Michelle Malkin » William F. Buckley, R.I.P.

William F. Buckley, R.I.P.

By Michelle Malkin • February 27, 2008 12:21 PM

A conservative icon has passed. William F. Buckley was 82.

I picked up my first issue of NR in college through the conservative student journalism samizdata. Reading the magazine in public was an act of defiance. Embracing the ideas within was an act of heresy. Mr. Buckley’s Firing Line appearances vaulted him into the mainstream cultural stratosphere, but the enduring power of his written words made him an intellectual supernova. He built the Right’s communications infrastructure and laid the groundwork for the New Media. He was an engaged and engaging Renaissance man who joined conservatism and libertarianism, fought statism, and served the Lord–with trademark good humor and joie de vivre.

Rush Limbaugh is on the radio right now paying tribute and recounting how Buckley and National Review influenced his career. Radio Equalizer has more.

The NYT:

Mr. Buckley marshaled polysyllabic exuberance and a refined, perspicacious mind to elevate conservatism to the center of American political discourse.

National Review Online pays tribute. Kathryn Lopez reports:

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.

Encomiums are pouring in at The Corner. The magazine’s official statement is now up.

Ronald Reagan at NR’s 30th anniversary:

We know that the permanent things this journal stands for, if given only the slightest bit of breathing space, must and will triumph; it is this spark of life that this journal and the conservative movement have provided.

When he left Communism for the Western side, one editor of the magazine said he understood his defection to mean he was joining the losers. I can think of no better way to pay tribute to his memory — and frankly nothing he would have liked better — than to say: We can affirm here tonight that Whittaker Chambers was wrong. That civilization will triumph. That freedom is the winning side.

One final note: I think eventually the pundits and analysts are going to catch on to the enormous force and deep roots of the conservative movement. Some of them even seem to have finally realized that I actually am one and that I mean it. And when that happens, they are going to realize something not only about this journal, but about its founder and editor: that Bill Buckley is perhaps the most influential journalist and intellectual in our era — that he changed our country, indeed our century.

While I am quite certain that this is what history will say, I also know you and I would add something, because you and I remember a time of the forest primeval, a time when nightmare and danger reigned and only the knights of darkness prevailed; when conservatives seemed without a champion in the critical battle of style and content. And then, suddenly riding up through the mists, came our clipboard-bearing Galahad: ready to take on any challengers in the critical battle of point and counterpoint. And, with grace and humor and passion, to raise a standard to which patriots and lovers of freedom could repair.

Like myself, many of you have known and been grateful for Bill’s friendship — like everything else he does, he has made of that too an art form.

So, Bill, one last word to you. We thank you for your friendship. You are, of course, a great man. And so we thank you also for National Review, for setting loose so much good in the world. And, Bill — thanks, too, for all the fun.

God bless you.

Allah’s got the Buckley v. Vidal video.

The Club for Growth pays tribute:

Club for Growth President Pat Toomey released the following statement on the passing of conservative icon William F. Buckley, Jr.:

America has lost one of the great intellectual giants of the 20th century. William F. Buckley, Jr. was a renaissance man of intellectual brilliance, entertaining wit, and personal charm, but he will always be remembered first as the founder of the modern American conservative movement. He conceived it, nurtured it, grew it, and, when needed, purged it. Today the conservative movement in America is broad, strong, and vibrant—we all owe so much to the great man who began and guided it for so long. He will be sorely missed.

Do read Myron Magnet’s lovely, lovely tribute to Buckley’s “unbought grace of life.”

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#1

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:26 pm, letget said:

RIP Mr. Buckley. I pray God will be with your family. America has lost a very fine man.
L.
#2

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:26 pm, williamnr said:

As a youth, I knew there were ideals that were beyond reproach and no matter how hard the world pushed that there were right and wrong. I didn’t know there was a name for these deeply held beliefs until the first time I picked up a copy of National Review. Bill Buckley’s words touched upon everything I knew in my soul to be right, everything my teachers tried so hard to beat out of me. It became a ritual from middle school through high school to be at the library waiting for the latest issue to arrive. For so long Mr. Buckley’s words were a safe haven in a sea of insanity, a touchstone to ground and reassure myself that there was such a thing as morality. Now having left this tumultuous world having fought the good fight, I am sure that he has found the ultimate safe haven in the loving embrace of the Father he so faithfully served in word and deed.
#3

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:31 pm, Kalifornia Kafir said:

Not only was he well-educated and brilliant, he was also witty and humorous. A hard combination to find. RIP.
#4

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:31 pm, metsfan4004 said:

RIP Mr. Buckley. You’ve been a tremendous influence over my lifetime. I must add that I very quickly learned to have a dictionary at hand whenever I read you. Godspeed!!
#5

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:33 pm, FloridaBill said:

Thank you Bill Buckley. Rest In Peace!
#6

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:35 pm, greenfairie said:

R.I.P. Mr. Buckley.
#7

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:37 pm, On-my-soap-box said:

RIP Mr. Buckley.

