Coast Salish Day" works better, but is more regional.
    Is there a Scandinavian American Day? I don't think so. I guess I'll just claim any day I want. But on my day the mail will still come.

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  19. Brian MillerOctober 12, 2014 at 9:56 AM

    i was hoping to get out today...its pouring rain...i intended on going kayaking...too wet and cold...

    we have school...we get friday for quarter break...but i have a work day....

    i understand the need or desire to change the day...i feel bad honestly for much of our nations beginning...

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  20. Terra October 12, 2014 at 1:39 PM

    Let's honor and keep Columbus Day, and consider creating another holiday for the Indigenous Peoples.

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  21. Arkansas PattiOctober 12, 2014 at 2:41 PM

    Something about rain that makes coffee just taste marvelous.
    I feel if they want to quit celebrating the day, just do it. To rename the day would be quite offensive to those of Italian heritage. Why not just pick another day for the Indigenous Peoples?

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  22. RitaOctober 12, 2014 at 10:08 PM

    Glad you got your hiking in before the downpour. :)
    Love his tshirt! Things have gotten a bit crazy with all the "politically correct" terms. Glad you reminded me there was no mail tomorrow, though. ;)

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  23. Grandmother MaryOctober 13, 2014 at 1:34 AM

    All hail to the adventurers who opened the world to travel but discover is probably the wrong term regarding a place where people already existed. Anyway- just keep hiking!

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  24. Sharon WagnerOctober 13, 2014 at 5:57 AM

    I just heard about the Indigenous People's Day. I vote to celebrate both.

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  25. California GirlOctober 13, 2014 at 6:53 AM

    Good for Seattle changing the name. I seem to recall that was a movement in the northeast a few years back and it failed miserably for the same reasons. Exactly why do we celebrate the genocide of Indians by a bunch of marauding Latinos or Portuguese? Jee-sus.

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  26. DeeOctober 13, 2014 at 2:46 PM


    Dear DJan, that's good news to hear that some people want to change "Columbus Day" to "Indigenous People's Day." I hadn't ever realized before that there is no day like that on our calendar. Peace.

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  27. C-ingspotsOctober 14, 2014 at 10:56 AM

    First time visitor here...such a beautiful area you live in! You're blessed indeed. I live in the PNW also, but in NW Oregon. Such a fantastic group to be involved with, I would love hiking once a week (or more) in the wilderness! I look forward to seeing more of your area through your pics. Thank you for sharing, Lorie

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