Redstate

By krempasky Posted in Archived | NTU — Comments (1) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

If you asked around DC long enough, you'd learn that "leading a significant conservative organization" does not necessarily equal, "folks I'd love to have a drink with" - but John Berthoud would prove the exception to that rule.

Prayers and condolences to his family, John passed away today. He will be deeply missed. As the head of the National Taxpayers' Union, John was passionate and eloquent in his defense of liberty and limited government...and on top of that, he was just a damn pile of fun. He was my friend.

He wouldn't tell you (although everyone else might), but John carried a PhD from Yale while retaining his underlying committment to freedom. He was really a reniassiance man, talented at every turn - and he led the NTU to always carry the torch of freedom, whether to friend or foe on the Hill. If you ever wondered how far you had strayed in the pursuit of compromise, NTU under John's leadership was there with a friendly (or pointed) reminder. Our side could do much worse, and our country will be much worse without him.