Having The Last Word
Having recently reread James Madison’s Journal of the Federal Convention, (the last time being in college) reminded me of the old adage that “he who speaks last, speaks first.” Ben Franklin did not speak much at the convention, but when he is recorded as having done so his remarks were usually general and positive in nature - this despite the fact that there was much disagreement and acrimony between the delegates. While members were signing the final document, Franklin “looking toward the President’s (George Washington’s) chair” observed that an image of the sun had ...