Ezra wrote: >> Example: should we also spell "saw" differently >> for the tall tale vs. the tool? >> > Benjamin Franklin thought so ...
I don't believe this is correct, Ezra. Franklin was very interested in spelling reform (i.e., where words are really spelled as they sound), even proposing some new letters for our alphabet. However, I don't believe he addressed the issue of words having multiple, distinct meanings. I suspect he was far too knowledgable of the language not to realize the incredible size of such a task (think OED). >> My point was simply that Americans are NOT stupid, as Daniel wants >> everyone to believe. They are, on average, of the exact same >> intelligence as the English, the French, the Germans and every other >> people of every other country on earth. >> >> Do you disagree with that, Ezra? You didn't answer this question, but since you posted the Gibbons quote, I would like to know: do you believe Americans are innately smarter or dumber than people of other countries, or (as I do) that there are no innate differences? Jim Elwell
