GordonUnleashed

May Aaron Russo Rest In Peace

August 24th, 2007 by Steve

An old friend, Hollywood icon and warrior for freedom just passed away. Hollywood producer and former presidential candidate Aaron Russo had been battling cancer for years and it finally caught up with him. I just spoke with immediate family members and confirmed his passing.

Aaron accomplished many things in his life; I’ll merely highlight a few. As a musical producer and promoter, he brought Led Zeppelin to the United States and managed Bette Midler and the Manhattan Transfer. As a movie producer, he is perhaps most known for The Rose and Trading Places.

In politics, he starred in Mad as Hell and recently produced America: Freedom to Fascism. He also ran for Governor of Nevada on the GOP ticket and for the Libertarian Party presidential nomination.

In our last telephone conversation, Aaron told me he’d kick my butt if I didn’t do what I could to ensure Ron Paul is the next president of the United States. This was his style. While some have viewed his rough-appearing exterior in a negative manner, those of us who knew him realized what a Teddy Bear he truly was. For those who aren’t aware, Aaron has a long history with Congressman Paul.

My whiskered old cheeks haven’t seen a tear on them in quite some time; I can’t type any more right now. I’ll relay more information as the immediate family has time to deal with the situation.

If I had to guess the epitaph Aaron would prefer, it would be this: All your freedoms, all the time!

Posted in National Politics, Libertarian Movement

56 Responses to “May Aaron Russo Rest In Peace”

A Keaton wrote on 08/24/07 at 9:22 pm :

Given the contributions of Led Zepplin and Bette Midler to pop culture, Mr. Russo deserves a large obit in the NYT. And a big send off from the LP.

May it be so.

A sad day indeed.
Dean Cavanagh wrote on 08/24/07 at 9:30 pm :

I was so sorry to hear the news from Gary Franchi. Aaron’s film “From Freedom To Fascism” should be seen by everybody who values their freedoms. Thanks, Aaron. Dean, Bingley, UK.
Conservative Heritage Times » Aaron Russo, RIP wrote on 08/24/07 at 9:49 pm :

[…] Russo has passed away after a long battle with cancer. May he Rest in […]
R. Haven wrote on 08/24/07 at 9:53 pm :

I am very sad to hear of Aaron’s passing. I can say this, though: his effort to restore our liberty will live on and gain more and more momentum. I have given copies of “America: Freedom to Fascism” to 5 friends and family members and each one had a profound awakening experience while watching that film. One friend said he had to turn it off for 10 minutes at the half-way point because he was hyperventilating! Since then, I’ve ordered and freely distributed over 100 copies of the AFTF DVD. I expect to order and distribute even more in the future.

Thank you, Aaron, for what you have done.
David Chastain (GA) wrote on 08/24/07 at 9:57 pm :

I have lost a dear friend who inspired me to political activism; who was not ashamed to express his love; who could be bombastic and then playful, cerebral and then silly, but always honest in his feelings.

He garnered the love and admiration of my wife and two younger kids, phoning the house and spending time talking to my 10-year-old daughter, Kate, before asking to speak with me about his 2004 Georgia nominating campaign.

He expressed his admiration for my son, Jason, and provided a positive influence on a his young life that will travel with him on into adulthood.

He loved life, family, entertainment, the Constitution and Liberty.

His loving partner Heidi and their two sons, Max and Sam, were his real treasure.

His legacy is the example he set for the rest of us: To do all we can with what we have to preserve personal liberty, accept diverse lifestyles, promote justice, allow free markets to function and reserve the personal right to be merciful to those around us.

I thank my God that I met Aaron Russo and pray for his family in this time of grief and loss.
disinter wrote on 08/24/07 at 10:11 pm :

He will be missed!

http://rinf.com/alt-news/911-truth/aaron-russo-dies-of-cancer/1102/
Andy wrote on 08/24/07 at 11:24 pm :

Oh man, this really sucks. Aaron Russo was a great freedom fighter. His film “America: From Freedom To Fascism” inspired millions. I heard that he was planning to make a part 2 of it. Too bad that he won’t get to do that now.

