This morning, the Cato Institute announced the passing of David Boaz. He was 70 years old. Boaz held positions with Young Americans for Freedom and Ed Clark’s Libertarian campaign for president in 1980. However, Boaz is certainly best known for serving as the executive director of the Cato Institute from 1981 until his retirement in 2023.
David did a superb job as Cato Institute executive director. It is no secret that libertarians often have difficulty advancing public policy. They often do not have a natural home in either political party. Furthermore, there often is not a large political constituency that supports limited government.
However, under David’s leadership, the Cato Institute succeeded in advancing libertarian policies on a range of issues. It was partly because David was able to articulate libertarian ideas in an attractive, compelling, and winsome manner. It was also because the Cato Institute developed the unique ability to advance policy proposals that were both practical and principled. Libertarian ideas certainly have much more credibility and visibility because of David Boaz.
I have not been active in the libertarian policy world lately. However, I still consider myself deeply indebted to both David and the Cato Institute. A manuscript I reviewed as Cato intern sparked an interest in budget rules and fiscal limits. This became the topic of my doctoral dissertation. I was also very honored when, months after receiving my Ph.D., David thought enough of my policy research to name me a Cato Institute adjunct scholar.
On a personal level, David was always gracious and generous with his time. He had an open-door policy as Cato Institute executive director. He was equally happy answering the questions of interns or engaging with Cato Institute senior scholars. He was truly a happy warrior for liberty and will be missed. R.I.P.