Lifelong libertarian activist and Chairman of the San Diego Libertarian Party Michael Benoit passed away last night from a heart attack. While I can write for days about him (and will in the near future), I thought I would share some comments from a Facebook post about his passing:
Former State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth:
“I am saddened to hear this. Having gotten to know him (slightly) while our paths crossed on the campaign trail, and around East County, I found him a gentleman, but a large intellect and a fierce advocate for Liberty. We could use more of him, not less, but Mike himself was a unique man who we will all miss.”
Republican Liberty Caucus Board Member, former San Diego County Co-Chair of Ron Paul for President 2012 and RPSDC Committee Member Monica Fay:
“Very sad news and a dark day for liberty.”
Rostra contributor, Republican Liberty Caucus of San Diego Chairman, and RPSDC Committee Member Eric Andersen:
“In 2008 after reading a number of things on law and liberty I sought out an individual whose name was on a handout from a Ron Paul rally attended by my wife and sons.
“I called him on the phone and promised lunch in return for his time and answers to questions that puzzled me about liberty.
“He became my mentor. Hours and hours of discussion.
“Although his style and presentation were not always attractive to the status quo, his doctrine and courage were a step above any man I know to the point of letting the IRS take his home rather than submit to an unjust law.
“Unless one truly understands liberty and just law one cannot know how precious this man was. I am saddened. His life and example will always remain an inspiration to me. A Patriot in the truest sense of the word.”
James Garritson:
“I will greatly miss Mike. He was a champion of individual liberty and did much to educate people. I haven’t seen him in person for a few years and now regret not attending more Libertarian meetings to spend time with this great man. He did much to share and spread the message of Ron Paul in both the 2008 and 2012 elections. Those who love and cherish liberty need to keep his legacy alive by promoting and defending these principles. The world lost a true patriot this day.”
Republican Women Federated Board Member Dee Chavez Harmes:
“I moderated a debate for he and other candidates in their attempts to run for congress. Smart, articulate, knowledgeable. And most importantly a gentleman. ‘Now a noble heart is breaking. Good night, sweet prince. May hosts of angels sing you to sleep.'”
Statement from the Republican Party of San Diego County:
“The chairman of San Diego County’s Libertarian Party Mike Benoit passed away Saturday. Condolences to his family and extended Libertarian Party family from all of us.”
San Diego Eagle Forum Chairman Woody Woodrum:
“Mike and I didn’t agree on everything but we’re agreeable on most; you always knew where you stood with him. He will be missed by many.”
Libertarian activist Mario Luis:
“It is hard to find the words to describe my emotions on the passing away of Mike Benoit. The world has lost a great thinker, the liberty movement has lost a fearless warrior, and I have lost a best friend. Mike Benoit was one of a kind. While his memory will be with me forever,his presence here will be greatly missed. I learned a lot about life from Mike, for his friendship and knowledge I will forever be grateful. I will tremendously miss the learning sessions in his office where he raised the consciousness of me and so many others. His hungry for freedom was and will always be a true inspiration.”
There are many more comments I could post but I cherry-picked a few of the more detailed ones. In closing, Dr Gary Gonsalves, M.D. said:
“He was one of those rare people who actually DID something. Rest in Peace Mike.”
Yes, he did. Mike Benoit did a lot for the cause of human liberty:
Mike’s Meetup Group (over 700 members)
Mike’s YouTube Channel (over 200 videos)
Comments 5
Thank you Brian. Earlier this year El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells and I met for coffee. When we finished I gave Bill a small gift. It was Bastiat’s ‘The Law’ . I had purchased ten of them from Mike. It was the most simple and effective way I thought I could share how the defensive nature of Christ and his life should reform our understanding of the ethics of government and the law.
Mike has passed but the foundation he helped me build I still stand upon.
Mike gifted my first copy of The Law and shared a wealth of knowledge with me that would forever change my life. He will be greatly missed.
May God bless him and keep him!
Michael was my friend who became a long time friend who then became my brother, Michael and I always kept in touch, he was always there for me. I like to think I was there for him, it has been a great pleasure to have known Michael Benoit, I have been blessed to have his friendship and love the last 17 yrs. Everytime I said something dumb or silly he would give me a grin that I still and always will hold forever in my mind — the grin was ok Toni if you say so lol. I will forever miss my brother Michael I will forever be thankful to have been part of his life that he cared for me for the last 17years!!! I will be lost, I will miss his calls, txt, emails and everything this wonderful man stood for, GOD BLESS YOU MICHAEL, I will see you again, and we will continue were we left off Boss!!
News came today that Duncan “Duane” Hunter and his wife were indicted. I thought of my friend Mike, his “Liberty Bucks” and how he was “greedy” — for Liberty I hope he has found his greatly deserved peace. Will miss you buddy!