Benjamin Franklin

[EarlJam]

Is that whole thing with the lightning and the key and kite really true or just a myth.

Granted, he is arguably the smartest, most visionary person to walk the earth; but if he really did that whole key thing, he was really flirting with destroying his reputation. Think about it. If he were killed by the lightning strike, you could find people the next day talking in the streets:

"Man, did you hear about Benny?"

"No man, what happened?"

"He DIED!"

"No way man! How?"

"He put a key on a kite, and attracted lightning to strike it AND him. Killed him instantly."

"What a DUMB ASS!"

"No shit!"
Just sayin.

-EarlJam

[colchar]

Smartest most visionary person? Nah, not even close.

[EarlJam]

Smartest most visionary person? Nah, not even close.

Um, bullshit. Have you read of all he did and accomplished? Libraries, fire departments, weather currents, diplomat, etc.

Wilson, help me here!

-Earljam

[wilson]

Smartest most visionary person? Nah, not even close.

Um, bullshit. Have you read of all he did and accomplished? Libraries, fire departments, weather currents, diplomat, etc.

Wilson, help me here!

-Earljam

Ben Franklin was indeed an exceptional visionary. His inventions are myriad, and many of them remain relevant today. He might not be the most brilliant man who ever lived, but he's on the pretty short list as far as I'm concerned. He is undoubtedly one of the more impressive Americans in our nation's history.
He could certainly beat the shit out of that damned Don Cherry, anyway. ;)

[Lavabe]

Smartest most visionary person? Nah, not even close.

Um, bullshit. Have you read of all he did and accomplished? Libraries, fire departments, weather currents, diplomat, etc.

Wilson, help me here!

-Earljam

Ben Franklin was indeed an exceptional visionary. His inventions are myriad, and many of them remain relevant today. He might not be the most brilliant man who ever lived, but he's on the pretty short list as far as I'm concerned. He is undoubtedly one of the more impressive Americans in our nation's history.
He could certainly beat the shit out of that damned Don Cherry, anyway. ;)

Yes, but did he have the same fashion sense as Don Cherry?

[colchar]

Smartest most visionary person? Nah, not even close.

Um, bullshit. Have you read of all he did and accomplished? Libraries, fire departments, weather currents, diplomat, etc.

Wilson, help me here!

-Earljam

Ben Franklin was indeed an exceptional visionary. His inventions are myriad, and many of them remain relevant today. He might not be the most brilliant man who ever lived, but he's on the pretty short list as far as I'm concerned. He is undoubtedly one of the more impressive Americans in our nation's history.
He could certainly beat the shit out of that damned Don Cherry, anyway. ;)

I'm not saying his accomplishments weren't impressive, just that he isn't the smartest most visionary person to walk the earth.

And Cherry would kick his ass as he spent most of his hockey career as a fighter.

[colchar]

Yes, but did he have the same fashion sense as Don Cherry?

Nobody does, thank fuck.

[wilson]

I'm not saying his accomplishments weren't impressive, just that he isn't the smartest most visionary person to walk the earth.

And Cherry would kick his ass as he spent most of his hockey career as a fighter.

Whatever. Ben Franklin would beat the shit out of Don Cherry with a library, which he invented.

[DevilAlumna]

I'm not saying his accomplishments weren't impressive, just that he isn't the smartest most visionary person to walk the earth.

And Cherry would kick his ass as he spent most of his hockey career as a fighter.

Whatever. Ben Franklin would beat the shit out of Don Cherry with a library, which he invented.

Methinks most of Greece and Egypt (particularly citizens of Alexandria) would take issue with this statement. As would the Vatican, and John Harvard.

Now, if you amend to read, "created the first public library in America," I'd give that to you. But "invent"? Not a chance.

[Ima Facultiwyfe]

I'll ask the Old Prof to settle this. He was there.
Love, Ima

[wilson]

Methinks most of Greece and Egypt (particularly citizens of Alexandria) would take issue with this statement. As would the Vatican, and John Harvard.

Now, if you amend to read, "created the first public library in America," I'd give that to you. But "invent"? Not a chance.

Of course you're right. I mostly just enjoyed the image of Benjamin Franklin beating the shit out of Don Cherry with a library.

[Lavabe]

Benjamin Franklin is on the highest denomination of US currency in active circulation.
Don Cherry appears on no currency.
Ben Franklin wins.

Next debate?

[windsor]

Smartest most visionary person? FRANKLIN?

I'd go with Da Vinci in a walk...and throw in Newton as a runner up.

I think his contemporary Jefferson would give him a run for his money.

[colchar]

Whatever. Ben Franklin would beat the shit out of Don Cherry with a library, which he invented.

Sure he did.

[Miles]

More important than his numerous inventions, is the fact that Franklin did not seek out patents or collect royalties for his inventions. This made his inventions available to general public, not only improving the quality of life but actually saving lives. Patent-free: bifocals, lightning rods, and Franklin stoves were profound philanthropic contributions. And the glass harmonica is just badass.

[colchar]

Benjamin Franklin is on the highest denomination of US currency in active circulation.
Don Cherry appears on no currency.
Ben Franklin wins.

With how low the US dollar has sunk it is even considered a currency any more?

[colchar]

And the glass harmonica is just badass.

I prefer that glass be used to make slides as metal ones don't really do it for me (and by slides I mean for guitar not the things in playgrounds).