WFB possessed a genius that I fear we may never see again. After seeing him speak in the 70’s, I was inspired to actually THINK. Funny how cultivating intellectual rigor can change your perspective. Tried to never miss Firing Line(often with a dictionary in my lap). Godspeed to a great mind who didn’t squander a bit of his life or humanity.

A truly great man, an American original, RIP.

Hello All,
I first saw Mr. Buckley on "Firing Line," on PBS when I was a kid,
and have admired him since.
Mr. Buckley was bloody brilliant, charming, intellectually consistent,
and had a dry, cutting sense of humour that endeared him to my heart and
mind like no conservative could. He had such an interesting life…writing
over 50 books, creating that voice in the print media, "The National Review,"
working briefly for the C.I.A., creating a modern conservative
movement, an expert sailor, etc., etc., etc.. The man was truly a renaissance
figure, a rare creature in our time.
He was also a devout Catholic, which I believe, helped him change the political
landscape in the U.S..
I shall miss his devilish smile…may he enjoy his new life.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle

I consider Wm F Buckley to be the father of modern conservatism-others laud Reagan,Limbaugh,Geo. Will,Buchanan,but they werent/arent even playing in his ballpark.How many people can claim over 50 years of consistent brilliance? With his passing,it makes me sad that the new generations will not be benefitted from his wisdom.As Mr Chips said above,the man was unfailingly erudite with a capital E.But he was much more than that,and he will not be replaced anytime soon.America will miss his remarkable insight.

Just think, if he caught Mookie Wilson’s grounder, the Sox would have won the world series in 86.

I was impressed with his presence growing up. I wish I could have sounded as erudite as he did. And i remember his confrontation with Gore Vidal

quote:

Originally posted by NYNM

I remember he had an impressive wife, too. I believe she was from Germany and a lingusitic professor.

Oh dear, I confused Bill Buckley and Bill Bradley!! Anyway, yes Buckley had a great voice, Bradley a great wife, and maybe vice versa. Buckley always reminded me of a Kennedy. RIP.

He stood athwart history and yelled stop. Without that, America would be less free, less productive and less secure today.

I first saw him back in 1951 or 1952. He’d just written his first book, God and Man at Yale. I was leaving school and heading downtown in New Haven one day and saw a banner hung across Elm Street touting his appearance that night at Woolsey Hall. Since I’d seen stories in the paper about how upset Yale folks were with him, and I was a "townie" naturally detesting Yalies, I decided to go hear him speak. It was an interesting experience.

He inspired a couple of people in my high school to form a Party Of The Right, and 2 of them went on to work in Congress as pages. He was inspiring.

I remember he had an impressive wife, too. I believe she was from Germany and a lingusitic professor.

What an impressive, uplifting man. He made you want to make the most of your own talents and stand on your own two feet. His command of the English language was awe-inspiring! Here’s hoping we can make you proud in the near future, Mr. B. RIP

Well stated Ancient One. Bill Buckley made a positive contribution.