T he T urkey : A lmost A merica ’ s N ational S ymbol ? The Truth in the Legend
Back in the first years of the American Experiment, almost everything was the subject of heated debate, from establishing a national bank, to how to best represent the citizens of the different states. But was the United States’ national bird ever in question? One popular myth that has persisted over centuries is that Ben Franklin proposed having the turkey as the national bird instead of the bald eagle. Is there truth to this story? Legends are often born from kernels of truth found in the lives of extraordinary people. This Thanksgiving fun “fact” is no different. This story has its genesis in a letter that Ben Franklin wrote to his daughter in 1784, where he does indeed lament the decision of the United States adopting the bald eagle as the national bird. It’s at this point however, that the facts and the story go in different directions.
Franklin called the eagle a “rank coward” that steals from other birds, and questioned why the United States would want a bird with such “bad moral character” as their avian symbol. Then the turkey talk starts. Apparently Franklin had seen a drawing that included the bald eagle as a national symbol, and apparently he didn’t think it was very good. He said that the drawing looked more like a turkey than an eagle, and then went on to talk about how the turkey was a much more respectable bird anyway. Franklin liked a lot of things about turkeys, apparently. He found them courageous, albeit a little goofy and full of themselves, and he liked that they were truly native to the United States (although, so are bald eagles). So, while Franklin may have thought turkeys were better birds than bald eagles, he never seriously suggested
that one should replace the eagle as the national symbol. At best, this story of Ben Franklin is overblown, and at worst, it’s just flat out false. So, if anyone at your Thanksgiving dinner shares this story with you, you can tell them what really happened. Just don’t be a know-it-all about it — it’s not worth a fight with the other dinner guests.
G reen B eans W ith G inger and G arlic
Inspired by Food Network
Turkey is, for the most part, a healthy and lean protein. Thanksgiving sides, on the other hand, tend to be a little more indulgent. This year, eschew the classic, creamy green bean casserole in favor of this lighter, healthier, and altogether tastier option.
Nov. 1 to Dec. 15 is open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, also known as ObamaCare. Please let us know if you have friends or family that need assistance with enrollment this year.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 lbs whole green beans, ends trimmed • 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp crushed red pepper • Kosher salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. To the side of the stove, prepare a large bucket of ice water. 2. Cook beans in boiling water for 4 minutes. Immediately transfer to ice water. Drain and pat dry. 3. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in ground ginger and crushed pepper. Add green beans. 4. Cook together for 2–3 minutes. 5. Transfer to plate and serve.
3 770-744-1855
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator