William F. Buckley, Jr.

Nov.24-1925/Feb. 27-2008

It is hard for anyone who takes seriously their writing to begin what amounts to an epitaph article for Bill Buckley. Yet, failing to rise up enough to meet the challenge that demands your courage is not acceptable, either. So, I instead face my own inner-critics and undertake the unhappy task of putting into words the passing of one of the great Conservative minds of our time. When it comes to writing, perhaps the greatest.

Armed with razor sharp wit coupled with a verbosity which allowed him to untwist any spin, and leave in shreds the untenable positions of his opponents, nobody could compare to William F. Buckley Jr. With a deep, softspoken charm accented by idiosyncratic facial ticks and perhaps intentional theatrical embellishments, Mr. Buckley could weave a powerful series of thoughts into a combination of languid yet Titanic verse. More often than not, this assault of articulation also held a cleverly disguised slant or hint of condescension which left most of us smiling on the inside. Well, most Conservatives, anyway.

Bill Buckley’s career as commentator and editor/author is impressive, but most of us will remember him for being the outspoken harbinger of the Conservative renaissance, post WWII. While reading his work was an enriching honor for all of us of similar political bent, it was equally pleasing (and sometimes painful) to view this wordsmith in action with his mouth. A gladiator in the arena of public debate, Buckley was never vanquished, and always standing even after the lions came to feast. In fact, I would imagine many left the stage having to ponder for some time what just happened, and wondering to themselves “Did he just INSULT me?”

No- yes- well, no, he didn’t. He just eclipsed you. You insulted yourself, by exposing your inadequacies to his rapier-like wit and arsenal of language.

I am going to miss that man… I am sure most of you will as well…

Thank you, Bill…