Well that would involve Hispanics, and therefore would not be "politically 
correct", or "politically convenient"? The Italians do not have a preferred, 
or preferential status, and are not very organized, and have little political 
clout, so they make a vulnerable and "acceptable" representation of what the 
Europeans did to the "indigenous people", which was very much like what the 
"indigenous people" were doing to each other! 
=================================================
COLUMBUS ATTACKED; 
STATUE OF EXPLORER IS BEHEADED;
GRAFFITI ASSOCIATED WITH ANARCHISTS

08/04/2001 
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.