BO and HRC talking about their ideals are like his in 5…4…3…
#8

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:38 pm, uhangtight said:

he will be missed. i sure hope that the conservatives find more like him to rise up to the occassion of the future assault of socialism within this great nation.
#9

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:38 pm, max said:

He was truly a man for all seasons…
he will be missed….
#10

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:39 pm, Ordinary Coloradan said:

Another giant goes to his rest.

A man that truly changed my life - and the lives of millions.

God rest you gently Mr Buckley.
#11

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:41 pm, tarpon said:

A great man — RIP Mr Buckley
#12

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:41 pm, Marshall Russ said:

This is a great loss to the country.
America has lost an anchor in the Conservative movement.
Prayers for his family.
He will be sorely missed.
#13

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:42 pm, longbow said:

What a single-handed force for conservatism and common sense he was!

In spite of his reputation for high-falutin’ language he clearly explained conservative ideals and principles with elegance and directness so that even I could understand.

I am forever indebted to him and may he rest in peace, in Heaven with God. Thank you, Bill Buckley, for making my life so much better than it otherwise would have been.
#14

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:42 pm, Blind_Mule said:

God Bless him, that is to bad we as conservitives needed his voice.
#15

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:42 pm, Ragspierre said:

A gentleman.

If you wonder what a conservative is…a true conservative…you have only to study Buckley.
#16

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:45 pm, MNUSMCDavid said:

Before I studied Objectivism, it was WFB who schooled me in the ways of conservatism through his writings, media appearances and that magnificent magazine, National Review. His is a bright light not to be seen for what I think will be ever in my lifetime. Pax, Mr. Buckley. And a very hearty Semper Fi…… you earned that!
#17

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:45 pm, Boomer said:

Conservatives lose another great thinker and gentleman. It is truly a sad news day. Rest in peace sir you will be missed.
#18

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:46 pm, Craig said:

Let me also add my thanks. A delightful sharp stick in the eye of all liberals.
#19

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:47 pm, Speakup said:

Truly, a giant has passed.
#20

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:48 pm, sfcmac said:

I want to extend my sincere condolences to William F. Buckley’s family as well as the ones’ at the National Review.

I didn’t always agree with Bill’s opinions, but there was no denying that he was perhaps the most entertaining, quick witted, intelligent, and discerning, editor and writer of the Conservative genre.

I used to take great pleasure at the way he dissected liberal opponents in debates. He would use his rapier intellect to bat them around as a cat would a ball of yarn, for amusement.
He was a delight. He will be missed.

RIP, Bill.
#21

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pm, jsr said:

Bill Buckley was the most eloquent voice of the conservative movement. I have a debt of gratitude to him. This country needs more like him.
#22

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:50 pm, josetheguerilla said:

He’s been a true inspiration and a groundbreaker. RIP Mr. Buckley.
#23

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:50 pm, diggafromdover said:

Saint Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland, and Bill Buckley drove the bigots from the ranks of the right. Now Pat and Bill are quaffing in the clouds while awaiting the man who’ll drive the moonbats from the legions of the left.

Fortunately, they have all eternity to wait…
#24

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:54 pm, Kevlaur said:

Hear, hear. I only wish I would introduced to his writing sooner so I could enjoy and learn more from him.

No one will be able to write so eloquently again. The English language, as well as conservatism, lost a hero today.
#25

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:56 pm, ACHefty said:

One of the founders of modern-day conservative politics is no longer with us. May we honor him by continuing his legacy in everything we do.
#26

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:57 pm, emjem24 said:

Mr. Buckley,

Without your influential voice in the Conservative movement, I wouldn’t be who I am today. You shaped the lives of millions of people whether or not you actually knew it. Thank you for shaping my life. While you’re in Heaven, please give my deepest regards to Ronnie Reagan. You will be missed.
#27

On February 27th, 2008 at 12:59 pm, Barry F. said:

William F. Buckely - a great American and a great man. He will be missed but, hopefully, not soon forgotten.