Unfortunately I never got a chance to meet Aaron Russo in person, but I did get to speak to him on the phone once during a Freedom Force International ( www.freedom-force.org ) conference call. The subject that we spoke about was the 2008 Presidential election. He said that he was thinking about running as an independent or entering the Republican primary himself, either that, or backing a candidate to run as an independent (he still liked the Libertarian Party, he was just concerned about minor party labels scaring voters away) or in the Republican primary. Either that or he wanted to back a candidate for an independent run or in the Republican primary. The candidate that he most prefered was Ron Paul.

Thanks for everything, Aaron. You will be missed.

RIP…:(
Aaron Russo R.I.P. : The New Liberty wrote on 08/24/07 at 11:27 pm :

[…] Steve Gordon writes about the passing of his friend here. […]
Rick Fisk wrote on 08/24/07 at 11:51 pm :

Aaron Russo was a servant of freedom. R.I.P.

Please pass on my condolences to his family. I never met him but feel like I’ve lost a friend.
michelle wrote on 08/25/07 at 12:45 am :

My deepest condolences to the Russo family; may it comfort you to know that the man you knew and loved touched so many lives and the burden of your loss is shared.
Phillippe wrote on 08/25/07 at 1:03 am :

Aaron Russo finally turned his guns (talent) on the right target - those who had used him and other filmmakers in the past (and still do). Oh, you all didn’t know about this?
Richard B. Boddie wrote on 08/25/07 at 1:20 am :

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Aaron Russo. The liberty movement has lost one of its greatest fighters. Aaron was one of the few remaining “real - in your face - fearless libertarians” left in America today. Although not unexpected due to cancer, he and his approach will be missed by many of us who continue in the quest for individual liberty, free markets, and less tyranny from so-called governments.

Aaron Russo leaves an important legacy in movies, politics, and popular culture. From these significant contributions to the world, future freedom fighters have a foundation to carry on our dream of a freer society.

~ RBB
Jason Gatties wrote on 08/25/07 at 1:33 am :

I’m at a loss for words right now. I guess I will simply revert back to my up bringing and say that Mr.Russo is no longer in pain and in a much better place.

He will be missed.
Thomas L. Knapp wrote on 08/25/07 at 1:33 am :

The opportunities I had to work with Aaron Russo are and will remain some of my most cherished memories.

Aaron was one of my first friends in the freedom movement, starting about 13 years ago — one of the first people to tell a newcomer “YOU can make a difference” and then push him to do so. I know I’m far from the only person who can say that about him.

Rest in peace, friend. You will be missed and fondly remembered.
Matt wrote on 08/25/07 at 2:26 am :

We never met, but I’ll miss you. Deeply saddened. Rest in peace, my friend.
Eric James Rainbolt wrote on 08/25/07 at 2:45 am :

People like Aaron are so rare. I wish I
could have met him, like I did Ron Paul.
We have Ron Paul left, Alex Jones, Jack Blood,
and only about a dozen others who are honest
and focused enough to support the legacy of
this great and courageous and loving man.

Eric James Rainbolt
http://www.linktoit.com
Eric James Rainbolt wrote on 08/25/07 at 2:48 am :

People like Aaron are so rare. I wish I
could have met him, like I have Ron Paul.

We have Ron Paul left, Alex Jones, Jack Blood,
and only about a dozen others who are honest
and focused enough to support the legacy of
this great and courageous freedom loving
and humane and influential man.

Eric James Rainbolt
http://www.linktoit.com
http://www.lulu.com/EricRainbolt
Stuart Richards wrote on 08/25/07 at 3:18 am :

Oh man… that’s horrible. Aaron Russo was very effective at getting the message of liberty out there. Even to this day, people that haven’t even heard of the Libertarian Party are telling me about this great movie that I need to check out, called “America: Freedom to Fascism” and every time they do, it makes me smile before I tell them I’m part of the choir.

