Frank -lin Moment

Today is the 300th anniversary of Ben Franklin's birth. He was the youngest son of thirteen children, and was known for his tolerant views of life and politics. He was a champion of the middleclass.He felt they were the most tolerant group of Americans and believed in their values.

While a part of writing the constitution, he cautioned his compatriots to compromise, to make a constitution that would stand the test of time. Compromises, he said, may not make great heroes, but make great democracies. Walter Isaacson, who wrote of his life says,"he also believed it was up each of us to exhibit the tolerance necessary to keep a republic".

America is in need of someone to champion the issues of tolerance and justice in today's media. The values and tolerances of our middleclass have been seen time and again in our responses to one catastrophe after another. We have seen our fellow Americans give of themselves to help those in need around the world, and especially here, in the aftermath of Katrina. We need a new Ben Franklin to lead us in a return to the kind of a country where we appreciate and prize all individuals, causes and where we are tolerant of the diverse population we have today.

2006 is the year for us to return to common sense in our government. Our hero for this new year should be one who preaches and practices tolerance and common sense. A modern day Ben Franklin is just what we need.