Legislature Eyes Thomas Paine Day
Founding Father deserves state recognition, sponsor says
Last updated Saturday, January 27, 2007 10:09 PM CST in News
By Christopher Spencer
The Morning News
FAYETTEVILLE -- It's "Common Sense." Pun intended.
State Rep. Lindsley Smith, D-Fayetteville, filed a bill Thursday naming Jan. 29 Thomas Paine Day throughout the state.
The date would join other official commemorative days such as Jefferson Davis' Birthday (June 3), Arkansas Bird Day (April 26) and U.S. Senator Hattie W. Caraway Day (Dec. 19), in honor of the nation's first female senator, who happened to be an Arkansan.
"(Paine) reminds us of our nation and how it began and what one person can do to rally us together for a meritous cause," said Lindsley of the English-born pamphleteer who penned "Common Sense" months before the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
Paine's pamphlet called for American colonists to cede from the British Empire and is viewed by historians as an opening stroke of the American Revolution.
Nine states have passed similar laws setting aside a day to remember Paine, said Jack Makens of Fayetteville, a member of the national group, Thomas Paine Friends Inc. Virginia was first in 1998. Florida followed the next year.
"It's a shame that he is unknown," said Makens. "It's an injustice really that he is stricken from history."
The bill is co-sponsored by a number of other state representative and two senators, including Sen. Sue Madison, D-Fayetteville. The bill was read by the House on Friday and will next appear in the House Committee on Aging, Children, Youth, Legislative and Military Affairs.
"Without the pen of Paine, the sword of Washington would have been wielded in vain," said Makens, quoting the words of President John Adams.
At a glance
A Birthday For Paine
Area members of Thomas Paine Friends are holding a birthday event in Fayetteville for the author of "Common Sense," a radical pamphlet that challenged British authority in the American colonies.
What: Second Annual Thomas Paine Commemorative Dinner Event
Where: 6 p.m., Golden Corral restaurant, 4507 N. College Ave., Fayetteville
Who: The public is invited
Source: Staff Report
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Barb V. wrote on Jan 30, 2007 1:58 PM:
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