Designate 2010 "The Year of Mark Twain"
Target:
President Barack Obama
Sponsored by:
Mark Twain (real name: Samuel Langhorne Clemens) lived from 1835 to 1910. The year 2010 marks the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death. Although it has been 100 years since he spoke out against bigotry, racism, and hypocrisy, he is still widely read and quoted daily around the world. Perhaps the most perpetually relevant American author, Twain resonates with readers because he knew human nature - its good side, its bad side. We want to honor him each and every day of 2010 and hope that the President of the United States (and leaders of nations around the world) will designate 2010 as "The Year of Mark Twain."
Mark Twain (real name: Samuel Langhorne Clemens) lived from 1835 to 1910. The year 2010 marks the 175th anniversary of his birth and the 100th anniversary of his death. Although it has been 100 years since he spoke out against bigotry, racism, and hypocrisy, he is still widely read and quoted daily around the world. Perhaps the most perpetually relevant American author, Twain resonates with readers because he knew human nature - its good side, its bad side. We want to honor him each and every day of 2010 and hope that the President of the United States (and leaders of nations around the world) will designate 2010 as "The Year of Mark Twain."
We the undersigned respectfully request that the year 2010 be officially designated as "The Year of Mark Twain" to honor America's most beloved author. Thank you.
We signed the "Designate 2010 "The Year of Mark Twain"" petition!
# 958:
11:37 pm PST, Feb 9,
Laurie Michalewicz, California
I am proud to be part of this endeavor to celebrate one of Americas Greatest Writers.
I am proud to be part of this endeavor to celebrate one of Americas Greatest Writers.
# 957:
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10:12 am PST, Feb 9,
BRIANA PETTIGRE, Illinois
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# 956:
7:35 am PST, Feb 9,
Kevin Shepherd, Florida
# 955:
9:11 pm PST, Feb 8,
Ruth Bauman, Alaska
I recently read my first Twain book and absolutely agree, this author should be celebrated for his written contributions to the world.
I recently read my first Twain book and absolutely agree, this author should be celebrated for his written contributions to the world.
# 954:
1:05 pm PST, Feb 8,
Alaina Friesen, California
# 953:
12:30 pm PST, Feb 8,
Shivan Friesen, California
# 952:
12:16 pm PST, Feb 8,
Name not displayed, California
# 951:
12:20 pm PST, Feb 7,
Keith Merwin, Florida
# 950:
9:48 am PST, Feb 7,
Paul Copenhaver, Missouri
# 949:
7:42 pm PST, Feb 6,
Kristina Dettlaff, Illinois
# 948:
3:42 pm PST, Feb 6,
John Lohman, Indiana
Samuel Clemens was the first great American author. He awakened our nation's conscience to the plight of the slave and racism. He was a great ambassador to the world for the U.S., and his history should be a staple of our country.
Samuel Clemens was the first great American author. He awakened our nation's conscience to the plight of the slave and racism. He was a great ambassador to the world for the U.S., and his history should be a staple of our country.
# 947:
2:32 pm PST, Feb 6,
Name not displayed, Minnesota
# 946:
6:16 am PST, Feb 6,
Bill Warner, Missouri
Mark Twain's significance as the creator of the American Novel and America's first worldwide celebrity should be enough to warrant this special year be designated in his name. His unparalleled humor and cultural significance should clinch it.
Mark Twain's significance as the creator of the American Novel and America's first worldwide celebrity should be enough to warrant this special year be designated in his name. His unparalleled humor and cultural significance should clinch it.
# 945:
10:39 am PST, Feb 5,
Susan Ames, New York
# 944:
7:40 am PST, Feb 4,
Name not displayed, Utah
I've taught Twain's works for thirty-five years in the public school system. His works of satire are as relevant and insightful today as they were when he wrote them.
I've taught Twain's works for thirty-five years in the public school system. His works of satire are as relevant and insightful today as they were when he wrote them.
# 943:
1:51 pm PST, Feb 3,
Name not displayed, Kentucky
The importance of Mark Twain to American literature, history, and culture cannot be overstated. He is simply the quintessential American author. He conveys probably a more realistic picture of 19th-century rural life along the Mississippi River than any other novelist. Twain is one of the most shrewd observers of human nature--ever. His satires--most notably Adventures of Huckleberry Finn--show us as we really are: cruel, greedy, self-centered, vulgar, etc. Ernest Hemingway was, indeed, correct when he wrote in The Green Hills of Africa: "All American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn." Twain's witty slams at the human condition endure the test of time and place him at the forefront of American literature. This year--the 100th anniversary of his departure with Halley's Comet--should truly be designated the year of Mark Twain.
The importance of Mark Twain to American literature, history, and culture cannot be overstated. He is simply the quintessential American author. He conveys probably a more realistic picture of 19th-century rural life along the Mississippi River than any other novelist. Twain is one of the most shrewd observers of human nature--ever. His satires--most notably Adventures of Huckleberry Finn--show us as we really are: cruel, greedy, self-centered, vulgar, etc. Ernest Hemingway was, indeed, correct when he wrote in The Green Hills of Africa: "All American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn." Twain's witty slams at the human condition endure the test of time and place him at the forefront of American literature. This year--the 100th anniversary of his departure with Halley's Comet--should truly be designated the year of Mark Twain.
