RIP Harry Brown

[Dr Ron]

From The Democratic Daily
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=2132

RIP Harry Brown
Posted by Ron Chusid
March 4th, 2006 @ 12:21 pm

Harry Brown, Libertarian Party candidate for President in 1996 and 2000 and author of many books, including How I Found Liberty In an Unfree World, died earlier this week. If this was a personal blog, I would have had no trouble writing this post immediately upon hearing of the death of Harry Brown. The Democratic Daily would not seem to be the natural place to write about Harry Brown. A few years ago I would never have expect to be writing for a partisan site for either of the major political parties. This has changed as the Republican Party has descended into support for extremism. They have left the Democratic Party, for the moment at least, as the only party in a two-party system for those who support individual liberty over authoritarianism, capitalism versus use of the power of the state to accumulate wealth in the hands of a few, reason over deciding public policy based upon religious dogma, and Constitutional limits upon the power of the state versus a dangerous concentration of power in the hands of a few.

On a partisan level, Harry Brown was not on our “side.” . However, ultimately principle must transcend partisanship. The major battles of today are over freedom versus tyranny and reason versus religious fanaticism. While granted we may have disagreements on many issues, ultimately Harry Brown was our ally on these fronts.

Partisan strategy can change over time. Earlier in his career, Brown opposed any form of political activity. Later he ran as Presidential candidate for the Libertarian Party. While opposed to Democrats on a partisan level, Brown was far more consistent than many modern libertarians who have embraced the Republican Party for their use of libertarian rhetoric, even though their words differ greatly from their policies. Perhaps over time Brown would have realized the dangers we face from the current union of neoconservatives and the religious right dominating the GOP, and realized that this is not the time for third parties. At the moment all people who love liberty must stand together against Republican rule, which is why we should miss an ally in this struggle such as Harry Brown.

[IsItJustMe]

1. Is there a such thing as a Libertarian Democrat?

I do feel that government does have an important role in society (Social Security, Medicare, etc...), I do feel however that the government needs to leave you the hell alone (Domestic wiretapping, Patriot Act, seperation of church and state).

I do like some of the Libertarian ideals.

[Dr Ron]

2. Depends upon how extremely you define libertarian

If you go hard line Libertarian and allow for little or no government then there wouldn't be libertarian Democrats.The fanatics who do not differentiate between inspecting meat and NSA wiretaps as infringements upon individual liberty would not be Democrats.

If you concentrate on what is important, then there can be an overlap between libertarians and Democrats. It is a far more sensible alliance than libertarians and Republicans.

[helderheid]

3. that would be me - a liberal libertarian - I feel right at home as a

progressive Democrat. I believe that is what Gore Vidal defines himself as well - liberal/social libertarian.

[IsItJustMe]

4. I like that: liberal libertarian. Hope you don't mind but I think I'll

start using that. It's the first time I ever heard it put that way but it does describe how I feel.

[Dr Ron]

5. Left and right libertarians

Those who are heavily into use of labels do differentiate between left and right libertarians. Personally I don't bother too much with labels.

[helderheid]

8. you betcha! :)

[New Government]

6. Godspeed

I remember seeing Harry Browne in a third party debate in 1996. He was very impressive and obviously a man who loved his country. I was first introduced to Libertarian ideas through Harry Browne and he was an able and honorable advocate. RIP, Mr. Browne.

[Orrin_73]

7. Will miss you Harry

You were a one of the few sane voices in todays corrupt politics.