Posted on 08/30/2021 5:21:10 PM PDT by absalom01
I'm greatly saddened to hear of the passing of L. Neil Smith, the estimable science fiction author and lifelong lover of liberty. Neil was probably one of the most ardent and tireless advocates of the individual right to keep and bear arms in my lifetime. A literal brother-in-arms to all of us who believe in the supremacy of the individual, rather than the State. A man who greatly and positively influenced a generation or more of libertarians.
I extend my condolences to his wife, Cathy, who is Neil's equal in her love and pursuit of individual freedom, and as strong-willed therein as any of the heroines in Neil's novels. And to his daughter, Rylla, who exemplifies the qualities of both her parents in her own delightful and unique way.
I expect most of Neil's fans and friends were introduced to him through reading his many science fiction titles. My initial introduction to Neil was through his essays that floated, first around BBS systems in the 1980s, then through the fledgling internet of the 1990s, and ultimately published as Lever Action in 2001 by Vin Suprynowicz's Mountain Media. Those essays were a no-holds-barred advocacy of asserting and defending the rights of the individual, with a pronounced emphasis on gun rights; as were his science fiction novels which I came to read and appreciate somewhat later. Indeed, I think one of my first personal contacts with Neil was him thanking me for a revue I'd written of Pallas for The Arizona Libertarian. It wouldn't be our last, as we became good friends and political allies thereafter. He was the real deal and I am blessed to have had him as a true libertarian mentor.
Very sad to hear of his passing.
I met him at a Libertarian gathering once, as I recall.
A very smart guy.
Unfortunately, I think he was too much into fantasy. A fun read though.
RIP.
Sorry to hear of this. Time to reread some of his books.
I think the term is inestimable meaning it is not easy to estimate one’s value. Estimable is almost an insult. Perhaps they meant to use the word esteemed as held in high regard. Either way it’s like Archie Bunker. He had a real skill for using the wrong word in a particular way.
“The Probability Broach”, a wonderful read at the time when James Earl Carter was showing us THIS FUTURE! Yes, the ill- & undereducated populace (thanks to NEA/AFT/Dept.Education) have voted for entertainment and our children will pay in blood for our foolishness!
RIP and prayers for family & friends! I’ll bet he his having a fun bull-session with Heinlein & Pournelle right now!
I imagine that they are on the range together, talking freedom and science fiction.
He’ll be missed.
” The Probability Broach “ was the first one I read by him. Set in Denver.
“The Probability Broach”, a wonderful read at the time when James Earl Carter was showing us THIS FUTURE!”
I’ve got it downstairs. Love it.
Was thinking this was the guy that wrote the “Venus Equilateral” stories, projecting 1940’s radio technology into the future with a manned relay station in orbit.
But that was George O. Smith, I think.....
Well Frack.😞
I think he was an atheist.
It’s kind of funny, but when I met him the first time, I knew about his Libertarian activism and RKBA activism, but had no idea that his day job was as a published writer.
We had a very detailed discussion regarding the then-new Barret .50 BMG, ballistics, optics etc. Turned out that he especially liked Metallic silhouette shooting and was a serious competitor as well. Never mentioned his books once.
A great guy, gone much too soon.
I just signed up for notices to The Libertarian Enterprise yesterday. Weird. I was on his mailing list for a LONG time years ago, and had just found it again.
He certainly was an atheist.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.