America's Elder Statesman: Benjamin Franklin

Real Clear Politics ^ | July 03, 2006 | Jon Kyl

[kellynla]

As we observe Independence Day, we might do well to turn our thoughts to one of the most fascinating Founders of them all, Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790).

This editor-turned-scientist-turned-statesman is a household name for inventing the lightning rod and bifocals; for founding America's first nonsectarian college and its post office; and for using his masterful diplomatic skills to get the French to lend crucial support to the American Revolution.

But did you also know that Franklin is the only person to have signed all four of the documents that helped create the United States? He signed the Declaration of Independence (1776); the Treaty of Alliance, Amity, and Commerce with France (1778); the Treaty of Peace between England, France, and the United States (1782); and the United States Constitution (1787).

In 1776, Franklin was appointed by the Continental Congress to the committee that would draft a proclamation justifying the colonies' decision to break ties with Britain. Although Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft, it was Franklin, whose background was as a printer and editor, who was responsible for editing Jefferson's work. It was these two men that articulated the principles behind the creation of the United States.

As one of the only internationally recognized Americans, Franklin understood the nuances of French culture, attending dinners and events, for he understood that it was easier to sway the French at these social functions, not at the negotiating table. As Minister to France, Franklin successfully brokered the 1778 pact that forged an alliance between the French and the self-proclaimed independent colonies. With the united colonies deeply entrenched in a war with the British, Franklin secured financial loans and military support from Paris that helped advance the American Revolution.

[kellynla]

"For his wisdom and courage, and role in making a new nation that would change the world, let us raise a glass on the Fourth of July to the elder statesman of America, Ben Franklin."

[Jeff Head]

Franklin's handling of the French diplomacy during the war was nothing short of brilliant, and, I believe, inspired. His voice and influence during the constitutional convention, particularly his pivotal remarks about faith in God during the key debate regarding representation of the states in the house and senate, were equally providential.

[XR7]

It would be a hard government that should tax its people one-tenth part of their income.
-Benjamin Franklin

[winston2]

If you haven't read Ben Franklin's Autobiography -

you have missed - IMHO - reading the best autobiography ever written and it's easy reading which is timeless in it's value.

I recommend it above every text - other than the Bible - for young people.

[R.W.Ratikal]

Ben Franklin was as well known, popular, and famous in his own day as he is now. While Franklin spent much time in France and England representing America he was the driving force behind the American revolution.

Brilliant and multi-talented, Franklin was a diplomat, a successful businessman, a top geopolitical negotiator, military strategist, financial expert, philosopher, scientist, inventor, and writer. He was a good family man, witty, charming and attractive to women even when he was well into old age. Many people don't know that Franklin also ran the first American post office.

[RonF]

I was born in Franklin, Massachusetts. Franklin was once part of Wrentham, but split off from it. They originally were named Exeter, but soon thereafter they determined that they needed a bell for their church. Back in those days, when just about everyone in town was a farmer, the church bell didn't just call you for services; it was the clock and the alarm as well. So they named the town after Benjamin Franklin and then sent him a letter informing him of this honor and requesting a bell.

In a letter to his nephew, he said that "Sense being prefereable to Sound", he thought they'd be better off with a library. He gave his nephew a list of books to purchase for the citizens of Franklin. His nephew bought the books and sent them off to start a libary. The library still exists, the oldest public circulating library in America. And when you walk into the front door (in a rather grandiose building donated by the Ray family a long time ago), one of the first things you'll see is a glass case containing many of the original books.

[Buck W.]

An entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word. Or, as the authors of my tagline referred to him:

Benjamin Franklin: The only President of the United States who was never President of the United States.

[El Gato]

It can be argued that Franklin was the First American. The first to see America as something distinct from the British Empire.

[ANGGAPO]

Perhaps we ALL should now put America first on this 4th of July.

[longtermmemmory]

http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/148

FREE FREE FREE

Benjamin Franklin's autobiography as a ebook which can be downloaded for FREE.

Really

[sully777]

Lest we forget, Benjamin Frankling helped create The Albany Plan of Union which was one of the initial conferences and documents that led to the future United States of America.