Libertarian History/Philosophy
Walter E. Williams, Free Market Scholar and Iconoclast, RIP
"I just do my own thing," said the George Mason University economist and author of The State Against Blacks.
Obituaries
'I Just Do My Own Thing': Walter Williams, RIP
The self-described "crazy-ass man" and libertarian economist focused on government's role in perpetuating racial inequality.
Eddie Van Halen, Melting-Pot Virtuoso
We don't normally talk about how rock's late, great lead guitarist was an immigrant success story and inspiration to early hip hop, but that's only because he (and America!) were too busy getting rad.
The Death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the Future of the Supreme Court
What's next for SCOTUS?
RIP Pete Hamill: Chronicler of New York's Marketplace of Ideas
Hamill’s city was exactly what the likes of Robert Moses were trying to control when they imposed a top-down technocratic regime on New York in the middle third of the 20th century.
Herman Cain, Former Presidential Candidate, Dies From Coronavirus Complications
His political claim to fame was his "9-9-9" tax plan.
RIP Arnold Trebach, Who Helped Make Opposition to the Drug War Respectable
The American University professor called for "drug peace" at a time when both major parties were committed to ever-escalating violence.
John Lewis Was an American Hero Who Battled State Racism
John Lewis' life was a testament to the power of free speech and peaceful agitation.
RIP Lester Grinspoon, Who Encouraged Americans To Reconsider Demonized Drugs
For half a century, Grinspoon tirelessly advocated a more rational and tolerant approach to marijuana and other psychoactive substances.
Little Richard, the King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll
Little Richard helped make the United States a little more black, a little more queer, and a little more free.
Whatever Happened to the Classroom of the Future?
Clayton Christensen, father of the theory of "disruptive innovation," predicted that half of high school classes would be delivered online by 2018. What went wrong?
Neil Peart, Champion of Individualism
The late drummer left behind a legacy of unparalleled musicianship and freedom-celebrating lyrics.
Thank You, Ram Dass!
The pioneering psychedelic researcher, Timothy Leary collaborator, and New Age seeker exemplified America's postwar turn to individualism.
Robert Hunter, R.I.P.
The Grateful Dead lyricist filled a generation with a sense of amused, loving, liberatory patriotism.
Donald Trump's Response to Hong Kong Protests Leaves Much To Be Desired
Plus: Farewell to the author whose work inspired Ross Ulbricht to create Silk Road, Trump's toy tax gets delayed until Christmas, and more....
Bioethicist and Life Extension Opponent Daniel Callahan Has Died
A fierce, but friendly, antagonist in various bioethical controversies
Paul Krassner: The Lost Interview
A previously unpublished conversation with “investigative satirist” Paul Krassner, who just died at age 87.
RIP Mark Kleiman, Who Brought Rigor, Dispassion, and Candor to a Frequently Overheated Drug Policy Debate
The widely quoted and consulted academic died yesterday at the age of 68.
Mad Magazine Is Dead
The comic magazine's ability to rib culture, politics, and business shaped the boomer mentality, and we should be grateful.
David Bergland, R.I.P.
The Libertarian Party's 1984 presidential nominee wanted his campaign to build for the future.
George Kelling, Father of 'Broken Windows' Policing, Dies
Kelling later disavowed the high-volume arrest programs that police departments justified using his theory.
Gene Wolfe, R.I.P.
The science fiction writer appealed to traditionalists with tales of far-flung futures.
RIP Economist Alan Krueger, Whose Work Spurred Calls for Occupational Licensing Reform
Krueger's work included highlighting the breadth of licensing in American labor markers, and the economic costs of mandatory government permission slips.
Dick Dale, a Great American Original, RIP
The king of surf guitar transformed music (and himself) in a quintessentially American way.
Rep. Walter Jones, Who Supported and Then Denounced Iraq War, Is Dying
The second-generation congressman from North Carolina is a profile in principle and courage.
What the Press Missed About Vanguard Founder's Fortune
John Bogle's life is a reminder that in capitalism you can make a fortune by saving your customers money.
RIP Herb Kelleher, the Man Who Democratized Air Travel
The swashbuckling Southwest Airlines honcho is dead at 87.
Tim May, Father of 'Crypto Anarchy,' Is Dead at 66
The Cypherpunk co-founder was a major influence on both bitcoin and WikiLeaks.
Did I Really Once Think That George H.W. Bush Was the Worst President of My Lifetime?
A presidential derangement syndrome for all seasons
George H.W. Bush's Legacy Holds Little, Nothing for Libertarians To Celebrate
There is little to celebrate and much to criticize.
When the World Convulsed, George H.W. Bush (Mostly) Let Freedom Happen
We should, but probably won't, learn the lesson that U.S. presidents don't have to control or even fully understand world events.
Why Stan Lee's Flaws Were Part of His Virtues
Less creator than editor, pathetic company man, purveyor of childish nonsense? No amount of next-level quasi-sophisticated Stan Lee critique can avoid the proper conclusion: He was the Man.
Comics Giant Stan Lee Dead at 95
Marvel's former chief left behind a massive cultural legacy preaching tolerance and personal responsibility.
Death of Dennis Hof, the 'P.T. Barnum of Booty,' Leaves Uncertain Future for Nevada Brothels and Senate Seat
Hof had a huge impact on legal sex work in Nevada and his death has spurred a heady mix of reactions.
The Confidence-Man
Friday A/V Club: Long before "fake news" was a cliché, Alan Abel was both inserting and exposing fakery in the news.
Jon Burge, Chicago's Most Famous Corrupt Cop, Is Dead at 70
Credibly accused, but never actually convicted, of torturing dozens of people to force confessions
John McCain, the Senate's Most Influential Hawk, Is Dead
The late Arizona senator's relentless energy and patriotic sense of honor led him to heroic acts of defiance, but also misguided support for disastrous foreign interventions.
When Robin Leach Met John Waters
Friday A/V Club: Lifestyles of the Rich and Strange
V.S. Naipaul: 'Terrorists Can Fly a Plane, But What They Can't Do Is Build a Plane'
The Nobel laureate had a brilliant, sadly ignored insight that would have short-circuited the worst cultural and political reactions of the past 17 years.
Libertarian History/Philosophy
Andrea Rich, RIP
The longtime operator of Laissez Faire Books was one of America's most tireless and effective promoters of libertarian thought.
Jay Austin, Tiny House Innovator, Killed in Attack Claimed by ISIS
Austin was part of a group murdered in Tajikistan.