President Donald Trump broke with recent White House tradition and offered no words of condolences for the genocide of Native Americans while proclaiming Christopher Columbus day.
"As we mark this rich history, we must also acknowledge the pain and suffering reflected in the stories of Native Americans who had long resided on this land prior to the arrival of European newcomers," the-President Barack Obama noted in the 2016 proclamation. "The past we share is marked by too many broken promises, as well as violence, deprivation, and disease. It is a history that we must recognize as we seek to build a brighter future -- side by side and with cooperation and mutual respect."
President Trump apparently disagreed with Obama's contention that it is a history we must recognize.
While honoring "the skilled navigator and man of faith, whose courageous feat brought together continents," in his first Columbus Day proclamation, President Donald Trump made no mention of Native Americans.
Obama also mentioned Native Americans in 2014, proclaiming, "we also recognize the suffering inflicted upon Native Americans and we recommit to strengthening tribal sovereignty and maintaining our strong ties."
In his 2014 Columbus Day proclamation, Obama reminded that "it is a history shared by Native Americans, one marred with long and shameful chapters of violence, disease, and deprivation" and that "we also pay tribute to the legacy of Native Americans."
