Harry Browne, Libertarian candidate for President in 1996 and 2000, died this past Wednesday.
Harry was one of my heroes. His writing is elegant, fact-based and compassionate. He was a noted financial counsellor and author; one of his books was at the top of the NY Times best seller list for 39 weeks.
Harry campaigned with energy and loyalty for the Libertarian party and Libertarian ideals until illness forced him to curtail his demanding speaking schedule.
If Harry had been permitted to join in the Presidential debates, I suspect that the Libertarian party would be a major force for change and rationality in our political environment rather than just another marginalized third party. He was that good, that bright, that articulate, that persuasive.
I hope that someone else will be up to the challenge of taking his place. Harry Browne’s kind of principled patriotism and erudition is in very short supply these days.
Many of us will miss him terribly. And although we mourn this devastating loss, we can still celebrate his achievements and contributions. The body politic in America was enriched by his presence.