Columbus Bashing Has Gotten Out of Hand

Columbus bashing has gotten out of hand.

You quote Morgan Kousser, Caltech history professor, as saying, “The vast majority of the Indians (who died after Columbus’ arrival) were killed by disease--malaria, syphilis, smallpox.” (Times, Viewpoints, Nov. 17).

Syphilis was not brought to America by Columbus’ sailors; it was taken back to Europe by them. It was endemic in South America and the sailors contracted it from the native women.

MERWIN L. MURPHY

Covina