Happy Birthday Benjamin Franklin

Today marks the birthday of Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706) — a printer, inventor, diplomat, and one of the sharpest minds from the founding of the United States, nay maybe ever. His words after the signing of the Constitution resonate especially today: “We have a republic, if we can keep it.” 

Franklin has always been my favorite patriot (high praise from a Virginian) due to his wisdom, intellect, wit and pragmatism. He wasn’t perfect, but neither is our country. However, I would trade the entire government of the United States for one Benjamin Franklin.
— David Eugene Perry