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03/09/2006 Archived Entry: "Madeleine Cosman dies"

OH NO. DR. MADELEINE COSMAN HAS DIED. In addition to her contrarian writings on the politics of health care she was a staunch supporter of Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership.

I didn't always agree with her. But I was in awe of her. She was a scholar who assumed others were every bit as bright and knowledgeable as she. My favorite Cosman moment: Upon reading a draft of Rebelfire: Out of the Gray Zone Dr. Cosman complemented Aaron Zelman and me on our astuteness in naming the protagonist. "Reb," she noted, "stands for both 'rebel' and 'rabbi.' And he is both a rebel and a teacher." (Rabbi means teacher, and 'reb' is how the word rabbi is rendered in some cultures.)

I can't speak for Aaron. But when I came up with that name, I never gave a thought to it having two connotations. Nevertheless, I was perfectly willing to bask in the glow of this brilliant woman thinking I was brilliant.

The world has lost a fine mind and a great spirit. There have been so many losses to liberty in the last few years, from Sam Konkin to Harry Browne. And now this. It's starting to feel more lonely than usual, out here on the freedom fringes.

Posted by Claire @ 11:17 AM CST
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