Presidents and Parrots

Studies show that 13 out of 10 high school students are flunking math. And a study done in 2005 (or was it 1902?) shows that the majority of high school history students believe there have only been 43 Presidents of the United States, as opposed to the 243.765 Presidents we’ve actually had.

And, perhaps even more egregious, 0 out of 10 students could give the scientific name of every parrot species alive today.

In our continuing patriotic effort to educate and entertain America, the Bionic Geniuses present a new segment to deliver our children from the maw of ignorance. In each “Presidents and Parrots segment” we discuss an American President, and a parrot which we think that President would have owned, had he (or she) ever owned a parrot.

The President: George Washington

Born: February 22, 1732, Westmorland, Virginia. Married to Martha Dandridge Custis Washington. Two step-children from Martha’s previous marriage; 1 daughter and 1 son.

Nicknamed the “father of his country.” Washington’s false teeth were made of hippo ivory and lead, along with the teeth of sheep, cows and humans. He did not however, own a pair of wooden teeth.

The well-known “I cannot tell a lie” story is also a myth. Washington was the first President to have his picture on a stamp. Washington did not have a college degree, and was an Episcopalian.

He was a planter, surveyor and solider, becoming a General in the Continental Army. He also served as a member of Virginia House of Burgesses, (1759-1774); member of Continental Congress, (1774-1775); and chairman of the Constitutional Convention, (1787-1788). A Federalist, Washington served as the first President of the United States (1789-1797).

Washington enjoyed fishing, riding, billiards, cards, reading and walking.
He died December 14, 1799 from a throat infection.

His parrot: Polly
O.K., George Washington actually did have a parrot named Polly. Although in our less-than-exhaustive search we could find no information on Washington’s actual parrot, were we to choose one for him it would probably be the Blue & Gold Parrot.

The Blue and Gold, like Washington, can be said to have a mellow personality and gorgeous coloration.

Also, the Blue and Gold is the most popular macaw species for a pet, while Washington is perhaps our most popular President.

Another link: The Blue and Gold is a large bird, although quite gentle, and can make a great family pet if provided with a large cage and lots of exercise. Washington was also a tall man, and gentle unless provoked by British monarchs.