William F. Buckley Jr.

William F. Buckley Jr. died today at the age of 82. He is remembered has having done more to popularize conservatism in post-New Deal America than anyone other then Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan. Pat Buchan called him the "spiritual father of the movement' while Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. called him "the scourge of liberalism". William Buckley took Mr... Schlesinger's comment as a compliment and with characteristic good cheer wore it as a badge.

His career began in earnest after having spent two years in the army, He attended Yale University. He found himself feeling alienated by the secular-humanist ethos of the university. He attacked this in his first book "God and Man at Yale" (1951). The book caused a stir and established the author’s reputation.

Following a brief stint in Mexico in the employ of the CIA, Bill Buckley returned to politics. Mr. Buckley and His brother-in-law wrote a defense of Senator Joe McCarthy called "McCarthy and his Enemies" (1954) in which they argued that he was heading "a movement around which men of good will and stern morality can close ranks."

In 1955 Mr. Buckley started the National Review as a voice for "the disciples of truth, who defend the organic moral order". Circulation increased from 16,000 in 1957 to 125,000 in 1964. The magazine offered a forum to many conservatives, like Russell Kirk and Robert Nisbet. It also launched the careers of several young writers, including Garry Wills, Joan Didion and John Leonard.

The National Review led Bill Buckley being offered the a syndicated newspaper column in 1962. At the height of its popularity it ran in more than 300 newspapers. In 1966 Bill Buckley became host of a television program called "Firing Line". Its format was that of a traditional debate. The program made Mr. Buckley a celebrity. He style was snobby but enthusiastic with a quick and withering wit. Because of his distinctive mannerisms he was one of the most mimicked men in America.

William F. Buckley Jr. died today at the age of 82. He is remembered has having done more to popularize conservatism in post-New Deal America than anyone other then Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan. Pat Buchan called him the "spiritual father of the movement' while Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. called him "the scourge of liberalism". William Buckley took Mr. Schlesinger's comment as a compliment and with characteristic good cheer wore it as a badge.

His career began in earnest after having spent two years in the army, He attended Yale University. He found himself feeling alienated by the secular-humanist ethos of the university. He attacked this in his first book "God and Man at Yale" (1951). The book caused a stir and established the author’s reputation.

Following a brief stint in Mexico in the employ of the CIA, Bill Buckley returned to politics. Mr. Buckley and His brother-in-law wrote a defense of Senator Joe McCarthy called "McCarthy and his Enemies" (1954) in which they argued that he was heading "a movement around which men of good will and stern morality can close ranks."

In 1955 Mr. Buckley started the National Review as a voice for "the disciples of truth, who defend the organic moral order". Circulation increased from 16,000 in 1957 to 125,000 in 1964. The magazine offered a forum to many conservatives, like Russell Kirk and Robert Nisbet. It also launched the careers of several young writers, including Garry Wills, Joan Didion and John Leonard.

The success of the National Review led to Bill Buckley being offered a syndicated newspaper column in 1962. At the height of its popularity it ran in more than 300 newspapers. In 1966 Bill Buckley became host of a television program called "Firing Line". Its format was that of a traditional debate. The program made Mr. Buckley a celebrity. He style was snobby but enthusiastic with a quick and withering wit. Because of his distinctive mannerisms he was one of the most mimicked men in America.

Mr. Buckley’s reputation for wit and humor are well known. I am hard pressed to choose just one example but perhaps his self depreciating remark when ran asked as a candidate for the Conservative party for Mayor of New York will do well enough. When he was asked what he might do should he win the election he said, he would demand a recount.

He will be missed.

Thanks.