Christopher Columbus was a man of his times. He did not invent the Eurocentric attitude that allowed him to look down on the indigenous people. But, he did advance the colonization that resulted in the USA happening. Columbus Day, as a holiday was destined to be a non-starter, until Watergate. Peter Rodino, a Member of Congress was Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, where possible Bills of Impeachment against Nixon would originate. Thinking that Rodino would think kindly of him, Nixon backed a long lingering bill to make it a Federal Holiday. To show his appreciation, Rodino held bi-partisan hearings, leading to Bills of Impeachment, leading to Nixon's resignation.