# 942:
1:09 pm PST, Feb 3,
Beverly Snedeker, New Jersey
# 941:
6:42 am PST, Feb 3,
Amanda Paszek, Illinois
# 940:
8:32 am PST, Feb 1,
Laurie Vincent, Missouri
Mr. President, let's honor Mark Twain this year. He campaigned against racism and wrote the Great American Novel.
Mr. President, let's honor Mark Twain this year. He campaigned against racism and wrote the Great American Novel.
# 939:
7:33 am PST, Feb 1,
Name not displayed, Missouri
Mark Twain is the center of a certain universe, he belongs to the world.
Mark Twain is the center of a certain universe, he belongs to the world.
# 938:
2:15 am PST, Feb 1,
Patricia Pattison, Florida
The study of Mark Twain changed my life. He was one of our great Americans. His story is our story and only he wrote so well about that American narrative to make it, and us, "literature." We should honor him whenever we get the chance, and 2010 is a great year to do the honoring.
The study of Mark Twain changed my life. He was one of our great Americans. His story is our story and only he wrote so well about that American narrative to make it, and us, "literature." We should honor him whenever we get the chance, and 2010 is a great year to do the honoring.
# 937:
10:28 pm PST, Jan 30,
Ron Trugman, California
# 936:
7:00 pm PST, Jan 30,
J.R. Engle, Missouri
# 935:
5:10 pm PST, Jan 29,
Eugenia Kanaris, Illinois
# 934:
6:57 am PST, Jan 29,
Danny Lingle, Michigan
Will you please share your comments about the importance of Mark Twain?
Will you please share your comments about the importance of Mark Twain?
# 933:
2:10 pm PST, Jan 27,
Lacey DeJordy, Maryland
I think that Mark Twain was a brilliant person and he should be recognized for it!
I think that Mark Twain was a brilliant person and he should be recognized for it!
# 932:
9:29 pm PST, Jan 26,
Margaret Thomas, Pennsylvania
# 931:
7:37 pm PST, Jan 25,
Janeen Iacolucci, Washington
When I was in school and had to read books by Mark Twain, I really didn't enjoy it. But now that I'm out of school, I have new-found respect for this American genius. He deserves recognition for everything he has done, not just Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. I think 2010 really is the year of Mark Twain!
When I was in school and had to read books by Mark Twain, I really didn't enjoy it. But now that I'm out of school, I have new-found respect for this American genius. He deserves recognition for everything he has done, not just Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. I think 2010 really is the year of Mark Twain!
# 930:
3:12 am PST, Jan 25,
David Melby, Kansas
# 929:
3:54 pm PST, Jan 24,
Christina Runkel, Tennessee
Mark Twain was a fabulous author. He has impacted the lives of so many, including myself.
Mark Twain was a fabulous author. He has impacted the lives of so many, including myself.
# 928:
3:33 pm PST, Jan 22,
Clara Rose, Missouri
One of our finest humorists! We all need to learn to laugh at ourselves more and love each other more dispite all our warts! Twain leads the way for us!
One of our finest humorists! We all need to learn to laugh at ourselves more and love each other more dispite all our warts! Twain leads the way for us!
# 927:
7:07 am PST, Jan 22,
Cathy Alexander, New York
# 926:
6:36 am PST, Jan 22,
Gayle Stahlhuth, New York
The range and depth of Mark Twain's writings surely makes him one of the greatest writers in world literature. It is only right that America celebrate in high style, the year 2010 as "The Year of Mark Twain."
The range and depth of Mark Twain's writings surely makes him one of the greatest writers in world literature. It is only right that America celebrate in high style, the year 2010 as "The Year of Mark Twain."
# 925:
9:09 am PST, Jan 21,
Veronique Marie Rogowska, Poland
# 924:
9:32 pm PST, Jan 20,
Thomas Leigh, New York
Mark Twain fought for the rights of Blacks, Chinese, women and 100 years adter his passing he still makes us LAUGH!
Mark Twain fought for the rights of Blacks, Chinese, women and 100 years adter his passing he still makes us LAUGH!
# 923:
7:30 am PST, Jan 20,
Judy Dybell, Texas
# 922:
8:48 am PST, Jan 19,
Carrie Shank, Illinois
Mark Twain is the essential American author, no one comes close to having as much spunk and humor as Twain!
Mark Twain is the essential American author, no one comes close to having as much spunk and humor as Twain!
# 921:
4:42 am PST, Jan 18,
Name not displayed, Mississippi
# 920:
9:30 pm PST, Jan 17,
Katherine Anne Stansbury, Oregon
Mark Twain combined a complete mastery of the English language with a deep and complex wit, an equally deep and complex sympathy with the human condition, and a genuine national pride.
