Dear Friends,
I write about a matter very dear to my heart and I would ask that you take a little time to consider it. The Schiller Institute of New York, with whom I collaborate, is now conducting an international campaign in defense of Christopher Columbus. It is Columbus’ poorly understood Spirit of Discovery and Creativity which is under attack.
I believe that along with Columbus, all of us are being attacked.
Who are these well-financed and misguided groups who are defaming, defacing and destroying the culture and efforts which remind us of who we are and where we are going? Where will they stop and who will be left? Are we invalidating generations of heroes? Why – what is the purpose? We believe that these attacks against Columbus represent a regression movement back to the Dark Ages. This has to be stopped! Let us unmask these well-financed diabolical spirits who want to kill and destroy that which is noble, inspiring and good.
I am asking you to play an active role in this effort to defend Columbus and all the geniuses of our Western Civilization. Should we remain passive and silent then we are to be blamed.
I have attached below the “Open Letter to President Donald Trump In Defense of Columbus” written by Liliana Gorini, a leader of the Schiller Institute in Italy, which I support. I would ask you to endorse and circulate this letter as widely as possible among your networks. We welcome any other suggestions you might have to help educate the public on this issue.
Not by coincidence, some years ago, I created a historic saga on Christopher Columbus, his life, his times and his voyages entitled: “A Glance at 500 Hundred Years of Musical Development.” It was performed for the first time at the Ethical Culture Society of New York. One of Columbus’ thoughts which deeply impressed me then remains indelibly fixed in my memory and surfaced after I read the letter to our President. Here it is. Columbus said, “To conquer the unconquerable. This is the passion that burns within my chest.” Columbus added, “If only love instead of brutal force could conquer these new foreign creatures.” These words betray a compassionate heart and soul.
Today’s protesters, uneducated brutes, want to remove the bust of Columbus and defame the valiant navigator, who, at such great price, brought us to these American shores. We must make every effort to put an end to this maniacal evil which is threatening our Western Civilization and would bring us back to the Dark Ages! All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing.
Thank you for your help and attention to this matter. Please call me at (201) 863-8724 or Lynne Speed of the Schiller Institute at (201) 562-9890 for more information. Blessings to you.
Carmela Altamura
Founder/Director Inter-Cities Performing Arts, Inc.
Author/Opera Coach
