As an American of Italian descent, I have an affinity for
Columbus Day, even if the explorer himself was far from the ideal person,
especially by 21st-century standards. Having landed in the New World on October
12, 1492, Columbus probably couldn’t foresee that he’d be the emblem for
certain legal societies five hundred years hence. As the first leading Italian
in the New World, he’s a logical choice for a bit of reverence from some bar
associations that have honored him (hence, the Columbian Lawyers Association).
Given how his relations with the locals on Hispaniola (today, home to Haiti and
the Dominican Republic) turned out, I’m reminded that socializing and fostering
good relations with one’s colleagues and with others in one’s locale was
important for explorers as it is today for lawyers. Happy Columbus Day to
the Columbian Lawyer Associations, and thanks for all of your contributions.
—Lori Tripoli
No comments:
Post a Comment