In memoriam of Linda Whetstone
In memoriam of Linda Whetstone
At Freedom Today Network, we are deeply saddened to hear that Linda Whetstone has passed away.
Throughout her life, Linda did everything she could to advance freedom around the world.
Linda was an esteemed member of Students For Liberty’s Board of Advisors.
SFL’s CEO Wolf von Laer said, “Linda Whetstone’s lifework was dedicated to spreading freedom in places which lacked it most. She was a true champion and will be dearly missed. I am proud to have known her for so many years.”
Linda was also the chairman of the International Policy Network.
With this organization, Linda created a CD called Ideas for a Free Society. With it, Linda provided university students with a series of freedom-related texts that would have been otherwise inaccessible in many countries. Over 150,000 copies were distributed in more than 60 countries.
One of the people who benefited from this project was my good friend Mayowa Okediran, SFL’s Director of Student Programs.
“In 2010, when I came across the ideas of liberty, the Ideas for a Free Society CD produced by Linda Whetstone was one of the first few resources that helped me better understand the importance of a truly free society. She was one of SFL’s biggest advocates, supporting many student projects as well as supporting think tanks established by SFL alumni with resources through the Network for a Free Society,” Mayowa said.
For these reasons, and more, we are Freedom Today Network are saddened to hear about the passing of Linda Whetstone. She will forever be remembered by us and everyone at the liberty movement. As Wolf said, Linda was a true champion. Now our duty is to continue her legacy.
Below, more comments about Linda from leaders at the liberty movement:
Oswaldo Silva, EsLibertad Venezuela: “Linda was a key supporter of important projects to promote the ideas of liberty. I remember her kindness and willingness to develop the project that allowed us to boost the EsLibertad network in Venezuela. Rest in peace, Linda.”
Richard Lorenc, “[Linda] was a giant in my professional world and the type of collaborator anyone would dream to have. Here's a picture following a panel we were on eight years ago about bringing the ideas of liberty to younger audiences. She would go on to be my sponsor to join the Mont Pelerin Society, which she was always seeking to revitalize for new challenges and opportunities. I know countless friends who will, like I do already, miss her generous spirit. I send my deepest condolences to them and especially to her family.”
Institute of Economic Affairs’ Director General Mark Littlewood said: “Linda dedicated her life to the cause of freedom and has transformed countless lives across the globe. We may not see her again, but we can be grateful for the incredible legacy she leaves us. My thoughts are with Linda’s immediate family – and her enormous extended family – on this very sad day.”
By Jorge Jraissati
Jorge Jraissati is a Venezuelan economist and freedom advocate. He is the Director of Alumni Programs of Students For Liberty, an NGO advancing the ideas of a free society in over 100 countries. Beyond SFL, Jorge is a research consultant for IESE Business School, an economist from the Wilkes Honors College, and the President of Venezuelan Alliance, a policy group specialized in the Venezuelan humanitarian crisis. Jorge is a weekly columnist at Freedom Today Network.
