William F. Buckley, Jr., RIP

It was quite a surprise today to learn of the death of William F. Buckley, Jr.  NRO, one of his fertile offspring, provides some perspective.

The man was a giant.  He was not only the intellectual leader of the modern conservative movement.  Instead, he also had a profound effect on shaping and informing the worldview of millions of Americans, and providing them with a basis for defending their convictions.  He was, first and foremost, an educator; but more particularly gave us an apologetics for conservatism.

His efforts were seminal.  He was preaching conservatism long before it became fashionable.   The  brand he espoused embraced all three  branches-- economic, national security and social-- but with somewhat of an orthodox Catholic sensibility.

The primary vehicle for his efforts, of course, is the biweekly journal of conservative opinion, National Review.  I have been a subscriber to this magazine since my days in medical school during the early 1980's.  I already had a generous introduction to political conservatism through my work for my cousin during the latter 1970's and early 1980's.  But Buckley helped solidify and broaden these initial leanings.  His work has had a profound impact on my own thinking, and I cannot overestimate its effect.

I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Buckley.  I had met his brother, Jim, briefly when he was running for US Senate in New York State during the mid-1970's, and experienced just a portion of the unsettling grace the Buckley's are known to demonstrate in their personal interactions.

Today reminds me a bit of the day we learned of Reagan's letter revealing he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.  We realized that we were experiencing an enormous loss; but gratitude was then-- and is now-- the only legitimate response. 

Buckley was, indeed, great; and achieved much in a distinguished, varied career.

Comments

[Bubba]

He was the spiritual as well as the intellectual voice of the conservative movement during the dark days when liberalism ran rampant and was unchecked.

He will indeed be missed.

[Fred Gregory]

Joe,

I was stunned when I saw the news of his passing over at another blog and left remarks about the impact and influence he had on my world view . Here is that comment.

http://edcone.typepad.com/wordup/2008/02/wfb.html

He was indeed a giant figure and your tribute was moving.

[Joe Guarino]

Fred and Bubba, one of my fondest memories of Buckley was the series of Firing Line televised debates, in front of a large audience-- I believe at the University of South Carolina-- that he did during the late '80's or early 90's. It was fascinating to see him in top form as an intellectual gladiator.

But the work he spawned was an awakening-- and an affirmation-- for me, and I am sure, for many others.

[Everest]

Joe - what I will remember and always treasure about Mr. Buckley was his sense of humor. He was first and foremost an unapologetic conservative, and always found a way to "stick it in the eye" to an unsuspecting liberal - much to their shock and chagrin. But he did it with a smile, and most people couldn't help but laugh along with Mr. Buckley! He was indeed a towering intellect who will be sorely missed....great tribute!

[Joe Guarino]

Thanks, Everest. He did seem to have a mischievous sense of humor-- from an intellectual standpoint-- and also an expansive sense of fun and enjoyment for the pursuits for which he had a passion.