Sy Leon, R.I.P.

As you gaze at the likely presidential prospects for 2008 with despair, take a moment to remember recently deceased libertarian educator and activist Sy Leon, formerly with Robert LeFevre's Rampart College operation. Leon wrote the anti-voting classic None of the Above and founded the League of Non-Voters. His old friend Butler Shaffer remembers him.

My book on libertarian movement history, Radicals for Capitalism: A Freewheeling History of the Modern American Libertarian Movement.

Comments

Larry Edelstein | September 11, 2007, 3:37pm | #

Dude, that last para is a single clause, and without a complete sentence! I feel left hanging!

Steve Buckstein | September 11, 2007, 4:12pm | #

While I never met Sy Leon, he was an early influence in my libertarian development. I memorized a poem that I believe he authored, and wonder if anyone can confirm its source. It reads:

How could the man have done the deed.
I'm sure he never willed it.
He stepped into the voting booth.
And, loving freedom, killed it.

Gene Berkman | September 11, 2007, 4:15pm | #

I took a course at Rampart College in 1969 and got to know Sy and Riqui Leon. Sy and Riqui did most of the work at Rampart College, but largely existed in the shadow of Robert LeFevre.

Over many years of activism in Southern California, I got to work with Sy and Riqui Leon in promoting several libertarian conferences, and socialized with them at libertarian parties. They were both extremely nice people, and always a pleasure to be around.

It is sad to hear of his passing.

SIV | September 11, 2007, 4:49pm | #

Worth remembering that those who vote have no right to complain about the outcome.After all, they consented to be governed.

uncle sam | September 11, 2007, 8:11pm | #

"Voting is like going through one of two doors; no matter which one you go through, you end up in the same room."

That's a quote I remember.