Ben Franklin

It’s crunch time for U.S. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

Tomorrow the registered voters of Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island will either close the door on Ms. Clinton’s attempt to move back into the White House by denying her one or more major victories, or allow her to convince herself, her husband, and their various minions of mirth, to continue throwing brickbats, mud and whatever else they can find at their Democratic opponent.

Ms. Clinton continues to ride along upon long-nurtured name recognition, even after having lost 11 (or 12) consecutive contests and falling behind by about 150 delegates, while surrogates do their level bests to slander and demean Mr. Obama, and scare voters into bringing a new era of corruption back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Through it all, Senator Clinton has the temerity to insist how honored she is to share the spotlight with Senator Obama, and claim a genuine liking of, and friendship with, her opponent from Illinois. Perhaps her strategies and tactics will have no lasting effect on the Democratic electorate, even if they succeed. Perhaps Democrats, Independents, disaffected Republicans and others will overlook Ms. Clinton’s perennially high negatives, and lift her to victory over Senator John McCain.

At this point, however, I think it more likely that what Team Clinton has been doing will have the effect suggested by Benjamin Franklin in the following observation:
“Thou canst not joke an enemy into a friend, but thou may’st a friend into an enemy.”

Wouldn’t it be ironic if nominating Ms. Clinton was the best thing the Democratic Party could do for the Republicans in 2008?

As we in the U.S. continue to winnow the field of prospective presidential candidates through primaries and caucuses, I am once again reminded of a bit of personal philosophy uttered by perhaps our country’s most famous founder not to become president.

The following declarations, or “Plan of Conduct,” by Ben Franklin, are reprinted from Robert Walsh, “Life of Benjamin Franklin,” Delaplaine’s Repository of the Lives and Portraits of Distinguished Americans (Philadelphia, 1815-17), II, 51-2.

Keep in mind Franklin was quite a young man when he composed these propositions in 1726.

“Those who write of the art of poetry teach us that if we would write what may be worth the reading, we ought always, before we begin, to form a regular plan and design of our piece: otherwise, we shall be in danger of incongruity. I am apt to think it is the same as to life. I have never fixed a regular design in life; by which means it has been a confused variety of different scenes. I am now entering upon a new one: let me, therefore, make some resolutions, and form some scheme of action, that, henceforth, I may live in all respects like a rational creature.

1. It is necessary for me to be extremely frugal for some time, till I have paid what I owe.

2. To endeavour to speak truth in every instance; to give nobody expectations that are not likely to be answered, but aim at sincerity in every word and action—the most amiable excellence in a rational being.

3. To apply myself industriously to whatever business I take in hand, and not divert my mind from my business by any foolish project of growing suddenly rich; for industry and patience are the surest means of plenty.

4. I resolve to speak ill of no man whatever, not even in a matter of truth; but rather by some means excuse the faults I hear charged upon others, and upon proper occasions speak all the good I know of every body.”

History has shown the extent to which Ben Franklin followed through on his early life plan, and the width and breadth of his achievements.

Think, if you will, about each potential president still in the hunt, and imagine if you can, whether any one of them could live up to these four simple proscriptions for behavior.

Now imagine for a moment or two what the United States of America, great as it may have been - or continue to be - through its history, how much more just, fair, accomplished, respected, rational and productive our nation could have been… And indeed, may yet still be.

Is there a Benjamin Franklin running for president this year?

© 2008 TS Tyler All Rights Reserved

Benjamin Franklin was largely apolitical during the first half of his life, focusing his curiosity, intelligence and energies on business and self-improvement. The second half found Franklin as involved in politics as anyone before or since.

For several decades now, young Americans seem to have been following suit. Voter turnout among 18 to 30 year-olds has been pretty dismal, considering the ongoing enormity of the stakes.

This year seems to present the first major influx of younger voters since the Vietnam War and selective service. The vast majority of these youthful voters appear to support a Democrat, Barack Obama, a relatively young man, himself.

