Wednesday
One of the most important writers and intellectuals of America, William F. Buckley, has died. I did not agree with all of his views, but it would be churlish and extreme bad manners not to acknowledge his enormous influence in the fightback against what was, when he started out, the entrenched Big Government views of the US. He was, by all accounts, a most civilised, friendly and good man. As they say, he left the world a better place. He is one of those American intellectual and political figures, like Barry Goldwater, whom I regard, warts and all, as heroes.
May he rest in peace. My condolences to his friends and loved ones.
An extremely great loss. Condolences to his family & to his many friends.
Posted by permanentexpat at February 27, 2008 10:31 PM
He helped build the intellectual foundation for modern American conservatism. A true giant.
Rest in peace, Mr. Buckley.
Posted by spectre765 at February 27, 2008 10:53 PM
So passes on one of the great, for he who could write something as true then as today can only be called great:
We have nothing to offer but the best that is in us. That, a thousand Liberals who read this sentiment will say with relief, is clearly not enough! It isn't enough. But it is at this point that we steal the march. For we offer, besides ourselves, a position that has not grown old under the weight of a gigantic, parasitic bureaucracy, a position untempered by the doctoral dissertations of a generation of Ph.D's in social architecture, unattenuated by a thousand vulgar promises to a thousand different pressure groups, uncorroded by a cynical contempt for human freedom. And that, ladies and gentlemen, leaves us just about the hottest thing in town.Our Mission Statement
by William F. Buckley Jr.
November 19, 1955 8:00 AM
National Review
So true in 1955, so true now.
May he rest in peace.
Posted by Frederick Davies at February 27, 2008 11:02 PM
I once saw him debate Germaine Greer at the Cambridge Union. At the time I didn't agree with him on much of anything but he did get me thinking.
His brains, his charm and his courage will all be missed.
Posted by Taylor at February 28, 2008 12:58 AM
I love the way he flashes his eyes mockingly at Chomsky in that debate. Chomsky tries to nit-pick and scores a few well-aimed punches, but the careful way Buckley knocks down the France vs. Greece debate at the end is a straight knockout. Wonderful.
Posted by manuel II paleologos at February 28, 2008 09:01 AM
Well, if you liked that, here's Buckley threatening to smash Chomksy in the god-damn face.
Posted by Ham at February 28, 2008 05:57 PM
