William F. Buckley Jr

William F Buckley died today. The news of his demise after achieving the age of 82, sitting slumped over at his desk caused me to think back to some of the Conservative pioneer's earlier quotes, articles and books.

His first book was titled, "God and Man at Yale....The Superstitions of Academic Freedom.". It was thick with youthful and jubilant Conservative precepts and delved into the hazards of liberalism in US university. This book, as would be expected, was kindling for fire storms of liberal admonition and vicious attacks.
However much Buckley's book enraged the left it could not compare to the vile hatred and sheer rage instigated by his second book (the only one I have read all the way through) "McCarthy and his Enemies".
Liberals hated this book because they were implemented as Communist sympathizers at a time when Communist sympathizers weren't cool. This book made it clear that even if McCarthy was misguided he was on the right track.... liberalism IS a friend of Fascism and many liberal Democrats and Republicans need to be exposed for the fascists they are.

He went on to start a TV show in 1966 called, 'Firing Line'. It lasted for 33 years.
As with so many long and enduring marriages Bill joined his wife at their home in heaven a short 10 months after her passing.
Dying soon after your spouse is romantic to some and I don't argue with that sentiment, I think sometimes we soon follow our spouse to heaven because we have little will or need to live with out them.

Despite the many issues Buckley and I disagree on (lately he seemed less than adept at discerning right from left) I can't help but share a few of his quotes that I do agree with.
Enjoy the quotes and may his family and friends find comfort in their time of loss.
Thank God for William F Buckley!

"My guess is, that the last man to corner the soybean market, whoever he was, put at least as much time and creative energy into the cornering of it as, say, Norman Mailer put into his latest novel and produced something far more bearable -- better a rise in the price of soybeans than 'Why Are We in Vietnam?'"

“I would like to take you seriously, but to do so would affront your intelligence.”

“I would like to electrocute everyone who uses the word "fair" in connection with income tax policies.”

“The best defense against usurpatory government is an assertive citizenry.”

“Back in the thirties we were told we must collectivize the nation because the people were so poor. Now we are told we must collectivize the nation because the people are so rich.”


"I'd rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University."

In a famous exchange with Gore Vidal in 1968, Vidal said to Buckley: "As far as I am concerned, the only crypto Nazi I can think of is yourself."
Buckley replied: "Now listen, you queer. Stop calling me a crypto Nazi, or I'll sock you in your god**mn face and you'll stay plastered."
In 1985, Buckley recalled of the incident: "We both acted irresponsibly. I'm not a Nazi, but he is, I suppose, a fag."