What do libertarians think of Ben Franklin?

I have on my desk a replica of the 1-cent coin Franklin designed, the first 1-cent piece authorized by Congress, in 1787. The motto, “Mind Your Business” is one that any libertarian can like. It is one of many popular, pro-liberty sayings to come from his pen. read more

Among libertarians, there is a great deal of animosity toward wise ol’ Dr. Franklin. Just last month, for example, I came across an article called “Benjamin Franklin Was All Wet on Economics,” written by a college student for the Mises Institute website. The author focused on Franklin’s labor theory of value and his support of paper money. read more

Ben Franklin was the Bill Clinton of his time. He was strongly Liberal, though he had the occasional Conservative move now and again. He also had quite a number of mistresses, at least 4 in Paris and another 3 in Pennsylvania. read more