Mark Twain combined a complete mastery of the English language with a deep and complex wit, an equally deep and complex sympathy with the human condition, and a genuine national pride.
# 919:
5:05 pm PST, Jan 17,
Stephen Archer, Missouri
He was America's first great writer, and he captured the best of us, over and over. He deserves the honor. Stephen M. Archer
He was America's first great writer, and he captured the best of us, over and over. He deserves the honor. Stephen M. Archer
# 918:
4:46 pm PST, Jan 17,
Antoinette Lucas, Illinois
Certainly in this day and age we need some good old fashioned humor; who better to provide it than Mark Twain. Please declare this his year!
Certainly in this day and age we need some good old fashioned humor; who better to provide it than Mark Twain. Please declare this his year!
# 917:
4:18 pm PST, Jan 17,
Mary YOUNG, Missouri
I just finished reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer & am now reading Huck Finn to my two grandkids age 9 & 11. We are planning a drive up to Hannibal this summer to see the museum & celebrate Mark Twain’s life. Mary Young
I just finished reading The Adventures of Tom Sawyer & am now reading Huck Finn to my two grandkids age 9 & 11. We are planning a drive up to Hannibal this summer to see the museum & celebrate Mark Twain’s life. Mary Young
# 916:
1:42 pm PST, Jan 17,
Mark Mitchell, Wisconsin
Mark Twain remains the essential American author. His wit and wisdom are legendary and remain on target regardless of the issue. He was, in addition to being a writer, a philospher and master of understanding the human mind. He is Everyman's author and speaks to all of us on so many levels. He is simply the most important author in U.S. history.
Mark Twain remains the essential American author. His wit and wisdom are legendary and remain on target regardless of the issue. He was, in addition to being a writer, a philospher and master of understanding the human mind. He is Everyman's author and speaks to all of us on so many levels. He is simply the most important author in U.S. history.
# 915:
12:59 pm PST, Jan 17,
Judith Yaeger, Illinois
# 914:
10:19 am PST, Jan 17,
Menas Halikias, Illinois
Mark Twain is part of American History he spoke out against bigotry, racism and hypocrisy which still go on today even still in Gov. So please Honor this American person by making 2010 The Year of Mark Twain. Thank You Mr. President .
Mark Twain is part of American History he spoke out against bigotry, racism and hypocrisy which still go on today even still in Gov. So please Honor this American person by making 2010 The Year of Mark Twain. Thank You Mr. President .
# 913:
9:42 am PST, Jan 17,
Susan Young, Missouri
# 912:
9:22 am PST, Jan 17,
Teri Bennett, Indiana
We recognize American's for their service to the military, leadership of our country, and impact on racial relations in our country. It would be a novel idea to recognize and commemorate the impact Mark Twain, Samuel Clemens, had on the world of literature.
We recognize American's for their service to the military, leadership of our country, and impact on racial relations in our country. It would be a novel idea to recognize and commemorate the impact Mark Twain, Samuel Clemens, had on the world of literature.
# 911:
1:46 am PST, Jan 17,
Vadim Khrabrov, Russian Federation
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
# 910:
1:49 am PST, Jan 16,
Sue Fitzpatrick, California
Being a long lost relative it is important to celebrate Samuel Clemens and Mark Twain
Being a long lost relative it is important to celebrate Samuel Clemens and Mark Twain
# 909:
3:31 pm PST, Jan 15,
Josephine Byrne, Missouri
Mark Twain is one of the greatest writers of all time & certainly of our American writers!
Mark Twain is one of the greatest writers of all time & certainly of our American writers!
# 908:
2:49 pm PST, Jan 15,
Marina Zaverukha, Russian Federation
# 907:
1:24 pm PST, Jan 15,
Caitlino Ostrander, South Dakota
# 906:
10:24 am PST, Jan 15,
Ilyas Synbulatov, Russian Federation
# 905:
9:32 am PST, Jan 15,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
As a Twain impersonator, who writes original material in the style of Twain, I have seen children - victims of abusive parents, abandoned by society, and wards of the state - come alive with hope and desire when they hear me speak as Twain. This should be the year of Twain. But there should also be a Mark Twain Day (November 30) celebrating the birth of the author of the great American novel, and The American who, as an informal ambassador, brought humor, and a message of peace to the entire world.
As a Twain impersonator, who writes original material in the style of Twain, I have seen children - victims of abusive parents, abandoned by society, and wards of the state - come alive with hope and desire when they hear me speak as Twain. This should be the year of Twain. But there should also be a Mark Twain Day (November 30) celebrating the birth of the author of the great American novel, and The American who, as an informal ambassador, brought humor, and a message of peace to the entire world.
# 904:
9:14 am PST, Jan 15,
Bobbi Anderson, Australia
# 903:
3:38 am PST, Jan 15,
Elizabeth Naboyschikova, Russian Federation
# 902:
3:07 am PST, Jan 15,
Julia Juagunova, Russian Federation
# 901:
12:11 am PST, Jan 15,
Nik Ustyancev, Russian Federation