Your body lies a mould’ring but your spirit marches on.
Michael Hampton wrote on 08/25/07 at 3:32 am :

While researching my own article about Aaron Russo’s passing I discovered he made a film way back in 1996 called Mad as Hell in which he just lays it all out, the principles of liberty, the totalitarian state, everything. I posted it for everyone to watch.
Dixon Cannon wrote on 08/25/07 at 4:36 am :

I met Aaron Russo twice; once at the WTP Conference in D.C. where he brought the crowd to their feet, and later in Tucson, AZ at a showing of AFTF. He was always smiling and was an ebullient advocate of Liberty. Godspeed, Aaron Russo. Thank you for bringing us closer to our goal of Freedom.
Judy wrote on 08/25/07 at 5:52 am :

Perhaps it is time for people such as Led Zeppelin and Bette Midler to repay their dues and lend their backing to Ron Paul’s campaign. If I knew them, I would ask. Perhaps someone out there does. That could be a wonderful way to carry on Aaron’s legacy.
Aaron Russo Has Died Aug. 24th 2007 + Mad As Hell + America: Freedom to Fascism - Director’s Authorized Version (videos) « Dandelion Salad wrote on 08/25/07 at 8:10 am :

[…] And in 2007 he was one of the first to endorse Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) for President, doing so even before Paul announced his candidacy. Just before he died he spoke to long time friend and libertarian activist Stephen Gordon about Ron Paul: In our last telephone conversation, Aaron told me he’d kick my butt if I didn’t do what I could to ensure Ron Paul is the next president of the United States. This was his style. While some have viewed his rough-appearing exterior in a negative manner, those of us who knew him realized what a Teddy Bear he truly was. For those who aren’t aware, Aaron has a long history with Congressman Paul. — Gordon Unleashed […]
f wrote on 08/25/07 at 8:44 am :

A fearless warrior, a lover and an artist.
What a man, what a life. God speed.
sn wrote on 08/25/07 at 9:00 am :

My condolences and best wishes for the family.
I have never met Aaron personnally, but have followed his work and efforts for years. He will be painfully missed - but still, he leaves an important and very powerful legacy behind. RIP
Eric Dondero wrote on 08/25/07 at 9:59 am :

Sadly, I have learned that Texas Libertarian Terry Liberty Parker has cancer, and has been given only a few weeks to live.

Terry runs the Yahoo Libertarian Group with over 800 members, and has a longrunning popular Libertarian Cable TV show in Austin.
Chris wrote on 08/25/07 at 10:30 am :

Aaron
May your memory and ideals be eternal and everlasting. We will always have you close to our hearts.
Third Party Watch » Blog Archive » More on Russo’s Passing wrote on 08/25/07 at 10:52 am :

[…] producer and former Libertarian presidential nomination contender Aaron Russo’s death here. Michael Hampton has a bio here. Russo was a close personal friend and will be remember fondly by […]
Ben Pittam wrote on 08/25/07 at 10:54 am :

Thanks for everything you have done. God speed.
Melanie wrote on 08/25/07 at 11:22 am :

