LAD #10 Monroe Doctrine

Summary of the Monroe Doctrine (1823)

Monroe mentions his negotiations with Russia and Britain, asserting that  "In the discussions to which this interest has given rise and in the arrangements by which they may terminate the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers. . ."

The U.S. declares that it will not involve itself in European wars, including the Spanish Civil War, while maintaing that any attempts to colonize the America's will be seen as a threat to American safety. The U.S. will interfere if nations in its sphere of influence that it recognizes as free are being subjugated. Through this the U.S. maintains its precedent of avoiding entangling alliances and wars. The Monroe Doctrine instead sought to maintain a firm, isolationist position while staying friendly with the Europeans.

Columbus Blog #8

 School districts in the United States acknowledge and celebrate religious holidays, along with holidays to commemorate exceptional individuals. It's unsettling that Columbus should be one of these men, standing among the ranks of non-violent civil rights leaders and some of our best presidents. This glorification of Columbus stems from his old age. While the works of Martin Luther King Jr. and the latter US presidents are well discussed and stand clearly before our modern eyes, Columbus' deeds are more of a loose conception, one that has been neglected. Columbus was no hero. This historical elision allows us to believe that Columbus was no murderer or cultural annihilator. Why is he celebrated? Because he was the "first" to land? This has proven to be questionable and would be his only act worthy of merit, though replaceable. Columbus was the same as every other ruthless Spanish explorer, murdering, raping and exploiting to meet his own quotas. If there is a Columbus Day, why not have a Pizarro Day or a four-day weekend for Cortes? It's only fair. Though if someone was reasonable, and sought not to reward terrorism and genocide, they would rename Columbus day as Arawak Memorial Day, or better yet, Native American History Month in honor of the exploitation of all the Natives in North America that Columbus opened the door to.