Recently my son in law sent me some pictures of a majestic bald eagle, which frequently perches on the roof of the family home. The fact that I am presently reading Benjamin Franklin, An American Life, by Walter Issacson, coupled with our recent national feasting on turkey both stuffed and unstuffed, reminded me of Franklin’s aversion to the eagle as the avian symbol of America.
This is an abbreviated version of a quote from a letter Franklin wrote to his daughter.
This is an abbreviated version of a quote from a letter Franklin wrote to his daughter.
“I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country; he is a bird of bad immoral character. The turkey is a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America.”
Much as I generally respect Ben’s opinion, I do admire the stateliness of this eagle on my daughter’s roof and think he is a fine emblem for a watchful democracy.
Terrie
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7 comments:
I wonder if the turkey had become the national symbol if we'd still eat them. Probably.
Great picture! I always liked that Franklin took up for the turkey as national bird. Although the eagle's a scavenging type, it does have a mythological history that resonates and looks nobler soaring and perching than the turkey. As to Patti's musing, I think the answer's in the deliciousness.
Fab picture! How wonderful to have a bald eagle that sits on your roof. The hundreds of turkeys that meander the Saw Mill Parkway near our house haven't got a patch on that gentleman.
Of course, today's turkey raised for the market bears little or no resemblance to the wild birds Franklin knew.
I'm so glad that everyone likes the picture as much as I do.
And Terry has a good point about the wild turkeys.
Terrie
That's an amazing picture. I love Bald Eagles. I see them from time to time and consider it always a treat.
Hi df Leah,
I'm so glad you like the picture, especially since I get so much pleasure out of the pictures you post.
Terrie
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