The freedom movement has lost one of its pivotal institutional founders and leaders. Ed Crane, co-founder and longtime president of the Cato Institute, passed away on February 10 and will be deeply missed.
I first met Ed in 1990 at a Cato Liberty Week, only a few years into my career in public policy. That immersive week exploring ideas proved transformative. Beyond the knowledge and appreciation for libertarian principles gained, Ed had a gift for making these principles both intellectually rigorous and practically applicable. He instinctively understood that success in this movement required more than sound policy analysis; it demanded clear thinking about how to frame debates and build lasting institutions.
This strategic vision was on full display at State Policy Network’s 2004 Annual Meeting in Austin, TX, when Ed introduced John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods Markets. The introduction highlighted one reason Ed was an effective leader and teacher. He didn’t simply present a speaker; he demonstrated how to connect free-market principles to real-world innovation and business success.
His ability to frame the political debate – not as liberal versus conservative, but as the voluntary sector of civil society versus the political society that wields government power – resonated throughout that gathering and shaped how many of us approached our work in the years that followed.
Seeing Ed at movement events over the years, there was abundant evidence of his success in building not just an institution, but a movement. The many thoughtful tributes from leaders across the movement testify to his impact, and his legacy endures in countless people like me whose understanding of liberty was deepened by knowing him.
Please read the Cato Institute’s tribute to Ed here.
Tracie Sharp is CEO Emeritus of State Policy Network.
