SR29.html

Recognizing Thomas Paine Day on January 29; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Thomas Paine was one of the great patriots of the American Revolution; a peer of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and James Monroe; and one of the founding fathers of the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, in his influential essay, Common Sense, he raised the call for independence from Britain, a constitutional convention, and a written constitution that protects the rights of persons, ensures equality, and creates a representative democracy; and

WHEREAS, his abundant and reasoned, yet passionate, writings set the course for our nation, and his life works illustrate the power of eloquence and freedom of thought and expression to change the course of history and continue to provide inspiration; and

WHEREAS, the contributions of this patriot, humanitarian, and visionary profoundly affect the minds of people of all ages as he urges citizens to strengthen our democratic ideals and human rights principles by participating actively in our republic.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that January 29, the anniversary of his birth in 1737, be recognized as Thomas Paine Day every year in tribute to this inspirational political thinker and his contributions to liberty and democracy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Thomas Paine Friends.