Franklin's Letter to His Daughter (excerpt)
"For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.
"With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country . . .
"I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."
"With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country . . .
"I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."
What do you think? What would life be like if the turkey was our national mascot? Are they really nobler than an eagle? I'm pretty sure we'd still eat it...hmmm...
5 comments:
I think the turkey would be a great symbol...Afterall they appear to be more adaptiable to new culture. They aren't on the endangered species list. Besides we could all use a little more humor. Thanks to you we get more humor daily!
Why, thank you hemholtz...I think. I know that my blog sucks the air out of you, because you are so filled with delight. You are probably opening your mouth in awe, exhaling, therefore sucking the air out of your body.
I have a question for you...was "churchy" supposed to be an insult? I can't tell.
Letty-I agree. Turkeys are much more humorous to draw, as the eagle always seems to be glaring...the turkey seems more...American. I can't explain myself in words...
Hemholtz--I made a brief visit to your blog, and you are obviously very insightful, witty and deep. Perhaps you should consider ignoring such blogs as abby's, as those of us who appreciate this type of blog can not possibly communicate to your standards. Your absence here would be appreciated by all of the regulars, I am sure. Oh, and we are all impressed that you are able to type all in caps. What communication skills you have!
Maybe if the turkey was our nation's bird we would be eating Eagles on Thanksgiving instead!
Mmmm... Eagles.
Hope your day was filled with love and joy and sunshine and delicious food.
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