American Symbol of Eagle - Historum

ramscrest · September 26th, 2010, 03:39 AM

Why was the Eagle Chosen as our National Symbol? I know there was a lot of debate over it but cant remember that much about it. It seems to me it should have been a Falcon - they have been revered, faithful, fearless servants of kings and sultans for centuries before the decision was made. A bone picker is not my idea of majesty, although it is a rather large bird - at a distance it still looks like a buzzard. That being said, I guess that makes us all the Eagles of History - deliciously picking over the carnage of time - Falcons are not easily tamed, they choose you instead - to win the heart of a Falcon is a feat of pure majic!
Let me know what bird symbol you think should have been chosen.

**vera** · September 26th, 2010, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramscrest

Why was the Eagle Chosen as our National Symbol? I know there was a lot of debate over it but cant remember that much about it. It seems to me it should have been a Falcon - they have been revered, faithful, fearless servants of kings and sultans for centuries before the decision was made. A bone picker is not my idea of majesty, although it is a rather large bird - at a distance it still looks like a buzzard. That being said, I guess that makes us all the Eagles of History - deliciously picking over the carnage of time - Falcons are not easily tamed, they choose you instead - to win the heart of a Falcon is a feat of pure majic!
Let me know what bird symbol you think should have been chosen.

Perhaps it is interesting to note, that Russia's symbol is an eagle, too, albeit two-headed one.

As to eagle vs falcon thing - I would bet it has to do with men choosing symbol and their eternal preoccupation with SIZE.

ramscrest · September 26th, 2010, 05:31 AM

Considering the size of the sexual appetites of the men deciding on the symbol - that probably is VERY true!

**tjadams** · September 26th, 2010, 06:17 AM

As far as I know, there is no one exact story as why that particular bird was chosen.
Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey for its perceived wisdom, but the American Bald Eagle is uniquely American and was a better choice for its freedom strength and majesty.

**Spartacuss** · September 26th, 2010, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vera

Perhaps it is interesting to note, that Russia's symbol is an eagle, too, albeit two-headed one.

As to eagle vs falcon thing - I would bet it has to do with men choosing symbol and their eternal preoccupation with SIZE.

Hell...in that case I would have voted for the Condor.

ramscrest · September 26th, 2010, 06:39 AM

Yea - well I figured that had something to do with Ben Franklins wanting the Turkey - that is a pretty big bird - but since we eat it - wouldn't that sort of make it sacriligious - anyway, the Condor seems better than the Eagle from that standpoint !!!

**pikeshot1600** · September 26th, 2010, 07:25 AM

The turkey is a flightless game bird; it is prey. The eagle is a predator.

As a state, would you rather be prey or predator?

ramscrest · September 26th, 2010, 09:48 AM

I agree with you there pikeshot1600 - Maybe Ben thought a turkey was smart flashy and shows well - But I just wish it had been something else -
a predator that didnt eat carrion -It is sort of symbolic of thriving off the carcasses of the weak and less fortunate, but I suppose you could look at it from the other side as ruthlessly devouring its enemies.