May he rest in peace.
#28

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:02 pm, sdillard said:

I was at San Francisco State University in the 1970s. I remember reading National Review on campus. Michelle is right; reading this mag was an act of social revolution in those days.

I did it, openly and defiantly. I loved it.

Wm Buckley will be missed. He was a lion of ideas and there will be a long time passing before his kind is seen again.
#29

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:05 pm, James Felix said:

Cheers and rejoicing from the Kos crowd in 5…4…3…2…1…
#30

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:11 pm, Monte Hall said:

After completing my training and during my commissioning as “an officer and a gentlemen” in 1970, the image of William F. Buckley was in my mind then as to what it is to be an American gentleman.

Sadly, over the last 40 years, the aspiration to first emulate and become a gentleman (and gentlewomen) has been displaced by “letting it all hang out” idolatry and fame with no substance.

Unwaiveringly, William Buckley always encouraged us to be better Americans, better people. Winners with humility and intellectual grounding.
#31

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:15 pm, Your Brother John said:

RIP. I’ll read my next copy of National Review with more appreciation.
#32

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:30 pm, Brian72 said:

Well done, Mr. Buckley. RIP, Godspeed.
#33

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:31 pm, Paul said:

My subscription to National Review runs out in 2017 I think. I should be dead three years by then if life expectancy tables are correct.

I became a National Review subscriber in the late 70s so I wasn’t there at the beginning. I remember so well the first Week in Review after Reagan’s election. It went: “Heh heh”

National Review is the Vatican of conservatism and Buckley is the pope. It’s a testament to his life. It should live on.

I urge all of you to subscribe and or buy a subscription for someone who needs it.

Rest in peace Mr. Buckley. Your wife is waiting for you and wants to go sailing.
#34

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:34 pm, Perfesser said:

What a huge loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Buckley’s family.

It’s a shame we can’t seem to find leaders that are willing to stand up to the Leftists the way Mr. Buckley did to Vidal.

RIP. God Bless.
#35

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:36 pm, keylime said:

I feel today, as if I have lost a beacon of both sanity and common sense in my conservative morals. Yet, in many ways, I am overjoyed that Mr. Buckley has finally been justly rewarded for his stewardship over us.

I am quite sad that a role model of many has left us for shores away from this world. He has personified what class and grace is - coupled with his intellect it has reminded me that dumbing myself down to the common groupthink is unhealthy and rash. He dare many to not only think but to reason.

RIP Sir. Say hello to Mr. Reagan please.
#36

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:38 pm, terrig said:

This is a huge loss. What a wonderful man. I have been a subscriber since I was 16, in 1980. Even my folks thought it was a little strange to be buying it at 16. But then again I have always been proud of my country unlike a liberal who makes more money than I will in 5 years and went to 2 Ivy League schools and I saw the good a great conservative President could do.
May he RIP.
#37

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:41 pm, normsrevenge said:

He will be missed as will his unique ability to provide insight on some complicated issues and people and do it gracefully and tastefully.

RIP William F. Buckley, Jr.
#38

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:51 pm, student said:

Damn.
#39

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:53 pm, JohnnyNJ said:

Wow this is a sad day.

First the Emma Beck column and then the passing of one of conservatisms pioneers and a true American icon.

R.I.P. Mr.Buckley, may God Bless You.
#40

On February 27th, 2008 at 1:55 pm, deedledee said:

I was only a teenager when I first began to watch Mr. Buckley on PBS, one of only 4 VHF stations we got. I especially enjoyed his shows on faith. My road to conservatism was first spurred on by my horror at legalized abortion, but I’m sure his show, the only one I can remember that allowed conservative views, put the seed in my mind to question what Uncle Walter was reading nightly as “that’s the way it is.” Through Mr. Buckley, I knew there was another way to think out there. God bless him.
#41

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:00 pm, MDH3 said:

RIP, sir, and peace to your family.
#42

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:02 pm, CarpiJugulum said:

A truely sad day for conservatism itself. With his passing away who is truely out there to help lead us in the conservative arena of conservative ideas and values.

May he rest in peace
#43

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:05 pm, purplepeep said:

It’s some of my highest praise to say “William F. Buckley actually made PBS watchable”.

Another of the Old Guard passes and he will be greatly missed.
#44

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:07 pm, USN RET said:

You are relieved Sir. We have the watch
#45

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:12 pm, JohnnyNJ said:

…Paul #33, nice post.

