Favorite founding father

[Jeff Lebowski]

Watching the HBO John Adams series caused me to again ponder just how extraordinary our founding fathers were. It also brings up an interesting question:

If you had to pick, who is your favorite founding father?

It's a tough call, but I think I am going to have to go with Franklin. Partly for his genius and partly because he seems to be the most fascinating character of the bunch. The series of "Silence Dogood" letters he wrote clandestinely as a 16-yr-old exhibit both an astonishing level of intelligence/insight for such a young age and a wicked sense of humor. Just imagine how much fun Franklin would have had trolling message boards. His scientific accomplishments, his wisdom in guiding the political process during the revolution, and his somewhat irreverent nature have always appealed to me.

Anyway, go ahead and make a case for your favorite figure. I realize that this is kind of like asking someone to pick a favorite child, but humor me.

[Solon]

Watching the HBO John Adams series caused me to again ponder just how extraordinary our founding fathers were. It also brings up an interesting question:

If you had to pick, who is your favorite founding father?

It's a tough call, but I think I am going to have to go with Franklin. Partly for his genius and partly because he seems to be the most fascinating character of the bunch. The series of "Silence Dogood" letters he wrote clandestinely as a 16-yr-old exhibit both an astonishing level of intelligence/insight for such a young age and a wicked sense of humor. Just imagine how much fun Franklin would have had trolling message boards. His scientific accomplishments, his wisdom in guiding the political process during the revolution, and his somewhat irreverent nature have always appealed to me.

Anyway, go ahead and make a case for your favorite figure. I realize that this is kind of like asking someone to pick a favorite child, but humor me.

Jefferson.

"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every from of tyranny over the mind of man."

This quotation is inside the rotunda of the Jefferson Memorial in DC. I proposed to my wife on the steps in front of the monument.

[creekster]

Jefferson.

"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every from of tyranny over the mind of man."

This quotation is inside the rotunda of the Jefferson Memorial in DC. I proposed to my wife on the steps in front of the monument.

I concur.

[PaloAltoCougar]

I've always liked JFK's over-the-top (though not by much) statement about Jefferson that he mentioned at a state dinner: "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House - with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

If I could spend an evening with any of the founders, though, I might pick Benjamin Franklin. Very funny, a renaissance man, and he'd find me (or any other reasonably educated person from the 21st century) absolutely fascinating. Plus he was great with the ladies and would hook me up for the evening (Mrs. PAC and I have an understanding).

[il Padrino Ute]

Tough question, as there are so many worthy candidates.

If pressed, I would go with John Hancock. He hated taxes and wasn't afraid to tell the collector to take a hike. It was his attitude about taxes that eventually led to the Boston Tea Party.

He also realized that men are pretty much nothing without God in their lives. A few weeks before he became President of the 2nd Continental Congress, he said (and this is paraphrased):

"In circumstances as dark as these, it becomes us, as Men and Christians, to reflect that whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments, …at the same time all confidence must be withheld from the means we use; and reposed only on that God rules in the armies of Heaven, and without His whole blessing, the best human counsels are but foolishness."

And the popular story that he signed his name big enough so that King George could read it without his spectacles is classic, whether it's true or not. Any guy that gives the figurative finger to an authority figure is ok in my book.

[DrumNFeather]

Is Hamilton technically a founding father? He has a great story and really rose from nothing to be a significant contributor in so many ways.

I'd say Hamilton or Jefferson for me...with Washington or Franklin close behind.

[cougjunkie]

I am sorry but this might be the nerdiest question ever asked on this board. Whats next? Favorite Element on the periodic table?

[LA Ute]

It's a tough call, but I think I am going to have to go with Franklin.

He'd be near the top of my list, for the reasons you cite. It is very hard to choose. Trite as this may sound, I think I'll say Washington. I'd love to have dinner with him. His folk hero status obscures the many details about his life that prove just how remarkable he was. I've gained a new appreciation for him from David McCullough's popular histories (John Adams and 1776) and also from Joseph Ellis's Founding Brothers. Some examples:

Giving up command of the armies and going home when he could have been something close to a king.

Serving only two terms as president when he could have kept the job as long as he wanted it. (Ellis thinks Washington was worried he might die in office, and did not want to create a precedent that one served as president for life.)

Chairing the Consitutional Convention and keeping his mouth shut the entire time about the substance, knowing that his influence might be overwhelming.

It takes greatness to do these things.

[The_Tick]

Anyone else listen to the Thomas Jefferson hour on NPR?

That show rocks.

[BigFatMeanie]

I am sorry but this might be the nerdiest question ever asked on this board. Whats next? Favorite Element on the periodic table?

Ooh - I choose Molybdenum. That's just a kick ass name. The other cool thing about Molybdenum is that it's produced by a technique known as "roasting". I hear the guys on the International Molybdenum Association (IMOA) throw a great party as well.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Giving up command of the armies and going home when he could have been something close to a king.

Speaking of which, did you see this article?

http://www.newsweek.com/id/162914

[Jeff Lebowski]

I am sorry but this might be the nerdiest question ever asked on this board. Whats next? Favorite Element on the periodic table?

LOL.

Up yours, CJ.

[landpoke]

That one guy whose signature is so large on the Declaration of Independence: John Henry.

I hear he was a hell of a steel driving man later in life.

(The receptionist just came in and asked for my "John Henry" on something. You may interpret that any way you wish.)

This is a tough one for me because whatever biography of a FF I happen to be reading immediately makes that one my favorite. I realize they've all been deified to a large extent, but they're all remarkable men. So just for the sake of being contrarian I'm going with Aaron Burr. Dude's been denied his due for far too long.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Jefferson.

"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every from of tyranny over the mind of man."

This quotation is inside the rotunda of the Jefferson Memorial in DC. I proposed to my wife on the steps in front of the monument.

That's my favorite memorial in DC. Very moving.

[Goatnapper'96]

I've always liked JFK's over-the-top (though not by much) statement about Jefferson that he mentioned at a state dinner: "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House - with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."

If I could spend an evening with any of the founders, though, I might pick Benjamin Franklin. Very funny, a renaissance man, and he'd find me (or any other reasonably educated person from the 21st century) absolutely fascinating. Plus he was great with the ladies and would hook me up for the evening (Mrs. PAC and I have an understanding).

If Franklin had lived in the 20th Century I am pretty sure he would have been the Doctor to invent man made jubbillees!

I am pretty sure he gets my vote!