William F. Buckley Jr. (1925-2008)
February 27th, 2008 at 12:33pm Matt Margolis
I’m devastated to report that our dear friend, mentor, leader, and founder William F. Buckley Jr., died this morning in his study in Stamford, Connecticut.
He died while at work; if he had been given a choice on how to depart this world, I suspect that would have been exactly it. At home, still devoted to the war of ideas.
More from The Associated Press…
UPDATE, by Mark Noonan: John McCain on Bill Buckley;
I am very profoundly saddened to hear of the passing of William F. Buckley Jr. and offer my deepest condolences to the Buckley family. Bill had many friends, including my parents, who he even took time to visit when they were stationed at the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii. My father and mother very much admired him and so did their son. With Bill’s passing, freedom has lost one of its greatest defenders. Bill was a great American who helped change the course of history. When conservatism was a lonely cause, he bravely raised the standard of liberty and led the charge to renew the principles and values that are the foundation of our great country. A man of tremendous vision and big ideas, he founded the National Review in 1955 and through its pages and his other endeavors, as a lecturer, commentator, debater and author of dozens of books, inspired many and advanced an intellectual rigor that transformed American politics. Bill was an American giant who shall be missed.
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42 Comments
1. Almiranta | February 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
It struck me, when his beloved wife died last spring (of the same condition which had taken my husband from me just four months earlier) that William F. Buckley would soon follow her. Knowing my own desolation after a mere (comparitively speaking) 26 years with my husband, I could not imagine the sense of dislocation at the loss of a life partner of 66 years.
It is my firm belief that they are together again, and that his passing is a loss to us but a natural progression that requires that they be together.
Buckley was the first I knew of who articulated the actual rationale behind conservatism, and while I didn’t “buy into” his message as a liberal, it grew on me, and today I have even more respect for, and am inspired by, his determination to not just belong to a political party but to have a studied, clear, and rational basis for his philosophical beliefs.
2. Dasein Libsbane | February 27th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Since reading God and Man at Yale and Up From Liberalism in High School, Mr. Buckley has been a constant source of information and inspiration. Re-reading his books is like visiting an old friend.
Years ago he was on Laugh In (the TV show fro you youngsters, where he was asked by Alan Seuss I believe, we hear about ultra-conservatives but never about ultra-liberals, why is that? Buckley responded, “There’s no such thing as an ultra-liberal; the New York Times won’t allow it.”
Requiescat in pace.
3. Herkimer X. Arbuthnot | February 27th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I was in college when the My Lai massacre was made public. I didn’t quite know what to think about it until I read Bill Buckley’s article on the subject; suddenly it was all clear to me. Thank you Mr. Buckley for your consistency, clarity and humor, I may not have always agreed with you, but I always enjoyed reading your opinions. You’ll be missed.
4. Nietzsche-Is-Pietzsche | February 27th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
My sincerest condolances to Mr. Buckley’s family.
True conservatives lost a great champion today. It is unfortunate that it happened now because Buckley’s sober and considered analysis is what conservatives desperatly need these days.
He was never afraid to tell it like it was and whether you agreed with him or not you knew he had the best interests of the republic at heart.
This is one Liberal that will deeply mourn his passing. Good journey to you Mr. Buckley, you will be missed.
5. GOP4ME | February 27th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
God Bless William F. Buckley.
I have been a satisfied and proud subscriber to the National Review for many years. My respect for Mr. Buckley’s incredible intellect, tact and style is profound.
Obviously, one knew this day was coming sooner rather than later. It doesn’t make it any less painful.
We have lost one of America’s greatest minds.
RIP
6. Darva Conger | February 27th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
I know Mr. Buckley will live eternally, reunited with his wife.
(Ed. Note: Off topic part of comment deleted)
7. Obama2008 | February 27th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
[deleted, offensive and inappropriate]
8. BARRASSO | February 27th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Deleted - offensive.
9. plainjane | February 27th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Bill you had some good ideas that got twisted round some other way. RIP
(Ed. Note: Off topic part of comment deleted)
10. Rana Quijotesca | February 27th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
The ironic thing about this situation is when Buckley broke with Bush a few years ago, B4B basically threw Buckley under the bus. Now it’s nothing but accolades from those who once insulted him.
I respect Mr. Buckley immensely , though I disagree with many of his views… May his memory be eternal.
11. Mark Noonan | February 27th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
You liberals are just amazing - at a time when mere good manners dictates saying either something very nice about a man, or saying nothing at all, you decide to make partisan stabs related to current events. Sorry, friends, but you’re acting alike a bunch of major league a##holes.
