Harry Browne:

One of My Favorite People

BY SHARON HARRIS

PRESIDENT, ADVOCATES FOR SELF-GOVERNMENT

Harry Browne was one of my favorite people in the world.

First I must say (as many, many others will say) he was an extraordinary spokesman for the glorious cause of liberty. He had a way of presenting our ideas in such a no-nonsense, down-to-earth, reasonable way that just about anyone would say, "That makes sense!" Time after time I saw people who were hostile to libertarian ideas warm to them after hearing Harry speak. Even those who refused to consider the ideas would end up liking Harry in spite of themselves!

Harry's excellence in communication was no accident. He worked tirelessly to become a master communicator. He learned the facts and figures about all the major questions we libertarians are asked, and then he carefully crafted persuasive and succinct answers. He memorized these answers, then refined them through practice and experience. He often used humor, but never at the expense of the listener.

What an incredible legacy he left the libertarian movement!

In conversations I found him to be a good listener, invariably kind and considerate. And he consistently had something valuable and insightful to add. His self-deprecating humor could never hide his extreme intelligence, and I always learned from him, whatever the topic.

He was a superb speaker and an extraordinary writer.

He was a best-selling author and a classical pianist.

I had the great pleasure of working with Harry in The Advocates' "Art of Libertarian Persuasion" workshops. He was extremely generous with his time and was eager to share with other libertarians what he had learned on the campaign trail. The participants consistently raved about what they learned from him.

And what a joy it was working with him when we published his last book, Liberty A to Z: 872 Libertarian Soundbites You Can Use Right Now! He was always readily available, cooperative and supportive.

I guess the primary thing I would say about Harry was that he was the quintessential gentleman. I saw his thoughtfulness demonstrated over and over. Two examples come to mind from the California Libertarian Party convention several years ago.

I was scheduled to speak late on the last day of the convention. Harry approached me and said, "I don't want to disturb you right before you speak, but I wanted to tell you Pamela and I really want to hear you, but we have an early flight and will have to leave before your speech is over. I just wanted you to know so when we get up to leave you won't think it's a comment on your speech."

The night before was the big banquet. Several months earlier it had been announced as "formal," but the organizers later changed it to "black tie optional." Harry wore his tuxedo. Why? Not because he wanted to, but because he, "figured some guys wouldn't have gotten the news, and I didn't want them to feel awkward." (Sure enough, three or four other men wore their tuxes, and I'm sure they were pleased to be in such good company!)

Another personal story. My mother-in-law, Edwina Harris, suffered a stroke in 2003. While staying with us for a brief time shortly afterwards, she began using one of our Harry Browne mugs for her morning coffee. She took it home with her and was fond of saying, "Mr. Browne makes a great cup of coffee," or "I sure enjoy my coffee with Mr. Browne." We told Harry about this, and when she was in a rehab center after a fall, he sent her a get-well card signed, "Looking forward to our next cup of coffee."

Edwina always wanted to meet him, so we arranged for her to come to the Advocates 20th Anniversary Celebration in October 2005, where he was speaking. She brought her cup, and he graciously autographed it for her. Then he kissed her on the forehead -- and the priceless moment was caught on film!

Harry came to speak at the event -- despite the fact that he was at that time wheel-chair-bound. I was expecting to be overwhelmed with sadness at seeing him in a wheel chair, but he had such grace, such cheerfulness, such STATURE, that he still seemed TALL to me. I found myself unaware of any disability.

I am so grateful that he was able to be at the event, where he delivered his last two speeches. Upon receiving a stating ovation, he said, "I wish I could return the favor, as YOU are the ones deserving the praise."

If I sound like a fan -- well I am!

What else can I say about Harry? He was articulate, intelligent, witty, knowledgeable, kind, considerate, humble, dedicated, talented -- all this and more.

I miss him terribly. And I will always cherish my memories of him.

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