A favorite myth from my childhood is that Benjamin Franklin wished the turkey were part of our national emblem, rather than the eagle. Anatole Kovarsky’s November 24, 1962 New Yorker cover which depicted the turkey in the national seal gave the story new legs.
What really happened is good old Ben was a joker. He wrote his daughter in 1784, making fun of the eagle on the seal, saying it looked like a turkey. Then he went on to praise the morality of the turkey! The eagle was simply a petty fish thief. This jocular banter to amuse his progeny was carefully recorded in history as love for the feathered gobbler. Franklin = turkey lover. Not really. Ben= practical joker and excellent letter writer. I bet he’s laughing right now as every November we promote this silly turkey story.
Happy Thanksgiving!
- I’m thankful for you – wonderful online community. <Wave>
- I’m thankful for the delicious food Native people taught immigrants to this continent to eat: turkey, pumpkins, potatoes. For a longer list, see 6 Foods That Make the Season.
What are you thankful for?
Gracias for reading Fake Flamenco! ¡Olé! –Rebecca
P.S. The turkeys in the header photo are wild creatures here in Madison! -R
Fake Flamenco 
Foraging birds are smart. Eagles are elegant.
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Both have their merits, it’s true. Here in Wisconsin I’ve been lucky enough to observe both in the wild.
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Same in Colorado!
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Cool, Happy Thanksgiving!
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To you as well!
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Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, Rebecca! Have a wonder day with your loved ones 🙂
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Thank you Rosaliene! What plans do you have for tomorrow?
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Happy thanksgiving
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Thank you! What’s your favorite holiday?
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I don’t have one really 🙂
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Celebration of life every day with your joyful paintings.
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Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Today, I’m feeling very thankful for my amazing family.
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Benjamin’s (Lord of the lightnings) wonderful joke, not for the turkeys, ha, ha. I didn’t know it. Wonderful Thanksgiving for all of you.
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Glad you like the joke. ; ) We had a wonderful dinner here with our close friends.
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A salute to the tricksters and jokers!
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Yes, especially the ones that fly under the radar like Franklin!
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What a cute story! I’m thankful for friends such as you who give me so much support!
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You’re very welcome, and thank you : )
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