Now, on to the real subject at hand…
Bill Buckley was a childhood hero of mine - for a young man coming to maturity in the late 70’s and early 80’s, voices of reason were rare; Bill Buckley’s “National Review” became an eagerly awaited event. What drew me in, I have to say, was the good humor of the magazine - there was no nastiness in it, and the way the writers, led by Buckley, managed to destroy liberal arguments with a smile made for wonderful reading.
The reason we have a conservative movement is because Bill Buckley stood up and made it happen - but, even beyond conservatism, Buckley forever changed the American politica scene. When we note that our liberal friends prefer to call themselves “progressives”, it is because Buckley so completely destroyed the intellectual and moral basis of liberalism that liberals became ashamed/afraid to be called liberals.
God bless you, Mr. Buckley - where you are right now, you can see all and know the exact truth of the matter. Please put in a kind word for us that we will, in some small way, be able to follow your leadership.
12. Bigfoot | February 27th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
God bless William Buckley and his family. He will be missed, but he’s very likely in a better place.
13. Nietzsche-Is-Pietzsche | February 27th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Deleted - off topic.
14. Retired Spook | February 27th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Obama2008 | February 27th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Hopefully the “conservative” movement will follow him to the grave.
It takes an exceptionally small and shallow man to make such a statement on the eve of a great man’s death. The most lasting tribute we Conservatives can pay to The Father of Modern Conservatism is to ensure that what Obama2008 suggests never come to pass. As much as I disagree with Liberals, I would never wish such a thing on them. A world with only one ideology would not be a pleasant place to live.
Rest in peace, Mr. Buckley
15. TiredofLibBullSh** | February 27th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Way to go NIPpie. How can you blatently lie like that?
Can you not demonstrate more ignorance?
Or, are you just another USEFUL IDIOT and perform according to your programming?
Definitely the latter.
Back on topic….
William F Buckley you will be missed. The fact that most libs can’t quite swallow their pride and say something appropriate without political jabs shows that you were solid in your beliefs and positively contributed to the conservative movement. Since they can’t seem to do that shows that they are doubtful in theirs.
Rest in peace.
16. Nietzsche-Is-Pietzsche | February 27th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Deleted - off topic.
17. Aaron | February 27th, 2008 at 4:33 pm
I’m sad. I’m sure he too would have voted for Obama.
And I’m going to miss having someone on the Right who actually talks sanely about legalizing marijuana, and about the stupidity of occupation…
18. Obama2008 | February 27th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Deleted - offensive and off topic.
19. Jorge | February 27th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Leave it to idiot liberals to use a man’s death to make a political point.
20. TiredofLibBullSh** | February 27th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
well NIP,
“Blah blah blah… your a liar…blah blah blah… useful idiot…blah blah blah…. programed by your handlers…..”
the shoe fits wear it with pride.
Buckley also spoke out against pure unadulterated dumb-a** liberals, and based on what crap I see you write I can see he was completely accurate.
But I am not what you call a modern conservative, whatever that means in your twisted little mind.
21. Obama2008 | February 27th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
Deleted - off topic.
22. Freedom1 | February 27th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
God bless and RIP.
23. Nietzsche-Is-Pietzsche | February 27th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Deleted - off topic.
24. Dasein Libsbane | February 27th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
never disagreeable in doing so. He never attacked, and when he saw the validity of a Left leaning position he said so.?????
WHAT? What Bill Buckley are you referring to?
“His manners in debate are still crude and sarcastic. ” ARTHUR M. SCHLESINGER Jr.
Gore Vidal called him a “NAZI” on live television.
May I suggest you read, Cancel Your Own Goddamn Subscription to get a better idea of who Bill Buckley really was. Sadly, like the example from Laugh-In, most recipients of his wit didn’t realize they were being skewered.
25. Mark Noonan | February 27th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Geesh, what a bunch of jerks you liberals are…I mean, seriously…I’m glad I don’t know you personally.
26. Mark Noonan | February 27th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Dasein,
Just like after the death of Reagan, the liberals will now say they loved him all along - meanwhile, those of us with a memory of the times recall just how much hatred and invective Buckley was hit with for daring to question liberal orthodoxy.
27. sleepygene | February 27th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I loved it when Gore Vidal called Buckley a crypto -nazi and Buckley said if you call me a nazi again I will punch you in the jaw you queer. It was a priceless exchange caught on tv. He led an extraordinary life and was a brilliant man. He will be missed but not by me.
