This book, though, was actually more of an individualist manifesto, explaining with audacious bluntness how to release yourself from all kinds of perceived "traps" in order to become truly "free." Or not. That was the best part — Harry didn't really seem to care whether you followed his advice or not, he just wanted to share his experience. It was a fascinating read, opening my mind to a new way of looking at just about everything in life as a choice. (Is it true that this book is now out of print again? What a shame...)
At some point, largely due to Harry's involvement in the party, I decided to officially become a member of the LP. The 2000 election was approaching now, and Harry Browne decided to seek the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination again. I was living in Colorado at the time, and his candidacy motivated me to get involved with my county LP affiliate (which included editing their monthly newsletter, Liberty News, on a borrowed computer.) I also persuaded the local Community Cable Access TV station to air Harry's campaign video a few times (I still have that videotape somewhere...)
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.
Article comments
1 - RJ Elliott
Good post. RIP, Harry...
2 - Rob Batten
What an excellent remembrance of a fine man and one of the people I admired most in the world.
May Harry Browne rest in peace, and may his example of a life lived well continue to guide those who seek freedom.
3 - Bruce Joyner
Goodbye Harry Browne...I never met you but feel like i did...No politician has ever made me feel like the good guys i thought they should be...But you did that easily..you were a gentle caring,understanding politician,who was for doing the right thing and for the people first.In this
time we are in we need you Harry..more than ever..
sleep well...sir.
4 - Stephen V Funk
I'm flattered and humbled that this post has been chosen as a Blogcritic's Editors' Pick of the Week for March 1-7, and that a link to this article is included among several tributes to Mr. Browne posted on http://www.harrybrowne.org/.
I'm honored to be in such illustrious company and to have helped memorialize a great man.
5 - Mike Quick
I was wondering if anyone knows where you can watch archives of the "this week in liberty" show, since the harrybrowne.org site is no longer functioning. I hope theyre out there, good stuff