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What the Wit Wanted

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What the Wit Wanted Founding Father Benjamin Franklin A stout wit with more than one chin As our national symbol, he wanted the turkey For he had yet to taste Native jerky *Written January 22, 2019 For Andrea’s Educate Me with Humor - Leader Clerihew challenge For enlightenment, I learned this: Some say Native Americans made the first jerky (buffalo jerky) thousands of years ago, while others say an ancient Inca tribe called the Quechua made jerky as early as the 1500s. Also, in the play "1776," there is a song called "The Egg." When Ben Franklin wants to make the turkey our national emblem, Thomas Jefferson suggests the dove to represent peace. Both men’s ideas are shot down when a more demanding John Adams suggests the eagle for its strength. There is some contention surrounding Franklin's choice. In a 1784 letter to his daughter, however, Franklin explained that the bald eagle had a “bad moral character” and was a “rank coward” that merely steals from other birds.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 2/16/2019 4:08:00 PM
I have read your short work and wanted to say congrats on your win ..Way to go.. Sara
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 2/16/2019 5:00:00 PM
Thanks, Sara. Gotta like old Ben Franklin.
Date: 2/4/2019 8:22:00 AM
Hi Carolyn, Congratulations on your deserved win, a wonderful poem and different to the others - very clever. Poetry hugs, Jennifer.
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Date: 2/4/2019 5:21:00 AM
Carolyn, Many Congratulations on your TOP Win. Regards, Sathya
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Date: 2/3/2019 10:42:00 PM
Congratulations, Carolyn, love the 'wit' of this!
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Date: 2/3/2019 9:12:00 PM
Carolyn, congratulations on your high podium finish with this clever write! I enjoy your appropriate title, too. I also wrote about Mr. Franklin. I am so glad he was overruled on our national symbol. The eagle is a much better choice, in my opinion. Congrats, again, and all my very best to you! :) Bartholomew
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 2/4/2019 5:33:00 AM
Yes, John Adams insisted on the eagle because it represents strength. Thanks for reading
Date: 2/3/2019 8:27:00 PM
Very clever, Carolyn! CONGRATS! Janice
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Date: 2/3/2019 7:04:00 PM
very witty Carolyn,many congrats:-) hugs jan xx
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Date: 2/3/2019 5:36:00 PM
The bird's the word..Congrats on your win Carolyn..
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Date: 2/3/2019 3:52:00 PM
Congrats for your well-deserved win for this witty 'hew and for the interesting history lesson re the selection of the national bird! thx for your kind comment re my win - Bob
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Date: 2/3/2019 2:53:00 PM
Hi Carolyn, I'm just coming back to say congratulations on your fine win. It was well deserved:-) Alexis
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Date: 2/3/2019 2:32:00 PM
ha, even the picture with it is funny. I'm so glad this came in second. I judged blind and am happy to see how well you did with your entry, Carolyn. Congratulations.
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Date: 1/30/2019 4:35:00 PM
So funny, and educational to boot. G.L. in the contest! Best wishes, Gershon
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Date: 1/29/2019 3:18:00 PM
LOL, loved this very interesting clerihew, hon
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Date: 1/27/2019 5:52:00 PM
G'day Carolyn … the turkey is certainly big in American folklore. Turkey has very little impact here in Aus. although we do have a native turkey. Thank you Carolyn - Lindsay
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Date: 1/27/2019 4:52:00 PM
Oh love the history lesson, and of course, your wonderful poetry..
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Date: 1/24/2019 9:38:00 AM
Yours is a superb Clerihew, Carolyn. You are always quite up-to-date when it comes to American Presidents! Thank you for the end notes; they help to fill in between the lines. Hugs // paul
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Paul Callus
Date: 1/26/2019 9:31:00 AM
My mistake, a lapsus, for a moment my mind thought of President Franklin Roosevelt!!
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 1/24/2019 2:17:00 PM
Franklin was a hoot, Paul, but never became president. Thanks for reading!
Date: 1/23/2019 10:34:00 AM
Interesting work. Reads like a good contender in whatever contest you are entering it. Thanks for the visit to my page. Sara
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Date: 1/22/2019 9:43:00 PM
I have always thought that Franklin's preference for the turkey was the funniest detail about him! He was a great man, and a great thinker, and without his diplomacy with the French, we would have lost the Revolutionary War! Adams pushed through the Declaration, but Franklin secured the French alliance, that saved our skins! Loved Your Poem!
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 1/23/2019 8:05:00 AM
And Franklin was never modest about his achievements. His witty ways are wonderfully portrayed in the play "1776." I'm sure he never let anyone forget his success with the French. Thanks for reading, Andrew!
Date: 1/22/2019 4:55:00 PM
Hi Carolyn, This is really funny. I think you've penned on the winners list. Mines is lacking in the humour department. I don't have to wish you luck, because you nailed it:-) Alexis
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Alexis Y.
Date: 1/22/2019 6:01:00 PM
Thank you Carolyn. I appreciate that you said that:-) Alexis
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 1/22/2019 5:00:00 PM
Thanks, Alexis. It's easy to satirize Franklin, but most of the people I know hold only admiration for Coretta Scott King. I love your tribute to her.
Date: 1/22/2019 4:52:00 PM
That's very funny Carolyn great job my friend
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Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 1/22/2019 4:54:00 PM
Thanks for reading, Bobby!

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