As far as I can tell, the remaining candidates of all stripes appear to hew closely to the habit expressed by Franklin’s entry in Poor Richard’s Almanack:

• “To err is human, to repent divine; to persist devilish.” •

I won’t characterize the nature of this year’s crop of presidential hopefuls, except to say how familiar their tactics and strategies seem to be… Especially those which endeavor to win favor by any means necessary.

I’m not as young as I used to be (but then, I often imagine the alternative ;-), yet I have begun to lean toward the swelling ranks of today’s newer voters. I’m tired to the bone of the same old –same old, and I sure don’t want to continue with this new-fangled American dynastic trend we seem destined to pursue.

I know Ben and Poor Richard would have bemoaned a new monarchy, were they here today.

© 2008 TS Tyler All Rights Reserved

The young Benjamin Franklin: A future monarchist, who would one day see the light, and electrify the masses.

Benjamin Franklin was among the most widely read writers and publishers in the 18th century.

He was also a very sly and creative entrepreneurial type, not above a bit of marketing sleight-of-hand.

This posting isn’t about Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, his alleged dalliances with Ms. Christine Beatty, or the magic of Catalog Choice. These just happen to be hot topics right now, and with any luck, might bring a few new looks to this here Ben Franklin blog.

Franklin’s written verbosity was the result of a little schooling and a lifetime of voracious reading. His take on formal learning might be summed up by this quote from his highly successful series of annuals, Poor Richard’s Almanack:

• “The learned fool writes nonsense in better language that the unlearned - but it’s still nonsense.” •

This space, and the others here in the WHBN, are dedicated to bringing back to light the wit, wisdom, insight and humor of personalities through the ages, and seeing just how relevant their observations can be today.

Just as reinventing the wheel is roundly dismissed as foolish, so it would be to forget that the past has much to teach the present about the future.

Over the next few months, the WHBN will be undergoing a complete upgrade and reorganization, as we endeavor to create a more rewarding experience for our contributors and visitors. I hope you’ll stop by often to check out what’s old and new again.

© 2008 TS Tyler All Rights Reserved

The following comes from a letter written on March 9, 1790 by Ben Franklin to Ezra Stiles, a Congregational minister and president of Yale College, responding to specific questions by Stiles regarding Franklin’s “opinion concerning Jesus of Nazareth” (written when sick at 86 years old — Franklin died a few weeks later on 4/17/90):

“As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see; but I apprehend it has received various corrupting changes, and I have, with most of the present dissenters in England some doubts as to his [Jesus] divinity; though it is a question I do not dogmatize upon, having never studied it, and think it needless to busy myself with it now, when I expect soon an opportunity of knowing the truth with less trouble. I see no harm, however, in its being believed, if that belief has the good consequence, as it probably has, of making his doctrines more respected and better observed; especially as I do not perceive, that the Supreme take it amiss, by distinguishing the unbelievers in his government of the world with any particular marks of his displeasure.”

The 2008 election season has officially begun in the U.S. Some surprises have resulted so far, with more undoubtedly awaiting in the weeks to come. Some call this year’s political landscape “historic,” i.e.; first woman, Italian, black, Mormon, etc. There may even be a real difference between our choices this time around!

One aspect of each candidate’s personal doctrine has not deviated from the norm, however: each is a self-described Christian of one stripe or another. Each has indicated their personal relationship with God (through Christ) “informs” their outlook, opinions and decision-making process.

Thursday’s caucuses also brought one theme home again and again, and in both parties: Change! Change is the watchword this year. Change is the rallying cry!

I’m ready for change! I’ll fight for change! I’ll lead for a change! I am the change!

With a common religion and apparently universal theme under girding most of the candidates and campaigns, I wonder whether any of them are familiar with Franklin’s famous quote regarding Christianity and politics:

“He who shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world.”

I also wonder if any of our would-be presidents are talking about that kind of change, and if so, believe they could bring Ben’s suggestion to fruition.

Do you think the principles of primitive Christianity (which are echoed in most organized religions) can put a smile on the face of the world, or are organized religions standing in the way of lasting change?

© 2008 TSTyler All Rights Reserved