THE GHOST FROM VALLEY FORGE author unknown
I had a dream the other night I didn’t understand, A figure walking through
the mist, with flintlock in his hand. His clothes were torn and dirty, as he
stood there by my bed, He took off his three-cornered hat, and speaking low he
said:
We fought a revolution to secure our liberty. We wrote the Constitution, as a
shield from tyranny. For future generations, this legacy we gave, In this,
the land of the free and home of the brave.
The freedom we secured for you, we hoped you’d always keep, But tyrants
labored endlessly while your parents were asleep. Your freedom gone - your courage
lost - you’re no more than a slave, In this, the land of the free and the home
of the brave.
You buy permits to travel, and permits to own a gun, permits to start a
business, or to build a place for one. On land that you believe you own, you pay a
yearly rent, Although you have no voice in choosing how the money’s spent.
Your children must attend a school that doesn’t educate, Your moral values
can’t be taught, according to the state. You read about the current “news” in a
very biased press, You pay a tax you do not owe, to please the IRS.
Your money is no longer made of silver or of gold, You trade your wealth for
paper, so life can be controlled. You pay for crimes that make our Nation turn
from God to shame. You’ve taken Satan’s number, as you’ve traded in your
name.
You’ve given government control to those who do you harm, So they can padlock
churches, and steal the family farm. And keep our country deep in debt, put
men of God in jail, Harass your fellow countryman while corrupted courts
prevail.
Your public servants don’t uphold the solemn oath they’re sworn, Your
daughters visit doctors so children won’t be born. Your leaders ship artillery and
guns to foreign shores, And send your sons to slaughter, fighting other people’s
wars.
Can you regain your Freedom for which we fought and died? Or don’t you have
the courage, or the faith to stand with pride? Are there no more values for
which you’ll fight to save? Or do you wish your children live in fear and be a
slave?
Sons of the Republic, arise and take a stand! Defend the Constitution, the
Supreme Law of the Land! Preserve our Republic, and each God-given right! And
pray to God to keep the torch of freedom burning bright!
As I awoke he vanished, in the mist from whence he came, His words were true,
we are not free, and we have ourselves to blame. For even now as tyrants
trample each God-given right, We only watch and tremble — too afraid to stand and
fight. If he stood by your bedside in a dream while you’re asleep, and wonder
what remains of your right he fought to keep. What would be your answer if he
called out from the grave? Is this still the land of the free and home of the
brave?
R.I.P Aaron Russo
Wes Drawdy wrote on 08/25/07 at 11:43 am :

I’ll never forget the day I got the call from Ilona.

She said: “Wes you have GOT to see this movie and you have GOT to help us bring it to the people.”

She was right; I immediateley saw that what the great Aaron Russo had produced in “Freedom to Fascism” was the silver bullet that so many of us had been trying to find.

It is up to all of us to carry on Aaron’s life work. The Great Creator sent us a wonderful messenger in Aaron Russo; may we live up to his legacy.

Aaron I know you are watching and listening from Valhalla… thank you ever so much for having the —-s to step up and lay it on the line my brother!
Stephanie wrote on 08/25/07 at 12:35 pm :

Aaron, I know that now you’re getting the healing you need and deserve.

Our heartfelt gratitude for lighting a fire beneath us, for educating and inspiring millions, and for acting with such courage in your life.

I am imagining that you will continue to help us fight the battle from up there. (We welcome any assistance you can send our way!)

And people, let’s Honor Aaron and make him Proud as he looks down upon us continuing the battle down here.

Now, let’s HUSTLE!!!

:)
TheCornfarmer Who Walks between the worlds wrote on 08/25/07 at 1:01 pm :

Aaron has put on his Cloud face,I for one will always know what a true American is. Everything else aside. He is and will always be a man of the people. I am Honored to have known him and will sing his song and smoke the Chanupa in his honor.
Love and light to the familia.
Hopiben
The Cornfarmer who walks between the worlds.
Dave wrote on 08/25/07 at 1:19 pm :

I want to be just one more to add to the heartfelt sentiments expressed by so many here. It’s a sad day for those who value America as it was meant to exist.
David Bowers wrote on 08/25/07 at 1:51 pm :

Thank you for your inspiration and hard drive in the name of liberty and freedom. It was a pleasure supporting your effort for the nomination to run for President. Rest in peace.
ben mayer wrote on 08/25/07 at 2:57 pm :

Aaron Russo turned me on to the libertarian party and Ron Paul. He was my hero and I am very sad to see him go.
titaniumgirl wrote on 08/25/07 at 3:24 pm :

My condolences to Aaron’s family. Words cannot describe the fire and passion that he had for freedom.
Rolf Lindgren wrote on 08/25/07 at 3:58 pm :

Aaron was a great man, I got to know him well at the 2004 national LP convention.

Aaron made a great campaign speech that was televised on C-span, in the debate with Gary Nolan and Michael Badnarik.

Aaron said that when he died, he wanted to be known as a FREEDOM FIGHTER.

Aaron was a great freedom fighter, and through his videos, will continue to be a freedom fighter, right up there in importance with Patrick Henry and Galileo.

If anyone can find the video clip from the 2004 LP debate, please let me know ASAP.

May God rest your soul, Aaron.

