“The American people will never knowingly adopt Socialism. But under the name of ‘liberalism’ they will adopt every fragment of the Socialist program, until one day America will be a Socialist nation, without knowing how it happened.”

Socialist Party presidential candidate Norman Thomas


Wednesday, February 27, 2008

William F. Buckley--R.I.P.

There's some sad news today...

NEW YORK (AP) -- Author and conservative commentator William F. Buckley Jr. has died at age 82.

His assistant Linda Bridges says Buckley died Wednesday morning at his home in Stamford, Connecticut.

Buckley became famous for his intellectual political writings in his magazine, the National Review.


I've been reading William F. Buckley's columns for years. His insight and analysis played not a small role in shaping my political opinions today. He's considered the father of the traditional conservative movement. And I imagine he was horrified at what the republican party had become....big-spending, politically correct nanny-Staters. He's probably relieved to not have the burden of that frustration any more.

2 comments:

Reid said...

This is a truly sad day. I am a big fan of Buckley's work. His intuitive insight of the political process, his staunch stand for conservative ideals, and moreover (at least for me, his wonderful writing style). I will miss him greatly. Humorous and super-intelligent Buckley could stun someone with his phrasing and command of the English language.

I first met Buckley as he spoke at my college. He was warm and open and especially entertaining in his button down shirt and his navy blazer. He spoke candidly about his political leanings and urged all of the listeners to research candidates and their opinions prior to voting. A wonderful night.

I also remember fondly watching a debate between Buckley and then Gov. Dukakis as he ran for the Presidency. Buckley sat in a chair, alone, while Dukakis had an array of advisers standing behind him to help answer queries and to help him understand Buckley's use of language. As the debate moved on, Buckley chimed in that he "appreciated Dukakis' usage of sesquipedalian phrases". None of the advisers knew the word or its usage so the entire team sat quietly waiting for an explanation. None came and Dukakis was left looking like a simpleton. He lost and has been looking for answers since.

I will miss William Buckley. See you later Alligator!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing that Reid. We'll all miss WFB's wit and wisdom.