28. Dasein Libsbane | February 27th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Mark,
Like Obama becomes the empty vessel for democrats to fill with their greatest aspirations; those who never respected Buckley in life can fill him now with their vision of the perfect foil; charming erudite, pleasent and misguided.
Btw, Buckley never saw the “validity” of a left leaning position, as no left leaning position is agreeable.
29. FmrMarine | February 27th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Rest in Peace friend.
You are in a place, where SOME posters here will never be.
Others here will, See you one day!
30. Dasein Libsbane | February 27th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
No, gene, the best part of that exchange came in 1985 when Buckley said, “We both acted irresponsibly. I’m not a Nazi, but he is, I suppose, a fag.” At least he wasn’t disagreeable.
31. Dasein Libsbane | February 27th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
“When asked if he had referred to Jesse Jackson as an ignoramus, Buckley said, ‘If I didn’t, I should have.’”
“Then, Teddy asks to borrow the car to drive his girlfriend home.
Buckley said was somewhat worried, but ‘comforted myself with the fact that there were no bridges between my chateau and Ted Kennedy’s hotel in that part of Switzerland.’”
Cheeky!
32. bongoman | February 27th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
So true. RIP.
33. TiredofLibBullSh** | February 27th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
NIP,
Thanks for proving that you are delusional and have absolutely no clue about William F. Buckley. Obviously what you read went over your head, which is not difficult really.
34. Gozer the Carpathian | February 27th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
My condolences to the Buckley family. Another conservative has died and none seem ready to fill his shoes. I have no doubt someone will step in eventually but for now a vacuum is all we can look forward to.
RIP Mr. Buckley
35. Nietzsche-Is-Pietzsche | February 27th, 2008 at 11:22 pm
Deleted - off topic.
36. PoetryInMotion | February 28th, 2008 at 5:36 am
I came here to see how many lemming trolls’ comments would be deleted. I wasn’t disappointed.
Rest in peace, Mr. Buckley. I didn’t know much about your life, except for the fact that you were one of the founding fathers of conservatism.
I’m sad. I’m sure he too would have voted for Obama.
You are sad if you think a true conservative would vote for a true Marxist. Get a life, kook.
He will be missed but not by me.
You mis-worded this statement. It should’ve read “He will be missed, but not me.” Buckley was somebody; you’re nothing. Nothing but an idiot without a life…
37. plainjane | February 28th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Who will now take up his dream of tattooing all those with AIDs?
38. Nietzsche-Is-Pietzsche | February 28th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Dasein,
“Just like after the death of Reagan, the liberals will now say they loved him all along - meanwhile, those of us with a memory of the times recall just how much hatred and invective Buckley was hit with for daring to question liberal orthodoxy.” Mark Noonan
Find me a Liberal who ever said they “loved” Reagan all along. I never hated Reagan on a personal level but “loved” well now thats really taking it too far.
Hey let’s take a look at how much conservatives “loved” William F. Buckley Jr. when he saw the futility of the Iraq war or the war on drugs. Conservatives were full of “love” for their “founding father” when he called George Bush “looney” or said he should resign.
You see Dasein, Buckley DID at times see the validity of the Left’s view. Sorry to break it to you.
39. felix the cat | February 28th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Link to an article by David Boaz of The Cato Institute.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/28/EDENVA4SK.DTL
40. Dasein Libsbane | February 28th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
Once again you prove you know nothing of Buckley; “Buckley finds himself parting ways with President Bush, whom he praises as a decisive leader but admonishes for having strayed from true conservative principles in his foreign policy.
I think Mr. Bush faces a singular problem best defined, I think, as the absence of effective conservative ideology — with the result that he ended up being very extravagant in domestic spending, extremely tolerant of excesses by Congress,” Buckley says. “And in respect of foreign policy, incapable of bringing together such forces as apparently were necessary to conclude the Iraq challenge.”
Buckley never called for Bush to resign, he actually wrote, “If you had a European prime minister who experienced what we’ve experienced it would be expected that he would retire or resign” any more than he called for a tattoo on HIV patients.
41. Yakki.PsD | February 28th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
I disagreed with Mr. Buckley on some things,supported him wholeheartedly on others.
That is the nature of man though. We take what suits oftimes and leave the rest.
A REAL Conservative has passed on from this life,and will be missed not only by family and friends,but by many folks in the world.
Rest well William. Peace be with you sir.
42. Brian G. | February 29th, 2008 at 12:13 am
Deleted - off topic.