When I first was introduced into the problems associated with vaccines at the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) meeting in September 2000, I was nearly overwhelmed by the amount of appalling information I was uncovering. I needed help to process all the information and to sort it out. Among my first mentors were Ingri Cassel, founder of Vaccine Liberation and her husband, Don Harkins, the editor of the Idaho Observer monthly newspaper.
After a few phone calls, we became life-long friends. Whenever I called Idaho – to seek advice, to get reassurance that I was on the right path and wasn’t crazy, or to just mull over life’s unexplainable events – Don would most often answer the phone. His chipper, lilting voice would greet me with, “Idaho Observer!” I would smile and retort, “So, what are you observing in Idaho today?”
Never missing a beat, Don would recognize my voice, and with unforgettable charm and his hallmark giggle, he would respond, “Well hello there!” He’d then launch into the “hot story” of the day, sharing what he was writing, researching, or pondering. No matter how busy or how pressed for time, Don always carved out space for me to share his wit, to generate a few laughs, and to tell unforgettable stories. He always made me feel special. At that moment, I was the most important person in the world for which he’d drop everything and give his full attention. More likely than not, he did the same for all his friends.
While his assessments of world events were sometimes disturbing, they were always spot-on. Don’s wisdom ran deep, and the years of banter and debate contributed substantially to my personal growth. I will always cherish the many thought-provoking “Don-isms”, delivered in a way that all of us knew so well as “typically Don.”
On September 19, 2009, the world lost a Giant Placeholder for truth, freedom, and liberty. Don’s work will live on through the hundreds of amazing pieces he crafted with insight and style. This article, “Are Americans Dying for Martial Law?” has long remained one of my favorites. It is a timeless example of Don’s quest to explain the madness in the world around us. This article takes the perspective of Congress writing a letter to the American people. While written in 1998, with minimal grammatical modifications, this piece couldn’t be more spot-on if it were written today in 2020.
Don Harkins was instrumental in shaping and guiding the lives of thousands who had the eyes to see. His tutelage has helped me to this day be a better writer and speaker. A gentleman and a gentleman, I will always remember Don for his laughter and the love he selflessly gave to so many persons, from all walks of life. I am proud to be counted among his friends. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Read more: How Much More Can Americans Withstand?
