Turkey is not a native bird?

[Rev]

"At this time of year, do you ever find yourself wondering if turkey the bird has anything to do with Turkey the country? Is it really a coincidence that the main course of our national meal shares its name with a large Muslim country that stretches from Europe to the Caucasus? After all, besides being the star attraction at Thanksgiving dinner, the turkey is a bird so American that Benjamin Franklin wanted it as our national symbol. (He considered the bald eagle to be "of low moral character.") The answer lies in a twisted and tortuous journey, both physically and linguistically."

Read more...

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-marciano-turkey-20101125,0,2461782.story

[kybackwoodsman]

intresting point... it also reminds me that the turkey was not necessarily the table fare of choice of the pilgrims great feast we consider the first thanksgiving.  The only known account was a letter that was discovered i think in the 1800s, describing the event.  basically it bears little resemblance to the thankgiving we were taught as kids in school.  it never refers to turkey, but only fowl.. could have been turkeys, or grouse or geese or ducks etc. they didn't have much flour or sugar from the trip over so pies we rent there.. there was breads and the natives taught them how to raise pumpkins. cranberry's probably weren't on the menu.  the natives that were there wasn't invited like we were taught, but showed up in responce to the gunfire and cannon fire of the festivities, probably expecting a fight.  its recorded they brought 6 deer to contribute to the feast after the situation calmed down. so actually its deer that really is the thanksgiving day meat!!    course i only know all of this because of the history channel!!

[William]

Ben Franklin never advocated the turkey to be our national symbol or bird, although he did hate the bald eagle.

[kybackwoodsman]

wel i guess you cant believe everything on the history channel then cause they cliam he did.. someone needs to tell the guys at the production office.

[Red Badger]

He didn't?  I was taught in the dark ages (when I was in school) that he did... hmmm I might have to do some research... Hat to think that Ms. Schultze (my 4th grade teacher) taught me something that was false   

[hrayton]

I seem to recall it being taught when I was in grade school as well, around 4th grade. LOL! The presidential seal could USE a turkey clutching some arrows these days.... 

[Tim Burns]

 The presidential seal could USE a turkey clutching some arrows these days.... 

Now That is FUNNY! 

[Micanopy]

Blasthfamy! Another attempt at rewriting American History.

[William]

Old Ben mentioned in a letter, along with his views of the bald eagle, that if the eagle was chosen as our national symbol we might as well just have the turkey instead.  That one sentance made in jest has been misconstrued into the current statements that he was advocating the turkey to take the place of the eagle.  Check out the book "The first American" about Ben and his life.

[Watauga]

    
"Turkey is not a native bird?"
Did they sneak over the Border from Mexico?
If so it Looks like we know how to deal with Some of the Illegal's After All! 

[Hawken50]

  Ya know if them pilgrims woulda had a few head of black angus the traditional thanksgiving dinner would be ribeyes instead o turkey....just sayin...

[Red Badger]

well it does say in the article that they did bring some Venison.... Maybe we should start a campaign to replace turkey with Venison....

[Hawken50]

  Now Uncle Badger,that be the best idea youve had in awile.GRAVY instead of stuffin..hey what.