Author: Stephan A. Schwartz Source: Smithsonian Magazine Publication Date: 2001 Link: Dr. Franklin’s Plan
Stephan: I wrote this article for the Smithsonian Magazine and publish it here today because, in my view, Benjamin Franklin was the only conscious founder, and the only one to envision the nation he was helping to create as a country of immigrants from many backgrounds joining together to build an educated, middle-class based, technologically oriented society whose first priority was the fostering of wellbeing at every level. He was strongly against slavery and deeply aware and respectful of women, and gender fairness. I offer this article in the hope that it will help us reawaken to Dr, Franklin's plan.
Benjamin Franklin at the time of writing the Declaration of Independence
On a Sunday in late October 1776, seventy year old Benjamin Franklin sailed for France in the American 16-gun soop Reprisal to take up his duties as one of this new nation’s commissioners to the Court of Versailles. He did so in the certain knowledge that if the Reprisal was taken by a British warship he would be hanged for high treason. His signature was on the inflammatory Declaration of Independence, a document he has just helped to craft.
Franklin he been home in Philadelphia barely a year and a half after spending almost two decades representing first Pennsylvania and, eventually, several colonies at the court of King George II of England, and when the fking died, his son George III. The experi8ence had made him more familiar with the ways of Europe than anyone else in the new American government.
Tania Tirraoro
on Monday, November 1, 2021 at 6:46 am
Mr Benjamin Franklin bears an uncanny resemblance to Mr Stephan A Schwartz!
Albus Eddie
on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 5:19 am
Franklin was a very wise founder. For anyone close to Philadelphia I highly recommend a visit to the Franklin institute to understand the breath of his vision. I also encourage for those unfamiliar with his thought to read his writings. They are full of wit and wisdom.
Mr Benjamin Franklin bears an uncanny resemblance to Mr Stephan A Schwartz!
Franklin was a very wise founder. For anyone close to Philadelphia I highly recommend a visit to the Franklin institute to understand the breath of his vision. I also encourage for those unfamiliar with his thought to read his writings. They are full of wit and wisdom.