Benjamin Franklin: Still relevant at 300

A scientific genius, inventor, postmaster, printer, statesman par excellence, and a man of wit and wisdom, Benjamin Franklin is arguably the most accessible Founding Father. More books have been written about him than nearly any other figure of the American Revolution.

On Jan. 17, we will celebrate the 300th anniversary of his birth, and The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino is marking the occasion with the display one of its greatest treasures - the original, handwritten manuscript of Franklin's renowned 'Autobiography.'

The White House and the Congressional Republicans would do well to remember another Franklin quote as they continue considering the so-called "Patriot Act:"

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."