I have great memories of Mr. Buckley years ago when me was regularly doing the “Sunday Discussion shows”….The Liberal would try to make his or her point, then Bill would counter and when finished, would silently look the Liberal straight in the eye and just kinda “smirk” as if to say, “you know I’m right you fool”.
#46

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:13 pm, JohnnyNJ said:

….sorry, he not me.
#47

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:23 pm, iowavette said:

WFB’s pragmatic intellect forced me to confront my athiesm and California-bred, anti-religion bias. Who will now step up to fill the void his passing leaves.
#48

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:43 pm, Laree said:

God Bless you Bill Buckley, Rest in Peace. And now your job is done, and you did your job so well.
#49

On February 27th, 2008 at 2:43 pm, in_awe said:

Bill Buckley now joins my other great teacher in the arena of political thought - Ronald Reagan. May they both rest in eternal peace, knowing that their efforts lit the way for others to follow, and provided the confidence to persevere when others mocked us.

The intellectual and spiritual strength of these two men is responsible for the freedom enjoyed by untold millions previously enslaved by communism. Free men everywhere should remember them both in their prayers.
#50

On February 27th, 2008 at 3:29 pm, blues said:

Even when I was a far-left liberal,I couldn’t help but admire and respect Buckley.His grasp of the issues,his wit and overall intelligence was inspiring.A great man who will truely be missed.
#51

On February 27th, 2008 at 3:49 pm, derel3433 said:

RIP Buck.

I will always remember you for taking on MLK back in ‘67 when no one else had the guts to do so.
#52

On February 27th, 2008 at 3:57 pm, USMCgramma said:

A brilliant mind coupled with a dry wit. God bless.
#53

On February 27th, 2008 at 4:28 pm, meatpieandtatters said:

I will treasure the letter I received from Mr. Buckley forever. A great man of high character, he could expose all the liberal weaknesses and they’d still thank him for the cheerful and warm manner in which they were vanquished. RIP Mr. William F. Buckley.
#54

On February 27th, 2008 at 4:30 pm, sausage said:

A brilliant mind indeed
#55

On February 27th, 2008 at 5:09 pm, graysonret said:

I’ve listened and read Bill Buckley for many years. It is a sad day and a passing of a great man. If I know him, he’s, right now, writing a new column… about Heaven.
#56

On February 27th, 2008 at 5:16 pm, alamedaman said:

maybe conservatives should heed his call
http://www.nationalreview.com/buckley/buckley200406291207.asp
#57

On February 27th, 2008 at 5:23 pm, Paul-Cincy said:

“samizdata” ; “Encomiums”
William F. Buckley lives!
Vidal isn’t the only one WFB threatened to punch in the god*** face. Chomsky got the same treatment in the late 1960s, also on Firing Line.
#58

On February 27th, 2008 at 6:50 pm, Mixer14 said:

Somewhere in 1968, I think Bill Buckley began making some cameo appearances in on ‘Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In’. In an interview, I think with Dick Cavett, he was asked how it came to be that a conservative like himself could find himself on that show, considering how wild it was. His reply, and I am paraphrasing here, was that he agreed only after the show’s producer, George Schlatter, promised to fly him out from New York in a plane that only had two right wings.

He was always at the ready for a witty repost. He will be missed.
#59

On February 27th, 2008 at 7:38 pm, collinb said:

While so many pundits and candidates want the next Reagan the real need of conservativism is for its next great thinker, the next Buckley. The Left began with Hegel and Marx.
Conservatism began with Buckley, but who will carry his banner?

Collin
http://evangelicalperspective.blogspot.com
#60

On February 27th, 2008 at 8:00 pm, zorro said:

A true American has gone to his reward.

May his Soul and all the Souls of the Faithfully departed through the Mercy of God Rest in Peace.
#61

On February 27th, 2008 at 11:40 pm, Richard Romano said:

Listen to some of the theological debates he moderated — the man was a brilliant expositor, gentle and gracious; a huge loss for us.

RIP WFB
#62

On February 28th, 2008 at 12:13 am, Prime Director said:

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

- 2 Timothy, 4:7-8

May the true and living God bless and keep WFB.

When his spirit has finished its journey, may he find all his lost loved ones waiting for him on that distant shore.

Aho, all my relations.
#63

On February 28th, 2008 at 1:39 am, BrianNY said:

William F. Buckley was one of five gentlemen who most influenced my character. I have lived on a sailboat in the NYC area for nine years now, a choice also influenced by Mr. Buckley.

His was a life well lived, and February 27, 2008 was a happy day in Heaven.