"Clever" sounds like a put-down. This wasn't a "game" to these people - they risked their lives for their ideas. Washington would have been hung had he been captured, because he had served in the military for the British. Franklin was much more than "Clever", and the bravery that Washington possessed was admired around the world.

Coming up with the lightning rod by itself would have been enough to immortalize Ben Franklin. He was not, by the way, gung-ho for the Revolution in the beginning - but most of his colleagues were, so he went for it. If you ever go to Philadelphia, be sure to visit the exhibition dedicated to him, in the area where he lived and worked. It's very impressive, and there are numerous exhibits.

I can agree to disagree - there's nothing wrong with that.

When people are talking about the founders of the United States of America, I'm GLAD to be able have the freedom to express my opinion - because those are the very people that made it possible. I'm very fortunate to know about a number of my ancestors that served in the Revolution - and I owe my freedom to them, and all of the other Patriots that sacrificed so much, as well.

:thumbsup: