February
27th 2008
Posted under Conservatism
Details are trickling out, but the story is here.
We should resist the urge to write the always tacky polemical obituary. The legacy of William F. Buckley is decidedly mixed from a paleo standpoint, but we should wait an adequate length of time before we examine the low points. His death is not the occasion to do that. May he Rest in Peace.
Patroon on 27 Feb 2008 at 5:55 pm #
Agreed, Reqiuem im pacem.
Bede on 27 Feb 2008 at 5:55 pm #
Yea, I agree.
Harold Crews on 27 Feb 2008 at 7:29 pm #
Though we would certainly have our differences with Bill Buckley. But at times he did differ with the neo-conservatives. One notable point being the nomination of Mel Bradford to the NEH. According to Wiki, Buckley supported Dr. Bradford. There are still hard feelings on that one.
Andrew T. on 27 Feb 2008 at 8:43 pm #
You said it well, Filmer.
roho on 27 Feb 2008 at 10:17 pm #
An icon indeed. May GOD issue comfort to his family members.
Dave K on 28 Feb 2008 at 12:03 am #
I remember him responding one time to a liberal secularist who asked him what reason he had to be optimistic about the future. WFB responded, ” I know that my Redeemer liveth!” Touche!!! RIP.
James on 28 Feb 2008 at 4:18 am #
It is right that we should pay tribute to WFB and his accomplishments, but we cannot forget the harm he did to the conservative movement in his later years. Most significant was the turning over of National Review, the leading voice of the Conservative Movement, to Rich Lowery and the whole crew of neocon frauds who run the magazine now. I have no idea what WFB was thinking with respect to that decision. Also, for the last 15 to 20 years Buckley was in essence AWOL on the great issues facing the country and the Movement. Perhaps this was a product of his increasing age, but I cannot recall Buckley being a strong voice against illegal immigration, political correctness, the Iraq War and the neocon takeover of the Movement. He may have said some things here and there, but if he did speak against them he clearly did not do so with any real effect as the story of conservatism during this time has been one of corruption, decline and retreat. WFB was a great man who was a towering intellect in his prime, a master and lover of the English language and a true inspiration to other conservatives such as myself. Simply to listen to his voice as he ranked smug, arrogant liberals over the coals again and again in debate was both soothing and exciting. Yet, as a man of ideas who sought truth above all things, I believe he himself would agree that his life deserves an honest assessment, both good and not so good. That is, in the end, the story of all our lives. We are only human. Let us learn from his example how to procede from here in our efforts to restore the Republic, the one WFB clearly did defend during his life. I will miss him and I pray for his family. RIP.
Richard C. Green on 29 Feb 2008 at 2:36 am #
Mr. Buckley was certainly a fellow who was rich in the knowledge of our American English language and how to use it well, or sparingly, or both.
Once upon a time in a galaxy far, far, away, he was my favoritest of conservative voices and thinkers. He seemed to succeed where so many others failed, in raising a voice above the socialist mob’s din.
As a Yale man I was also impressed with his savoir faire.
Then I learned that he was Skull & Bones.
That sewed it up for me. He was cut from the same bolt of cloth as John F. Kerry and Little Boy George and the Bundy brothers ( McGeorge and William ). For these fellows there is only one loyalty and that loyalty is not to this country, the people of this country, or the future of this beloved Republic. He was a saboteur, an Agent in place, but not a turncoat for once he took the oath to the Brotherhood of Death there was never any other possible loyalty for him to hold.
With Skull & Bones there is only the Brotherhood. All else is tinsel on the tree, or frosting on the cake, and the country and all humanity be damned. Literally damned. Let him explain that to the archangels.