It was perhaps one of the most heated political contest in history. Two canidates campaigning for the same office. The position of National Bird.

The Eagle was a shoe in from the beginning, the Turkey was running as a Bird Party Candidate and never stood a chance. His only supporter was the Great Statesman Benjamin Franklin, Author, Publisher, Cartoonist, Inventor of Bifocals, the Franklin Stove and Microwave Popcorn. (okay he didn't invent Microwave Popcorn but he would have, if there had been Microwaves!)

As the debate raged on Benjamin Franklin wrote in a letter to his daughter:

"For my own part I wish the Eagle had not been chosen the representative of our country. He is a bird of bad moral character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead tree near the river, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the labor of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a fish, and is bearing it to his nest for the support of his mate and young ones, the Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.

"With all this injustice, he is never in good case but like those among men who live by sharping & robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the district. He is therefore by no means a proper emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our country . . .

"I am on this account not displeased that the figure is not known as a Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the truth the Turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America . . . He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on."

Franklin tried to argue on the Turkeys behalf but to no avail... Congress told Franklin to "go fly a kite!" Which he did.

The debate turned to a vote, an Eagle had won by a narrow margin, but Turkey demanded a recount! Then Turkey won, so Eagle wanted a recount. Finally they decided they would count all the feathers on their heads. (thats why eagle and turkey are both bald now!). Eagle won! But, now with both of them bald Congress couldn't tell them apart! They both looked like Bald Eagles. Turkey was slightly larger but they both seemed pretty much the same to everyone voting.

The debate came down to the two "Eagles" which one would be chosen, the smaller true eagle or the larger Turkey in Eagles clothing. Congress had made their decision and as is often the case in politics they chose...The Lesser of Two Eagles.

Ever since that day, Eagle has been our mascot, but politics has been filled with turkeys.

As for the Turkey he got his own holiday, Thanksgiving. Of course they don't eat an Eagle on the Fourth of July, now do they?

Click here to learn more about the Turkey Debate and America the Tooniful!

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