Ben Franklin - An Exemplary American
Ben Franklin….Of course invented the pot belly stove, bifocals, the lightning rod and the first fire department. But much more. He became wealthy in his twenties establishing a news paper and was a prolific writer.
He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. His resume would impress kings.
He was a slave owner who saw the error of his way and became an abolitionist.
Most of all he exercised his “inalienable rights endowed by his creator”
“Life, liberty… and the pursuit of happiness”
As an ambassador in Versailles John Adams thought him to be a bit too loose and liberal.
-He enjoyed wine woman and song (though fat, bald and in his 70s). He was charming and explored charming minds, conversing into the morning hours enjoying a good libation.
He was a beer drinker / philosopher. Rarely, if ever over indulging.
A classy business man. A diplomat. But most of all he understood the prominence of the Bible.
All wise men do.
This man, who very well may have shaped America, and therefore the entire world more than Washington, Adams or any of the founders, had this to say:
“He who shall introduce into publick affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world.”
To the American Ben Franklin…
We lift our glass.