Mike Mayakis, RIP, a few additional words

Virtually all long-time Libertarians in the Bay Area knew Mike — I knew him for, good lord, almost 20 years, starting with working on the Russell Means’ libertarian presidential campaign, of all things. What I loved about Mike was how endlessly enthusiastic he was: “If people really understood, they’d certainly be for freedom.” “If people thought a little harder, they’d be more self-empowered.” “If people were a little more educated, they’d throw off the shackles of group think.” And he pretty much worked contstantly in support of these beliefs, even to the extent of writing a book on how to take charge of your own welfare in the emergency room when his health became more problematic. And I’ll greatly miss his humor and sense of other people: I had to laugh when I just reread the email he sent me on Justin’s birthday this past fall, reminding me of that fact: “I think Justin turns 52 today, (like me, Justin is finally playing with a full deck:-)). Justin shares his Birthday with Mickey Mouse who turned 75 today….” We’ll miss you, Mayakis! Who else do we have to help us keep things in perspective?