"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."

Only, Ben never said that one about beer.
In the Urban Legends section of About.com, the brewing historian (why don't I remember that being a career option when I was in college?) Bob Skilnik, debunks the notion that Ben Franklin ever said that. Skilnik says that the closest Ben came to that sentiment is in a letter he wrote to Andre Morellet, the French economist and philosopher, in 1779:
"Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy."So there you have it. Ben Franklin, that admirer of all things French, was writing about wine.
No matter. I'm going to keep that beer quote on my blog, because even if Ben didn't say it, he could have. And after all, no matter who said it first, we can still believe it's true.
Great blog Doug - I wish you much success. I will publicise this in the 29th Dec edition of my positive Israel newsletter www.verygoodnewsisrael.blogspot.com
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