That summer, I was even fortunate enough to represent Colorado as a delegate at the 2000 LP Convention (much to my surprise, you can still read my August 2000 Liberty News article about this experience online...!) That's where I actually got to meet Mr. Browne, and he was gracious enough to sign my copies of How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World and his new book, The Great Libertarian Offer.

Harry ended up winning the LP nomination and I happily voted for him again, but unfortunately he fell well short of the 1,000,000 vote goal he set for the campaign. Soon afterward, some absurd allegations of financial mismanagement and conflict of interest were leveled at his campaign staff. Harry addressed this unnecessary controversy with characteristic grace, class, and wit.

Despite all of this, Harry continued to be an active advocate for the Libertarian Party and libertarian ideas as a speaker, writer, and radio host. I especially enjoyed reading the "random thoughts" on his online journal, which was always the best place to read level-headed, concise commentary about everything from the Martha Stewart Trial to 9/11 to the War In Iraq (which Harry was particularly upset about.)

When I started my own humble little blog back in October, HarryBrowne.org was one of the first sites I added to my "Self Government" links in the sidebar. About a month ago, I removed the link after I noticed that the site hadn't been updated since December. Harry had noted something about a hospital stay on his website, but it sounded like he fully expected to continue his writing soon. Unfortunately, his December 19 journal entry would prove to be his last.

With Harry Browne's passing, the world loses a remarkably eloquent and principled champion of personal and political freedom; and even though I was only able to meet him once and vote for him twice, I feel like I've lost a friend.

Thank you, Harry, and farewell.

See also...

[from serenade in green]