REPRESENTATIVE RASKIN INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO BUILD MEMORIAL TO THOMAS PAINE

Statement

Today, Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) along with eight of his House colleagues, introduced legislation to authorize the construction of a memorial to American political activist and philosopher Thomas Paine.

"Tom Paine was a person so far ahead of his time that his work still challenges us in significant ways today to build a more democratic society," said Rep. Raskin. "This luminary patriot of the Enlightenment and the American Revolution inspired people in the colonies not only to overthrow the tyranny of faraway kings but to launch a nation founded on principles of democratic self-government, the rights of men and of women, and reason and science. Despite his catalytic role in founding America and our constitutional republic, Paine remains too often on the dark outskirts of history. It is way past time for Congress to give Paine the central place of respect and awe he deserves in our Nation's Capital. This memorial to Paine--amazingly, already pre-funded with a flood of voluntary contributions and pledges from private citizens--will be a powerful and dramatic addition to the symbolic life of Washington, D.C."

Source