America: Freedom to Fascismhttp://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1656880303867390173&q=freedom+to+fascism&total=1010&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=0
Justin Speers wrote on 08/25/07 at 4:26 pm :

Aaron, you were a rare American Hero.
Bekka Yost wrote on 08/25/07 at 4:49 pm :

I would like to thank Aaron for opening my eyes as an American citizen and as a human being. May he rest in peace.
V wrote on 08/25/07 at 5:03 pm :

I was fortunate enough to meet Aaron at the 2004 LP Illinois and LP National conventions and saw him debate Nolan and Badnarik. He remarked that America had become a “fascist state” - the audience fell silent and you could hear murmuring.

I don’t think most of us were ready to hear that word applied to OUR country. Even in an audience full of Libertarians.

“America: Freedom to Fascism” - Aaron’s final work - was the movie that convinced many people that his “fascist state” comment wasn’t over the top.

Because of Aaron Russo’s bravery and conviction - I think his message has gotten across.

First Harry Browne - now Aaron Russo. Our movement has lost two huge advocates for liberty.

I hope that everyone who feels a sense of loss at Aaron’s passing, will ALSO feel the overwhelming urge to wade in and make a real difference themselves. Right now, something big. Not just “talking up liberty,” not just the water-cooler talk at work, not just a token donation to your favorite libertarian candidate or organization. Certainly not the lip-service most people to “Liberty.”

Aaron gave us the truth when no one else dared speak it aloud in public. He gave us the words and pictures and the proof that we can show to the “average American” in A:FtF. In the end, he gave the last years of his life to make us all freer.

I hope we will all feel inspired - and even obligated - to give more than a halfhearted effort.

I hope everybody expressing their farewells and fond wishes and memories will give more than a few words and a moment of silence for the cause of Liberty.

Aaron gave us an example to follow - let’s honor him by following it.
Deborah Gordon wrote on 08/25/07 at 5:31 pm :

Words cannot express how much I will miss Aaron. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with his loving family, Heidi, Max and Sam.
Aaron has been a dear friend of mine since we first met during his 2004 campaign for the LP Presidential Nomination (my hubby Stephen was his campaign manager). Aaron and I have spent countless hours together, duirng which time he won my admiration, respect, friendship and love. Despite Aaron’s rough-hewn exterior (and behavior to match it at times!), Aaron had a heart of gold and an incredible amount of compassion for others. He had the courage of a true patriot and would have laid his life down in a heartbeat in his fight for liberty. As he once shared with me, his battle with cancer and sense that he was “running out of time” propelled his decision to run for prez and to make his last film. Aaron truly wanted Americans to become more free because he had lived. He did not fear death, only tyranny and oppression.

He once told me that, when he died, he hoped his friends would “have a big party” and celebrate his life, not mope around. I will certainly do my part to honor his request - Three Cheers to you Aaron Russo! And thank you for enriching my life because of your presence in it. “All your freedoms, all the time!!”

(Off to party in Vegas now, like Aaron would have wanted me to!)
Aaron Russo, 1943-2007 - Homeland Stupidity wrote on 08/25/07 at 6:38 pm :

[…] And in 2007 he was one of the first to endorse Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) for President, doing so even before Paul announced his candidacy. Just before he died he spoke to long time friend and libertarian activist Stephen Gordon about Ron Paul: In our last telephone conversation, Aaron told me he’d kick my butt if I didn’t do what I could to ensure Ron Paul is the next president of the United States. This was his style. While some have viewed his rough-appearing exterior in a negative manner, those of us who knew him realized what a Teddy Bear he truly was. For those who aren’t aware, Aaron has a long history with Congressman Paul. — Gordon Unleashed […]
Richard Hamp wrote on 08/25/07 at 8:18 pm :

A Man amongst men! Aaron Russo will always be remembered as a Man who so loved his country that he risked ridicule and prosecution to send a message to all American’s that there is a real danger lurking in out midst’s. He planted the seed called “TRUTH” which all Americans MUST HEAR! His final masterpiece, America - Freedom To Fascism will wake up America from it’s slumber and be the message that will spark good men and women to spread his word far and wide. Although I never personally meet Aaron he is and always will be, in my book, a Man amongst men! Thank you Aaron for all you have given us and may you rest in peace… Now America WAKE UP !!!! Tell everyone about his film and lets take back this country from those self serving BS artists….
Peter K. wrote on 08/25/07 at 9:19 pm :

Of course, I feel sorry for the loss to those who knew and loved Aaron Russo.

