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Direct
email inquiries
to TPF, Inc. Secretary, Martha
Spiegelman,
or by telephone:
413-253-7934
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Thomas Paine Friends, Inc. is a membership
organization. Directors and Officers serve one-year terms, and
elections are held annually each Fall.
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Campaign for a State Thomas Paine Day
BREAKTHROUGH!
THOMAS PAINE DAY APPROVED IN OREGON!
The following letter dated June 1, 2009 from Oregon State
Senator Brian J. Boquist was sent to Thomas Paine Friends
stalwart Bob Walsh:
Dear Mr. Walsh,
Well, you have done it! There is now a Thomas Paine Day in
Oregon! The bill has been signed into law by the Speaker of
the House, the President of the Senate, and on May 29, 2009,
by the Governor of Oregon, Ted Kulongoski!
I know you have worked very hard to get Thomas Paine Day in
every state, so it has been a privilege for Senator Brian
Boquist to get this bill passed in Oregon. Congratulations on
another state on your list!
Best regards,
Pat Veer, Legislative Assistant
Senator Brian J. Boquist
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History of Thomas Paine Day
...The idea of a state THOMAS PAINE
DAY originated in 1997 with Sherwood Smith of Fredericksburg,
Virginia, who asked his state legislators to proclaim January 29th,
Paine's birthday, as an annual Thomas Paine Day, which they did.
Smith on meeting Robert Walsh, of Vero Beach, Florida, through the
internet, suggested he try in Florida, and in 1998 Florida also
approved an annual Thomas Paine Day resolution.
...Three years later, all 50 states
had been contacted. Twenty two states approved proclamations, from
the governor, and eight passed resolutions by the legislature.
As of 2010, eleven states -- Delaware, Florida, Maine,
Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New
Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia,
approved resolutions. Two, Connecticut and New Jersey, were
awaiting approval in 2007 but failed for different reasons. For
various reasons, seven states declined. They are: Colorado, Hawaii,
Kansas, Michigan, Montana, Oklahoma,
and Pennsylvania.
To Obtain a Resolution
...A resolution originates when a
resident makes a request to his/her state legislator. The problem
is, we do not have a member or know someone in EVERY state, to do
it. However YOU, the resident reading this, can be that person and
can ask if you will. Contact your representative to iniate our
request, then let TPF know so we can provide documentation.
...THAT'S
ALL YOU HAVE TO DO! IT TAKES 10 MINUTES.
... The best chance to reach
legislators is usually between mid-October to mid-January, depending
on your state.
...Now, 232 years after the
independence and founding of our country, one of the two men
most directly responsible needs five minutes from you, the
reader!
...Until you call your legislators,
TPF can do nothing. After you do, advise TPF and we will contact
them.
...IT'S YOUR MOVE NOW! Please do it!
Thank you for your trouble.
Sample Resolution
WHEREAS, Thomas Paine, a leader of the American
Revolution, one of the founding fathers, peer of Washington,
Madison, Franklin and Jefferson, was also one of the most
brilliant political philosophers of his time; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Paine crystallized the decision of the
colonies for independence with his work, Common Sense;
and
WHEREAS, Thomas Paine supported the Revolution through
personal service, his fortune and his inspirational The
American Crisis papers; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Paine was the first to promote universal and
equal education for boys and girls, equality for women,
religious freedom and to suggest an alliance of nations to be
neutral in wars between any two nations; and
WHEREAS, his life and his work continue to inspire those who
seek liberty and democracy all over the world;
NOW THEREFORE, be it
RESOLVED, by the _______ Legislature, that January 29th
200_ be designated as the First Annual "Thomas Paine Day"
in [state], in honor of his indelible
contributions to our liberty; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Legislature urge the citizens of
[state] to take note of this day named in honor of
Thomas Paine and his accomplishments.
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