Award-winning actor, author and historian Bob Basso, creator of the American Living History Theatre, has dusted off the costume he wore for 20 years as Thomas Paine to bring the legendary patriot’s “common sense” to a modern America.
Basso is scheduled to appear at 7 p.m. tonight in the K-State Student Union Ballroom to give a guest lecture.
The event, sponsored by the Manhattan Tea Party Group, is based off of Basso’s YouTube.com performances, ranging from the Second American Revolution to an open letter to the president. His YouTube page, Funbobbasso, contains all of the current videos he has posted. With some 8 million hits, Americans are taking notice.
“The main goal of the Manhattan Tea Party is not to push one political party over another but to promote principles and values that were shared by the founding fathers of our nation,” said Matthew Pennell, freshman in open option and member of the Manhattan Tea Party. “We want to see fiscal responsibility and a return to common sense in government.”
Pennell said he believes today’s society needs to take a more active role in government, which is what tonight’s event is all about.
“Mr. Basso ... is a very charismatic and dedicated individual who cares deeply about the future of the United States and will be a great way to get members of the community and students to start thinking more about what goes on in Washington,” he said.
According to YouTube Watch, Basso’s original performance is “one of the most powerful one-man presentations we’ve ever seen.” Within a week, Basso’s video had 1 million hits as well as emotional and inflammatory feedback from various sectors of society. One responsive group was that of combat Marines from Iraq who wrote, “We stood and cheered when we saw your video. Keep up your vital work to restore patriotism and common sense. The Marines are protecting your flanks, Mr. Paine.”