As I have posted elsewhere, it is unfortunate that he did not produce a legally and historically accurate critique of the income tax.

I really hope the publicity arising from his death will not cause more people like Ed and Elaine Brown to go to prison and lose their fortunes (filling the federal government’s coffers) in misguided reliance upon a badly flawed film.
Aaron Russo nie ?yje « Rusz Sumieniem! wrote on 08/26/07 at 5:03 pm :

[…] Steve Gordon zbudowa? temu kandydatowi na nominacj? Partii Libertaria?skiej z 2004 r. i niestrudonemu libertaria?skiemu filmowcowi ma?y nekrolog. […]
GordonUnleashed » Blog Archive » Winning Libertarian Elections wrote on 08/26/07 at 11:08 pm :

[…] for not posting much, but it has been a very busy and emotional weekend for me. I’ve been in Las Vegas for a board meeting of a new organization called […]
pldcapeli wrote on 08/26/07 at 11:21 pm :

mr russo ,you lived as so many of your fellow americans failed to ; with a true heart and a fierce patriotism. arron russo you are the rare patriot adrift in a sea of medriocrity and willful ignorence,and criminal complicity.
.aaron russo, your powerful voice will be missed as we trudge on but youve left us a legacy of courage and true love of country. may you rest in peace
Nick Furlano wrote on 08/27/07 at 2:04 am :

I am shocked that Aaron died. His work should be seen everywhere and his message continued. He has earned a place in the hearts of all honest people. It is apparent that the rest of us have to carry his message to ensure our freedoms. I hope Aaron’s spirit will see to it.
Anonymous wrote on 08/28/07 at 5:29 am :

aaron a true american
Mike wrote on 08/28/07 at 5:10 pm :

My sympathies to Aaron Russo’s loved ones. We are going to miss this great man indeed.
GordonUnleashed » Blog Archive » An Important Aaron Russo GOP Experience For Ron Paul Organizers wrote on 08/28/07 at 5:47 pm :

[…] some advice to Ron Paul activists working at the state level: Beware of your local GOP machine. Aaron Russo’s death reminded me of his experiences with the GOP machine when he lost the Nevada Republican primary to […]
University Blog wrote on 09/5/07 at 9:41 pm :

Freedom Fighter Aaron Russo, R.I.P….

It was on Saturday (August 25th) that I was surprised to see the e-mail from my friend Chris Bennett, to the Springfield, IL Ron Paul Meetup group, entitled \”Freedom Fighter Died Today.\”…
Denis Yates wrote on 11/2/07 at 3:05 am :

Thanks Aaron, You did your assignment well. You have followed in the footsteps of the Father of all, the first to put it all on the line so we could have freedom of choice. You Sir have put it all on the line to plant the seeds of truth and freedom in a fat and asleep country and we thank you. We will do all in our power to support people like Ron Paul who will continue this message of hope and freedom. Pleasant Sleep.
sam wrote on 01/22/08 at 1:41 am :

Aaron Russo will be remembered hundreds of years from now as a hero who helped start the biggest revolution in the history of mankind.
Julia Russo wrote on 02/27/08 at 7:36 pm :

It is with great sympathies to his family and friends. Aaron was loved by many of us for his courage. May you find comfort that he using his wings now to continue to fight the good fight. I believe he is now in God’s right hand. And what better listener than he.
Danielo wrote on 05/12/08 at 5:06 pm :

He was like Farmer
He leave into Us seed with LOVE to FREEDOM
and I knee before him for that
thaks to him I know many things and change my world look
I think he wake me up and many many other peoples too

THANK YOU

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May Aaron Russo Rest In Peace

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