Ian Ruskin gave a wonderful performance as Thomas Paine before a full house at the Florida Studio Theater this night. FLVCS dedicated the evening to World War II vets connected to our group. Those vets are: Lt. Robert Stricker, US Army, KIA 2/14/45; Clarence E. Stricker, deceased, US Army; Len Gumley, US Army Airforce; Jake Pollack, US Army; and Demetrius Babiak, US Navy. Jake Pollack was in the audience and was given a standing ovation.
FLVCS would like to give a special thanks to our generous sponsors Jeanette Lee and Jerry Stricker.
Toward the end of his provocative performance Ruskin quoted Paine:
“When it can be said by any country in the world, my poor are
happy, neither ignorance nor distress is to be found among them,
my jails are empty of prisoners,my streets of beggars,
the aged are not in want, the taxes are not oppressive,
the rational world is my friend because I am the friend of happiness.
When these things can be said, then may that country boast its
constitution and government.”
― Thomas Paine, Rights of Man