I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our country; he is a bird of bad moral character; like those among men who live by sharping and robbing, he is generally poor, and often very lousy. The turkey is a much more respectable bird.

Summary

In this quote, Benjamin Franklin expresses his discontent with the choice of the Bald Eagle as the national symbol of the United States. Franklin criticizes the character of the Bald Eagle, comparing it to dishonest individuals who survive through deceit and theft. Instead, he advocates for the turkey, perceiving it as a more respectable bird. Franklin's words reveal his personal preference for a national symbol that embodies qualities of integrity and dignity over the opportunistic nature he associates with the Bald Eagle.

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