Benjamin Franklin Speaks Out About Our National Bird

"For my part, I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen representative of our country; he is a bird of bad moral character...For in truth, the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird withal, a true original native of America. Eagles have been found in all countries, but the turkey is peculiar to ours;...he is besides (thought a little vain and silly, it is true), a bird of courage, who would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guard who should presume to invade his farmyard with a red coat on."