Ode to Ben

Ben Franklin was one of my early heroes. His witty writings and radical political manuevers remain an inspiration to me. My all-time favorite Spanish tutor is a Bolivian Potosi Native named, "Ben Franklin" Surname. We bonded deeply over discussing the Ben Franklin for which he was named. He adored the fact that I loved calling him by the full name.

Ben Franklin was also my first lesson in looking beyond the history textbooks before choosing my heroes. Discovering that he was also a notorious woman beater nearly crushed me. Prostitutes were his favorite targets. (Wink. Wink.) Still. . . I have family members in the 21st century version of that profession. Despite many years of therapy, I would still like to beat some bloody sense into some of them, as well. Chanelling. . .

Discovering that Ben Franklin was also the Founding Father of Daylight Savings Time put a serious ding in my ability to admire his products, as well. I hate daylight confusion time. Ben thought it would make it easier for the office workers to coordinate their schedules with agricultural agents. Theory behaves so well on paper. Ben didn't get to test his theory in practice. His law wasnae passed until WWII. Still, ya gotta love Poor Richard's Almanack. I am kinda afraid to look too close there. How far can a Hero fall?

Note to self: Check facts before publication.