Harry Browne, Rest in Peace

This afternoon, Downsize DC announced that two time Libertarian Presidential Candidate Harry Browne passed away. News of his passing has spread like wild fire throughout the internet (personally, I have gotten four different e-mails about it, in only a few hours). I cannot think of one single person or event that has inspired people to join the Libertarian Party. In tribute, I am re-publishing Harry Browne's last essay. Even though he had been in failing health for several months, I don't think Harry Browne intended this to be his last essay. You can visit his personal website http://www.HarryBrowne.org to see a collection of all of his writtings. This was published on December 12, 2005, entitled

Why You Are a Libertarian

You’re a libertarian because you abhor violence . . .

When a neighbor isn’t willing to contribute as much to a social project as you are, you’d never think of:

• Using a gun to force him to contribute;
  
• Hiring an armed gang to threaten to kidnap him or confiscate his money if he didn’t contribute;
  
• Using the government in place of the armed gang if he didn’t contribute — because every government program, in the final analysis, involves violence against those who don’t comply.
  

If two people have agreed to engage in voluntary behavior between them, with no violence involved, you’d never think of:

• Using a gun to stop them;
  
• Hiring an armed gang to threaten to kidnap them if they didn’t stop;
  
• Using the government in place of the armed gang to stop them.

If a company and an individual have agreed to engage in voluntary behavior between them, with no violence involved, you’d never think of:

• Using a gun to stop them;
• Hiring an armed gang to threaten to kidnap them if they didn’t stop;
• Using the government in place of the armed gang to stop them.

If a foreign government is not attacking America, you’d never support the idea of initiating violence against the foreign country.

As one who abhors violence, you’re willing to tolerate anything that’s peaceful, and you practice the principle of live and let live — opposing the initiation of force (violence) against anyone for any purpose.

That’s why you’re a libertarian.