It could be his Mona Lisa smile on the 100-dollar bill or the image of a grown man flying a kite in the rain. Benjamin Franklin is still considered a fascinating character, a gentleman and a rascal.
Of all the Founding Fathers, Ben is the one we’d most enjoy inviting to the local pub. He would certainly accept and have a grand time. Let’s celebrate with Mr. Franklin today, as January 17 is his birthday.
If he joined us for a toast, how would he see America today?
The politics would amuse him, as he was a savvy statesman. Rumor had it that he never ran for office because he was smart enough to know better.
The success of the United States wouldn’t surprise him. After all, Ben’s optimism convinced the French to get involved in our Revolution.
He would revel in the size and influence of our nation today, and he would proudly take his due credit. Though Benjamin Franklin was a diplomat and inventor, he was never a shy man.
If anything might stop him in his tracks today, it would be the scientific heights we’ve reached. This is the man who helped harness electricity and invented the odometer.
Imagine his delight as he enjoyed a late night cityscape or witnessed a space launch. Ben would raise his glass in salute, give us a sly wink and probably forgive us that the turkey is not our national bird.