Sicilian Culture: The News: Columbus Attacked, Statue of Explorer Beheaded; Graffiti Associated With Anarchists

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Columbus Attacked, Statue of Explorer Beheaded;
Graffiti Associated With Anarchists
August 04, 2001 (San Jose Mercury News,Morning Final,Page 19A Associated Press) SANTA BARBARA -- A marble statue of Christopher Columbus has been beheaded and spray-painted in an apparent protest of the explorer's treatment of indigenous peoples.
Painted on the statue were a peace sign and the letter ''A'' surrounded by a circle, often associated with anarchist groups. On the back were the spray-painted words, ''Tell children the truth.''
An upside-down American flag was placed in front of the statue, with the words ''Truth: 509 years of indigenous genocide.'' It was 509 years ago this week that Columbus set sail across the Atlantic. The vandalism is reminiscent of a sledgehammer attack March 8 on a marble statue of Columbus in the lobby of San Jose City Hall.
James Cosner, 31, of Ben Lomond faces charges of vandalism and burglary with a hate-crime enhancement. While Columbus is credited with discovering America, he is criticized as a symbol of European exploitation of native peoples.
It wasn't clear when the damage at Junipero Serra Hall in Santa Barbara occurred. The statue, which will be restored, is owned by the Knights of Columbus. Santa Barbara police officer Ed Ruisz, left, talks with Knights of Columbus member John Petrino near the vandalized statue of Christopher Columbus on the grounds of Junipero Serra Hall.

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